Random Musings of a Curious Mind

Stress Kills

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:23:36 -0700

According to The American Institute of Stress, "Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a subjective sensation associated with varied symptoms that differ for each of us. In addition, stress is not always a synonym for distress. Situations like a steep roller coaster ride that cause fear and anxiety for some can prove highly pleasurable for others. Winning a race or election may be more stressful than losing but this is good stress."

No two people will, probably, agree on what is stressful, at any level. To me, a rollercoaster ride is highly stressful. To Mark, it's a great time. There are common life changes that tend to produce stress for most people. These changes are stressful, though some are considered positive events and some are, quite often, negative.

Getting a new job
Losing a job
Getting married
Getting divorced
Buying a house
Home foreclosure

It's not, however, the one-time stressors that are most dangerous. Losing a job is never easy, but it can be the push needed to find a better position. Divorce, while difficult, is a health step when leaving an abusive relationship. Signing those mortgage papers is a frightening committment, almost immediately balanced by the pride of ownership.

When life is filled with unending stress - e.g., a bad job or marriage, extended unemployment, or chronic poor health - eventually it becomes almost impossible to cope. Living daily, often hourly, on the edge from pain, worry, or fear is physically and emotionally damaging. A combination of individual stressors can do the same physical and emotional damage. Getting divorced, losing a job, losing a home, and becoming ill - without serious support and coping mechanisms - are probably more than a person can realistically handle.

This week, we've seen graphic examples of people unable to deal with their personal stresses. One, a religious and medical man, faced daily horrors and was about to be deployed to the midst of those horrors. The other was a man who simply had too many things go wrong, without relief.

Why they chose to arm themselves and shoot innocent people is beyond me. But, I do know, that when excessive stress continues unabated, anything is possible.

2010 Arizona Scenery Calendars

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:18:20 -0700

Can you believe it?! 2009 is almost over! And, frankly, I am looking forward to the new year!

In honor of what simply has to be a better year, JMark Afghans, etc. is offering 2 new calendar designs for 2010.

Jules pulled out some of her favorite Arizona and Grand Canyon pictures, just for these calendars. Each month is a trip to another beautiful scene from the Grand Canyon State. These images are only available on JMark Afghans, etc. products at Zazzle. No other place has them!

So, don't wait until the last minute! Beat the rush and get yours today! And spend 2010 in Arizona!

FDA Recall of Bodybuilding Products

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:05:27 -0700

As I am constantly on alert for weight-loss / fat-burner supplements, I immediately paid attention to an FDA Recall from today. Bodybuilding.com Is Conducting a Voluntary Nationwide and International Recall of 65 Dietary Supplements That May Contain Steroids.

The list of products most of which are already being removed from supplement-selling sites:

4Ever Fit D-Dro
Advanced Muscle Science Dienedron
Advanced Muscle Science Liquidrone UTT
Anabolic Xtreme Hyperdrol X2
APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Mastavol
APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Revamp
APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Ultra Mass Stack
APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Ripped Stack
Better Body Sports Finadex
Black China Labs Straight Drol
Black China Labs Straight Phlexed
Body Conditioning Solutions TestraFLEX
Bjorklund Methyldrostanolone
BOSC Enterprises Epi-Tren
BOSC Enterprises Magna Drol
Chaparral Labs Epivol
Chaparral Labs Pheravol-V
Competitive Edge Labs M-Drol
Competitive Edge Labs P-Plex
Competitive Edge Labs X-tren
Diabolic Labs Epio-Plex
Diabolic Labs Finabolic 50
Diabolic Labs Revenge
Ergopharm 6-OXO
Ergopharm 6-OXO Extreme
EST (aka Engineered Sports Technology) MethAnstance
Extreme Labs Susto-Test Depot
Fizogen ON Cycle II Hardcore
G.E.T/ (Genetic Edge Technologies) SUS-500
G.E.T/ (Genetic Edge Technologies) Tren-250
Hardcore Formulations T-Roid
I Force Nutrition 1,4 AD Bold 200
I Force Dymethazine/Reversitol Combo Pack
I Force Reversitol
I Force Nutrition 17a PheraFLEX
I Force Nutrition Dymethazine
I Force Nutrition Methadrol
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Bromodrol
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Grow Tabs TR
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Mass Tabs
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Oxodrol Pro
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Ripped Tabs TR
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Rapid Release Ripped Tabs
Kilo Sports Massdrol
Kilo Sports Phera-Mass
Kilo Sports Trenadrol
Monster Caps Monster Caps
Myogenix Spawn
Nutra Coastal D-Stianozol
Nutra Coastal H-Drol
Nutra Coastal MDIT
Nutra Coastal S-Drol
Nutra Coastal Trena
Performance Anabolics Methastadrol
Performance Anabolics Tri-Methyl X
Purus Labs E-pol Inslinsified
Purus Labs Nasty Mass
Rage RV2
Rage RV3
Rage RV4
Rage RV5
Redefine Nutrition Finaflex 550-XD
Redefine Nutrition Finaflex Ripped
Transform Supplements Forged Extreme Mass
Transform Supplements Forged Lean Mass

