Alteril Sleep Aid Scam

I originally published an Alteril product review on the now-defunct Yahoo! Voices in 2009. I called it a scam then and nothing has changed my mind about that. Here's the update on the Alteril scam. Background: Six years ago, I found in my then-16 year old son's bedroom, medication I didn't recognize. It was Alteril (Somnia latoril). When I asked him, he said a "friend's mom gave it me (red flag) to help me sleep better (red flag). Apparently this friend's mother ordered some from an infomercial (red flag) and gave some to her son (red flag) who shared it round. Biggest red flag! Now that's not the company's fault. But their shady infomercial marketing and dubious product labeling is. Read on Alteril Sleep Aid Scam Overpriced, Infomercial Internet Sales, Dubious Ingredients and Labeling

Caffeine Free Water Pills for Weight Loss

I have noticed my weight loss slowed and stopped, even though I'm still dieting. A friend mentioned that I might be retaining water. As I'm out of menopause and no longer have monthly cycles, I didn't think that would be an issue. So I went looking for safe natural caffeine free diuretics. I found one by Sundown Naturals and cost only $3. With a $2 off coupon from Meijer, only a buck. It's primarily potassium with other good herbs like Uva Ursi, alfalfa, parsley, juniper, bucchu. Read on   Caffeine Free Water Pills for Weight Loss

FDA Recalls More Sexual Enhancement Supplements--Night Bullet, Super Power, Mojo Nights

More dietary supplements and male sexual enhancements are on the FDA's recall list. Night Bullet (Green Planet), Super Power (Freedom Trading), Mojo Nights (Red Dawn). Here are more: Duro Extend, Vigor-25, Magic Coffee Powder, Performance Plus (see complete list of recalled sexual enhancement supplements. But don't wait for FDA to recall. Watch out for any weird- sounding product. Look out products that refer to male potency, sexual performance or sustaining erection in crude terms. Watch out for As Seen on TV products. Sexual enhancements may contain Sulfoaildenafil (Sildenafil) used to treat ED (Erectile Dysfunction). Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. It lowers blood pressure to dangerous levels and interacts negatively with heart medications ( nitrates, nitroglycerin). Diabetics and people with high blood pressure, heart disease and high cholesterol often take prescription nitrates. They can cause dizziness and light-headedness when taken with other prescriptions.  Users should beware of any dietary supplement, "natural" sexual enhancement or weight loss supplement marketed at unusual vendors (gas stations, convenience stores). Here's a list of recalled diet supplements. They contain sibutramine. Beware of  supplements sold online and products from China and Asia, with misspelled words. These drugs fly under the radar and often contain undeclared drugs found in prescription products.FDA Recalls Man Up Now and Duro Extend Capsules for Men

Qnexa Anti-Obesity Drug a Poor Substitute for Diet, Exercise

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the anti-obesity drug Qnexa for weight loss. Qnexa, an anticonvulsant plus appetite suppressant cocktail, has risks, says the LA Times. The FDA says being fat is a bigger threat to health than those issues, though. I disagree, but not just because of the potential for birth defect and heart problems. Qnexa or any other diet pill is a placebo, an enabler. It doesn't address the real problems with obesity which are eating too much and doing too little. And I know what I'm talking about. I put on 100 pounds, thanks largely to a pill and the vicious circle of health problems it caused (Paxil antidepressant). I have lost a little over half of the weight just from changing to a healthier diet. I haven't even added much exercise. I have several back issues (not from obesity but from structural defects). If you need a supplement to jump start weight loss, try a green tea-antioxidant supplement. Mega-T is a great appetite suppressant and it's natural! For an herbal water pill try (Uva Ursi, Parsley, cranberry). And don't forget a natural fruit cleanse: bilberry, Alive, Whole Food Multi.  Please, for health's sake, avoid diet drugs. If I can do it, so can you. Qnexa Anti-Obesity Drug a Poor Substitute for Diet, Exercise

Alarming Number of Teens Use Opioids Nonmedically

Just more than 1 in 6 high school seniors has used prescription opioids, says a study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. That 17.6 percent have used opioids for any medical reason is scary enough, but 12.9 percent say they have used opioids nonmedically. It's terrifying to think that kids can access strong mind-altering drugs and use them recreationally. It's worrisome that they would even want to. Sure, kids are curious. But this goes beyond a little alcohol pot experimentation (both of which are bad enough). Opioids affect thinking and development. Even just one use can have disasterous, long-term consequences.  Do I sound paranoid? I am, with good reason. You should be too. Read on. Study Finds Alarming Number of Teens Use Opioids Nonmedically

Parent, Teen Health Concerns about Bath Salts, K2, Spice

Cayman Chemical in Ann Arbor, Mich., and law enforcement officials are working to deal with synthetic drugs like K2 and Spice, the Detroit Free Press reports.
* According to the Cayman Chemical website, synthetic pot is stronger than THC (found in marijuana). Spice made from dried plant materials tainted with synthetic cannabinoids is used to ape the psychotropic effects of Cannabis sativa.
* K2 and Spice are also sometimes called "bath salts." They're being linked to psychotic behavior and hospitalizations.

