MartinOg Health Blog

Davis, CA / UCD - Pepper Spraying Protesters In Davisville

2011-11-21T16:02:00.003-05:00

I grew up in Davis, CA in the '60s and '70s. Most Americans were unaware of this small quaint town that I use to refer to as a one cow town in Northern California that is home to the University of California at Davis (an enrollment of 32K students, 24K undergrads). That was until Friday, November 18th when UC Davis Protesters were sprayed with Pepper Spray at the UC Davis Quad. In this age of citizen journalism, this story has gone global with millions of views on YouTube and is now the hot story in the National Media.

After this incident, I saw a health blog The Health Effects of Pepper Spray in the Wall Street Journal by Katherine Hobson that notes that there is some medical research that indicates that pepper spray can result in a health hazard.

The U.C. Davis Medical School is ranked no. 42 in the Country (US News and World Reports) and certainly

UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi and UC Chief Spicuza certainly had all the educational and medical resources available to them before ordering UC Police in full riot gear to remove the protesters with or without pepper spray. The U.C. Davis Medical School is ranked 42nd in the Country (US News and World Reports). So when Lt. John Pike administered the pepper spray to UC students, you have to ask what type of formal training he had prior to this incident and who gave the direct order (Who Ordered the Pepper Spray?) and we all know that former Marine like Lt. John Pike follow orders.

UC Davis Protesters Sprayed with Pepper Spray, November 18, 2011 #UCD #pepperspray

Occupy Portland Woman Pepper Sprayed - November 17, 2011

New York Pepper Spray September 24, 2011 #OccupWallStreet #pepperspray

As I relaying to a friend earlier this morning while I was reading the UC Davis Pepper Spray hourly updates on a former classmate's Facebook wall, this incident has now definitively put Davis on the map. Previously, some may have known Davis for the '60s Blocking of Arms Shipment in the Vietnam War Protests that made Life Magazine in the early '70s; the Allan Bakke, Reverse Discrimination Supreme Court Case of a 32 year old former Marine who sued as a White Male to get into the UC Davis Medical School; and Ken O'Brien the infamous Quarterback and 24th pick by the New York Jets in the 1983 NFL Draft (5th Quarterback) from UC Davis, a former Division II School behind John Elway and ahead of Dan Marino.

So now U.C. Davis is known as the Pepper Spray School ...

A YouTube.com Video

2011-11-15T00:59:00.006-05:00

An Unlicensed California Dental Hygienist

My Root Canal in Miami, Florida - Endodontics in South Beach

2011-11-03T16:40:00.002-04:00

How do you know if you need a Root Canal? I have never had a root canal before until October the 13th I was biting into a kernal of Popcorn and had a piercing pain in one of my lower right molars. In fact the pain was so bad under that tooth, that I had a hard time sleeping. After I popped a few Advils, it helped with the pain. Unfortunately, the next night I was dinning at Prime Italian in South Beach and the pain was so noticeable, I could not enjoy the Kobe Beef Lasagna. I immediately scheduled an emergency visit to my local Dentist in Aventura. My Dentist did everything to try and save my tooth versus recommending an Implant but eventually ending up putting in a Temporary Crown. Meanwhile, he figured out that I had chipped my tooth. He recommended that I see an Oral Surgeon/Endodontist in Miami Beach for Endodontics. So back to my original question, How do you know if you need a Root Canal? In my case, it was the Facial Pain or the excruciating pain under the tooth that I was having. In fact I noticed that my face was starting to feel swollen. When I called the Oral Surgeon in Miami Beach, after a series of questions, they told me to come immediately to their office.

I had never been to an Endontist before, and a quick look at the American Association of Endodontist's Pamphlets in his waiting room gave me the Advanced version of the Wikipedia on it. Apparently, the inside the tooth under Dentin is the pulp that contains nerves and connective tissue. If the Pulp becomes inflamed or infected from deep decay, repeated dental procedures or a crack or chip, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. So the signs of pulp damage could include: pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth and swelling and tenderness in nearby gums. Apparently, there are sometimes no symptoms, in my case -- there certainly was!

The next thing I knew, I was sitting in the Oral Surgeon's Chair for the Root Canal Treatment or Endodonic Treatment. I had never had it before. The first thing the Endodontist did was to use an anesthetic to numb my mouth prior to the treatment. Yes, he used an large needle and it made me feel better knowing in Dental School that he had to take hundreds of these shots as part of his training. They then moved me to another room which had a Microscope above the chair. They then administered a very comfortable Mouth Guard and another larger funnel shaped guard that gave him a birds eye view of my mouth. Next, he removed the temporary crown and then started with the drilling (yikes, I thought after the crown went on the drilling was over). The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space (that must be the reason for the drilling). An hour or so later, I was done!