Interestingly enough, some of these products contain the "all-natural" testosterone boosters that I mentioned in an earlier post.

Latest FDA Recall Notices - 10/26/09-11/01/09

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:35:25 -0700

Following are the FDA recalls / notices / alerts listed for the week ending November 02, 2009:

San Link Inc. Issues an Alert on Uneviscerated Vacuum Pack Dried Krasnoperka (Fish)
San Link Inc. Issues an Alert on Uneviscerated Vacuum Pack Dried Lesh (Fish)
Mars Snackfood US Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts In Dove Caramel Pecan Perfection Ice Cream
Pop's Bakery Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Whey (Milk) in all Flour Tortillas
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of All Accusure® Insulin Syringes
Mrs. Rios Corn Products Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Whey in Flour Tortillas
Morningstar Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Possible Undeclared Soy Protein: 32-ounce Great Value Half & Half, 32-ounce Great Value 36% Heavy Whipping Cream, 32-ounce Kroger-brand 36% Heavy Whipping Cream, and 64-ounce Wholesome Farms Chocolate Ice Cream Mix
Pointe Scientific, Inc. Expands Nationwide Recall of Liquid Glucose Hexokinase Reagent (G7517)
Alexia Foods Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert and Product Recall Due to Undeclared Pine Nut Allergen: Alexia Olive Oil, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pesto Oven Reds Frozen Potatoes

Please visit the above links for additional information on lots, codes, packaging, product IDs, and returns.

The Importance of Security in Difficult Times

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:09:15 -0700

One recurring theme these days, on TV and on the Internet, is the need for security. In tough economic times, it's not surprising to hear that crime is on the rise. Crime against businesses and crime against individuals now make the news several times a day. (I know that we've heard the police helicopter, searching the neighborhood, a lot more in the last few months.)

One benefit of living where we do is the cctv security system. A few years ago, when Mark's daughter and son-in-law were visiting, someone ran into their car in the parking lot. Happily, it took no time at all to get the make, model, and license number of the vehicle that sideswiped the new SUV. Sadly, it was one of our neighbors who, as we saw in the tape, hit the car - not once, but twice.

These days, our complex is also gated. People attempt to climb over the gates on a regular basis and are caught on the security cameras, on a regular basis. Personally, we don't wait for the cameras to catch these trespassers. After all, once they're over the gate, we aren't that many steps away.

In addition to wooden blocks in the windows, for the last several months, we've kept a chair shoved under the front door. We know that it won't stop a determined intruder. It will slow them down and, hopefully, encourage them to bother someone else.

Our neighborhood is not the best. And - honestly? - our neighbors are not the most law-abiding. With a little attention to security, we do sleep pretty well at night.

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:45:45 -0700

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. A time when we stop and consider the quality of our lives and the lives of our loved ones. What type of memory loss is a normal part of aging? And what memory changes may be a sign of something more serious?

To help answer those important questions, the Alzheimer's Association offers
The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimers:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
Confusion with time or place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

The information on these pages also explains the difference between typical age-related memory changes and the changes that may signal the onset of Alzheimer's Disease.

Another health issue, related to Alzheimer's or any disabling condition, is Caregiver Stress. Unless you are/have been a caregiver for a seriously ill friend or loved one, it is difficult to imagine the range of emotions and stress that caregivers experience. To that end, the Alzheimer's Association has provided a short quiz to help caregivers determine their stress level and find the resources they need to care for themselves.