Read more at  Michigan Chemical Company Aids in K2, Spice Crackdown

Long-Term Use of Melatonin as Sleep Aid May Create Increased Tolerance and Dependency

Melatonin, or N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a naturally occurring hormone, that is used by an increasing number of people as a sleep aid. From personal experience and talking to others who've used it, I found that taking melatonin nightly to aid sleep can have adverse effects. These include increased tolerance, dependency, failure to address underlying sleep problems and altered sleep patterns. Many people take melatonin by itself or in combination with other ingredients in such sleep aids as Alteril. Melatonin is used for a variety of sleeping problems: to help people get to sleep, stay asleep and sleep better. Melatonin is available over the counter in the US, but in other countries by prescription only. Read more Long-Term Use of Melatonin as Sleep Aid Creates Increased Tolerance and Dependency

Nutritional Supplements to Replace Antidepressants

Nutritional Supplements to Replace Antidepressants I took the antidepressant Paxil for over seven years. According to Drug Alert, Paxil has multiple side effects which I was not informed of when I began taking it. I quit taking Paxil after experiencing many of the listed side effects. When I quit, I knew that I would need to find ways to stabilize chemical imbalances and compensate for the lack of the drug. Here's my nutritional supplement guide to get off from an antidepressant. I take these in combination and have been able to stay antidepressant-free for over 16 months. Read on...

FDA Gives Green Light to Tradjenta Type 2 Diabetes Pill

FDA Gives Green Light to Tradjenta Type 2 Diabetes Pill
Tradjenta or linagliptin has been approved for use by type 2 diabetes patients.

Target, Kroger Join Walmart $4 Prescriptions Generic Drug Program

Walmart sells generic prescription drugs for $4 for 30 days and $10 for three months, and now Kroger and Target also carry them. Walmart and Target also have $9 (30-day) and $24 (3-month) generic prescriptions for Wellbutrin, Levitra, Clomid, Sprintec, Tamoxifen, asthma inhalers and several other expensive prescriptions. Read more...

Medical Marijuana Growers Face $2K License Fees in Ferndale, MI

Ferndale medical marijuana distribution facilities levied $2,000 licensing fee
Looking to open a business growing, producing or selling medical marijuana? The Ferndale City Council decided this week that you will have to pay a $2,000 operational fee to do so.
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Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Coping with Withdrawal Side Effects

Understanding Anti-Depressant Discontinuation Syndrome and SSRI Withdrawal Dizziness
For the last month, I have been weaning myself off all anti-depressants, including Paxil which I have taken for seven years. I knew the journey wouldn't be easy, but I wasn't prepared for the intense dizziness I'm experiencing. Here's how I cope
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Hookah Smoking: Unsafe, Unhealthy, Unsanitary? Addictive? Or Just Harmless Fun?

Hookah Smoking and Hookah Bars: Safe, Unsafe or Just a Passing Fad?
Smoking hookah, or flavored tobacco, is becoming increasingly more popular with teens and young adults. Hookah bars provide heated water bongs in which hookah smokers share a common mouthpiece. Since writing this, more has come out on hookah, showing that it's not greatly addictive and not nearly as addictive as cigarettes. It's also a social activity in many Middle eastern countries. I think we need to seek understanding and exercise caution before judging any cultural activity.  Read More

Reduce Caffeine for Physical, Emotional and Mental Health

Caffeine Dangers: Physical, Mental and Emotional Health Issues
Caffeine is a drug. Like amphetamines, caffeine is a stimulant, or 'upper'. But like barbituates, caffeine has a reverse depressant or 'downer' affect also. Caffeine causes dehydration, spiked energy, lethargy and often depression.
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Emotional Health Help: Depression, Antidepressants, Diet and Nutrition

Emotional Health Help: Diet and Nutrition Vs. Antidepressant Drugs
Over 50% of Americans take some form of prescribed anti-depressant drug. Antidepressants can be helpful in treating depression, but there is a larger, oft-overlooked piece to solving the depression puzzle: diet and nutrition.
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Caring for Senior Citizens: Managing Medications and Drugs

Senior Citizen and Elderly Care: How to Manage Medicines and Drugs
Most senior citizens take a least one form of medicine daily. Many take multiple medicines. If you have to care for an elderly person, particularly a disabled person, keeping track of medications can be difficult. Here's how
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Drugs vs. Diet for Treating ADD/ ADHD Attention-Deficit Disorder

Prescription Drugs vs. Nutrition and Diet Therapy for Treating ADD and ADHD
MBD (Minimal Brain Damage) or hyperactivity is in vogue again; now we call it ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder). We are medicating kids at a rate unequaled even in the 1960s. What about diet in treating ADD and ADHD?
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Abortifacient Birth Control Pills

Abortifacient Methods of Birth Control and Contraception
If you are pro-life and on birth control, please get the facts about the kind of contraceptive that you use. Some forms of the birth control pill are abortifacients. If you believe life begins at conception, please read this.
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The Healing Power of Grief: Health Help

Healthy Grief: The Healing Power of Sorrow
Grief tears through the mind, the emotions and the body like a Hindustanian Juggernaut. It leaves welts and bruises and aches in parts of yourself that you didn't know you had. But the grieving process is healing as well. Grief is a journey, not a destination.
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Pre-Natal Care and Yoga Exercise and Breathing

Prenatal Care: Yoga Exercises, Safe Stretching and Deep Breathing
The best form of exercise in pregnancy is gentle stretching and yoga. Yoga is holistic and balanced. Yoga exercises embrace the whole person. What better prenatal exercise than yoga which encompasses mother and baby as one?
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