When my temporary crown was popped back in, it was similar to the experience felt when taking my ski boots off at the end of the day or entering the parking lot after the 15 mile Shark Valley Road bike ride. Nevertheless, my next stop was Walgreens to pickup get a prescription for an Antibiotic filled along with a pain med. When the pharmacist asked me if I would be willing to pick it up the next day, I quickly shouted back, I will be waiting for it (I worked in a Pharmacy back in my college days). He must have not looked at the prescription or noticed my swollen face. Believe it or not, several Advils actually worked better than the controversial pain med.

That night I actually had some pasta and it tasted good, not as good as the Prime Italian Lasagna though. A week later, even with the Temporary Crown, my teeth and mouth feel back to normal again. I will be going to my folow-up appointment tomorrow, and hopefully have the permanent crown put in next week.

Please note that some dental policies don't cover Endodontics. If you have a policy, it would be a good idea to check!

Reference: Your Guide to Endodontic Treatment, American Association of Endodontists.

"Blood is Thicker than Water"

2011-08-29T19:46:00.002-04:00

"Blood is thicker than water" -- German proverb

"Relationships within the family are stronger than any other kind." -- John Lydgate's Troy Book

A Quote

2011-05-13T15:23:00.007-04:00

"While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions."

- Stephen Covey

My Friend Jeff Johnson - Davis, CA 1957 to 2011

2011-05-09T17:31:00.004-04:00

On April 21, 2011, my friend Jeff Johnson passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness.

I knew Jeff from my childhood in Davis, California. Jeff lived on a street very close to West Davis Elementary School that is now named the Cesar Chavez Elementary School. At that time, there were many kids in the neighborhood Jeff's age. It was a time when Davis was very, very small. During the lazy summers in Davis, there was very little for young teenagers to do so we found ourselves obsessed with sports. In front of Jeff's house was our football field, basketball court, baseball diamond and tennis court. We use to play the game "Kick The Can" in front of Jeff's house at night as well as the APBA Baseball Board Game -- games that are rarely played these days because of the X-box and Playstation.

Jeff and I use to take our bikes to the Ben Franklin Dime Store and buy packs of baseball cards hoping we could score a Willie Mays. When the Sacramento Bee delivery came in the afternoon, we would read the sports section line by line including the SF Giants box score from the last game.

One of Jeff's favorite games during the summer was Wiffle Ball. Jeff put up a broken Baseball Pitch Back Net and Frame against his garage door. The rules, if the Wiffle Ball hits any part of the net, it's a strike. Jeff was the master pitcher of Wiffle Ball, he could throw a Curve that broke 6 feet, a wicked Slider and a Side Arm pitch that dropped at more than a foot. I could never hit Jeff's pitches and he was always up for a game of Wiffle Ball.

It's been many years since I've seen Jeff. His passing has brought back many of the fine memories I had with him and our buddies during those lazy days in Davis, CA. He was a very, very good friend.

You can read Jeff's Obituary in the Davis Enterprise at:http://www.davisenterprise.com/obits/jeff-f-johnson/

A graveside service will be held on May 14, 2011, 4:30 p.m. at the Woodland City Cemetery, 800 West A St.

A New Book on Aging - How We Age by Dr. Marc Agronin

2011-04-13T09:37:00.002-04:00

My Design Agency recently assisted Dr. Marc Agronin in launching his new website: www.MarcAgronin.com. Dr. Marc Agronin, is a leading Geriatric Psychiatrist in the United States and his new book is on Aging is: How We Age: A Doctor's Journey Into the Heart of Growing Old. Dr. Agronin is a graduate of Harvard University and Yale Medical School and is Director of Mental Health and Clinical Research at one of Florida's largest nursing homes.

If you are a caregiver or have parents, grandparents or loved ones, this is an excellent book. In most families, each family member may believe they know what is best for their loved ones. If there is Alzheimers or Dementia involved, it is nearly impossible for each family member to be objective. Dr. Agronin's book provides some professional insight into what it may feel like as we or are loved ones grow older. As we struggle with issues such as keeping our loved ones safe vs. quality of their life that they rightfully deserve - it is nice to hear reflections from one of the leading Geriatric Psychiatrists.

Memorial Service: My Uncle John Ogawa - Sanger, CA - 1923-2011

2011-04-11T22:33:00.009-04:00

Jonathan Tamotsu Ogawa
May 1923 - April 2011

My Uncle John Ogawa passed away earlier this month. He was one of my dad's older brothers.

See his Obituary in the Sanger Herald

My memories of my Uncle John include:

I remember hearing a story of my Uncle John having a plant growing contest with my father Joe. My dad was winning the contest by a huge margin until his plant stopped growing. Apparently, my Uncle John cut off the roots of my dad's plant. My dad didn't think it was very funny but the rest of the family and my Uncle John got a big laugh out of it.

After World War II, my Uncle John returned from Europe on the Queen Mary after serving in the Military Overseas. I knew this because we saw a picture of soldiers on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, and Uncle John saw himself in one of the pictures.

When Uncle John was in the Trucking Business, he arrived a few times in front of our house with huge truck with a load of Christmas trees. He was on his way back home and dropped in to say hi. It was usually late at night and I'm sure the neighbors wondered why such a large truck was parked in front of our house.