I have been a caregiver and I have worked with support groups. The first piece of advice we give to those caring for seriously ill or disabled relatives is: "Don't forget to care for yourself!"

Happy Halloween!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:57:43 -0700

BOO! Happy Halloween!

For weeks now, I have been threatening to drag out the Halloween decorations. (We finally got permission from management to put things in the window, a few days ago.) But, here I sit, the morning of the big day, with not a thing out.

Maybe I'll run to the store in a little bit and see what goodies I can find. Nothing wrong with adding new decorations every year. Right? Not to mention, we have zero candy for the little ghosts and goblins. We, actually, can't have it in the house.

With three candy junkies living here, there is no way we'd have anything left by Halloween evening if we bought it even a few days before the magical night. But, because we are connoisseurs, the kids who knock at our door are assured of getting 'the good stuff'. We never buy what we wouldn't eat.

So, Happy Halloween to all. Watch out for those little ballerinas and cowboys when you're out tonight.

Getting in Shape

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:36:02 -0700

I've been trying to find some sort of home exercise equipment, that I can afford and that we can store in our little bit of space. My first thought was a treadmill. So many are small enough to fold and stuff under the bed these days.

Today, I learned about something else - smaller and (to me) very interesting. It's called a dip machine or dip bar or dip station. And it helps focus on upper-body strength. Which, happily, also helps with a less-than-trim waistline.

To start with, it's small. I wouldn't have to worry about where I was going to put it when I wasn't using it. It will fit just about anywhere. Then, much to my surprise, the machine supports a number of different exercises. This is important to me, since my entire body needs work. And I really don't want to have to buy a different piece of equipment for each section of my body.

I need one thing that helps me with a fairly thorough workout. It's out there, I just know it is.

Okay, Who Turned Out the Lights!?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:42:19 -0700

You know, it seems like just yesterday that I could sit here - working away on the computer - and see what I was doing, well into the evening. What happened?! Oh, yeah. Winter!

No, technically, it's not winter, yet. But this dark-at-five-pm is really annoying!

Just now, for example, I was plugging away at about a hundred online searches, trying to come up with some information I need for a product review. Suddenly, without warning, the whole room was dark! Not just getting-hard-to-see dim, but turn-on-the-lights-or-trip-over-the-furniture dark!

It doesn't help that I know it's only going to get worse until the winter solstice - December 21! That's a full 53 days from now! Fifty-three days of the days getting shorter!

Alright, the earliest sunset actually occurs about 2 weeks before the shortest day. But, that's still 39 days of less and less daylight! Egads!

Where did I put those SAD bulbs?

Christmas Wish List

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:56 -0700

Okay, right after world peace and an end to world hunger and global warming, I know what I want for Christmas!

I'm still shopping for a new laptop and really, really don't like sharing the desktop. But, there's always something else that crops up. Hopefully, next month will be better. In the meantime . . .

We saw the coolest computer set-up on one of the shopping channels. It comes with a 25-inch touch-screen monitor that doubles as a TV tuner! Once I heard that, the rest of the goodies kind of disappeared into the ether.

Can you imagine!? I'm still drooling!

Life Insurance

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:19:38 -0700

We don't, currently, have life insurance. It's not that we're irresponsible or, at least, not overly irresponsible. Our situation - 2 smokers, 1 with serious health issues - does not lend itself to affordable premiums.

Knowing that we need some kind of protection - we're not getting any younger or any healthier - I look at life insurance quotes every few months. By my way of thinking, a large portion of our society is aging and developing long-term health issues. It is in the best interest of insurance companies to change how they view coverage and, most importantly, who qualifies for that coverage.

Apparently, I'm not completely alone in that thinking. One of the sites I review periodically mentions High Risk Life Insurance and Smokers Life Insurance. Of course, these are types of Term Life policies. Not my first choice.

By definition, Term Life offers coverage at a fixed rate for a specific Term. So, what you're doing, when you buy a Term Life policy, is guessing how long you will live. If, as Mark is doing, you outlive that expectancy, your policy expires.

Then, you either have no coverage or you buy another policy. But, now you're older and your health may be worse than it was when you bought the original policy. Translation? Not a good situation.

I've, personally, always preferred Whole Life. It's a policy for your Whole Life and, in most cases, builds a cash value over the life of the policy. If worse comes to worse, as they say, it's possible to cash-in the policy at a future date. (Not wise, but sometimes necessary.)

Naturally, Whole Life is not inexpensive. So, there you go! The insurance dilemma that us old folks face.

If You're Sick, Stay Home

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:48:34 -0700

Don't get me wrong. I understand that people need to work, make a living, and support their families. But - and this is BIG - during flu season, (heck, during any season) if you are SICK and you are CONTAGIOUS -- keep your behind at home and in bed!

Just got back from a quick run to the store. Needed a couple of things - mostly bad-for-you munchies and stuff for sandwiches. A typical run - grab stuff, chat with the cashier for a minute, and head home. Nothing unusual - except for the last comment from the cashier.

My mentioning that Mark (who does most of the cooking) wasn't feeling well, so we were just having sandwiches, elicited a similar health-related statement from her:

"I have the flu!"

Again, I understand that people need to make a living, but she had her (germy) hands all over everything I bought! All over everything that we were going to have to touch to make a quick dinner! I stormed home, in a rage!

You may think I'm paranoid, but with Mark's suppressed immune system - we do not take chances! I ended up wiping down everything I bought and I'm still worried that one of us is going to get sick. It doesn't have to be Mark that gets a cold or the flu to put him at risk. If Frankie or I come down with something, eventually so will he.

So, to all of you who have a fever or know you're actually sick -- STAY HOME! We don't want your germs!

Latest FDA Recall Notices - 10/19/09-10/25/09

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:24:49 -0700

Following are the FDA recalls / notices / alerts listed for the week ending October 26, 2009:

Plum Organics Voluntarily Recalls Select Batch of Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches Due to Potential Health Risk
Domega International Co. Ltd Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Eggs in White Lotus Seed Paste Moon Cake (2 Yolks)
American Regent Voluntarily Recalls All Lots of Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection, USP 30 mg/mL; 1mL and 2mL Single Dose Vials
Nutkao Urgent Food Recall Due to Undeclared Peanuts in "Kroger Hazelnut Spread"
Agro Foods Inc.Recalling "Agro Sun Dried Fruits and Nuts Tropical Mix" Due to Undeclared Sulfites
Unilever Issues Allergy Alert on Wheat in a Limited Number of Tubs of Breyers® Ice Cream

Please visit the above links for additional information on lots, codes, packaging, product IDs, and returns.

Weight Loss Supplement for Men

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:21:45 -0700

I was re-reviewing some weight loss information and was surprised to find a couple of new products. One, in particular, caught my eye. It's supposed to be for men only, as it contains testosterone boosters. Hmmmmm?! Is that a good thing?

Naturally, I had to do some investigation into the wisdom of boosting hormones indiscriminately. And, naturally, this turned out to be potentially risky. But, not necessarily bad.

There's a good chance that taking a supplement with these hormone boosters won't actually do much for testosterone levels. The ingredients aren't testosterone; they simply claim to stimulate hormone production. A claim, by the way, that hasn't actually been proven in clinical studies. (Although, there was mention of a 'stimulant' effect in lab animals.)

Since testosterone is, as one source explained, the original anabolic steroid, the side-effects of increasing production are remarkably similar. They include irrational behavior, sudden rage, 'shrinkage' of certain body parts, and anxiety. Combined with the caffeine boost in some of these supplements, not a good idea.

As always - questionable choice, questionable value. Not to mention, one of the review sites claimed a lifetime moneyback guarantee that, in fact, doesn't exist. The primary site for the product states, quite clearly, that they are the best so they don't give refunds. Rather interesting attitude.

Been sampling their own supplement, perhaps?!

Grand Canyon Posters

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:45:28 -0700

Don't forget to stop by and check out my latest Zazzle creation - oooh I love that word - a set of posters that feature some of my favorite Grand Canyon Pictures. I chose a dark green border to accent, but not overwhelm the view. The view is ... everything!

With a collection of five coordinated, but unique images, they make a wonderful addition to any room - as a set, in smaller groupings, or just one, perfectly placed image.

The first two I created, titled "Grand Canyon Poster 001" and "Grand Canyon Poster 002" (brilliant, aren't I?) are slightly different views of the same location. By changing the camera angle and position, just a bit, the images appear to come from different locations. Yet, they complement each other beautifully.