Uncle John also owned Elm Auto and Dismantling in Sanger and was the definitive source for buying and selling your cars because Craig's List wasn't around back then. Instead, there was Uncle John's List of Used Cars. He was a great salesman and always convinced you he was getting you the best, mechanically sound car around. He found me my very first car, a Plymouth Duster that my dad liked much more than I did since it didn't go very fast. He also helped me buy a new 4x4 Truck, one of my first big purchases after college. I loved that truck! I eventually gave it back to him to sell and at the next family wedding - I saw his son, my cousin that was in law school driving my car - apparently he got a real good deal on it!

My condolences go out to my uncle's family and his wife. Here is a information on his Memorial Service on Saturday, April 16, 2011.

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Jonathan-Ogawa&lc=7068&pid=150026431&mid=4622227&locale=en-US

Memorial Service
Saturday, April 16, 2011 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Lisle Funeral Home
1605 L St, Fresno, CA 93721-1117 | 559-266-0666
Driving Directions

Fresno Bee
http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/04/09/v-textonly/2344137/obituaries-for-sunday-april-10.html

Table Tennis

2010-11-20T14:08:00.001-05:00

Table Tennis today.

The Baskin Robbins Mud Pie Recipe P-2 - The Best Ice Cream Pie in the World

2009-10-15T01:50:00.002-04:00

Since I was a child, my family use to buy the Baskin Robbins Mud Pie P-2 with Jamoca Almond Fudge Ice Cream, a graham cracker crust and a bottom and top layer of thick fudge for our birthdays. I still believe that with all the different types of ice cream pies I've sampled, the Baskin Robbins Mud Pie is the best Ice Cream Pie in the World. These pies use to be pre-made and you could usually drop by and pick one up without ordering it. In the last several years, I noticed that Baskin Robbins has taken this item off their website and official ordering form although the picture still exists. On my most recent trip, I told the clerk that I wanted their Classic Mud Pie. Her reply, "What type of crust, ice cream and topping?" My reply, the pie exactly like the one in their picture menu. Her reply, "I have no idea what's in that Mud Pie in the picture." So as I was becoming increasing annoyed, I whipped out my iPhone and navigated to the Baskin Robbins site became even more annoyed when I couldn't find it. I finally googled around and found this picture below on one of their franchise websites.

So the next time I order this cake I'll bring a photocopy of the above picture with the following other information for the Baskin Robbins Mud Pie.

Ice Cream: Jamoca Amond Fudge
Cake Design: P-2
Crust: Gramham Cracker
Topping: Fudge (top and bottom)

I'd like to see Baskin Robbins bring back the Classic Mud Pie on their Menu. The Fudge topping is incredible and in my opinion beats any Snickers, Oreo Cookie or Heath Bar pie..besides if I want candy with my ice cream I'd go to DQ. BTW, the last time we ordered it for a family birthday, I noticed that there were not any leftovers...

My National Coffee Day Latte

2009-09-29T09:55:00.001-04:00

Here's my cup of coffee I made for myself to honor National Coffee Day
with my La Pavoni coffee machine.

5-Hour Energy

2009-07-27T12:37:00.002-04:00

I have some nephews in college that have been taking 5-hour energy shots. The other day when I Costco, I bought some and I plan to try it when I'm working on a project later this evening. More later...

Marian Baker's Memorial Service

2009-06-16T21:24:00.002-04:00

Here are links to information on my cousin Marian Baker's Memorial Service on June 20, 2009 in Pleasant Hill, CA.

In Memory of Marian Baker
http://marian.efexmedia.com/pages/

Contra Costa Times
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/contracostatimes/obituary.aspx?n=marian-baker&pid=128510545

My Cousin Marian Baker (1957-2009)

2009-06-15T08:42:00.006-04:00

On Sunday, June 14, 2009, my cousin Marian Baker passed away peacefully at the age of 52. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Walgreens is not Very Green

2009-05-05T07:06:00.000-04:00

In the last several months, each time I get a prescription at my
Walgreens Store in Miami, the bottle keeps getting bigger and bigger
regardless of the size of the meds. This is both a waste of plastic
and further irritating beause the latest bottles don't come close to
fitting in my med cabinet. What's up with that Walgreens?

Masks for Swine Flu - N95 Masks and N95 Respirators

2009-04-27T10:49:00.002-04:00

I am planning to travel to Europe next month and am concerned about the recent Swine Flu issue. I am thinking about getting a mask to wear. I found this information on the CDC site.

http://www.cdc.gov/features/masksrespirators/

A Taco Salad at Lime Fresh Mexican Grill

2009-04-16T09:47:00.001-04:00

Yesterday's Lunch

2009-04-07T17:00:00.001-04:00

Burger King BK Shots!

A Healthy Lunch Today

2009-04-07T16:57:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to eat a healthy lunch today, a bowl of cereal and fruit -
Kashi GoLean Crunch, Post Honey Bunches of Oats, peaches and bannas.
It's much healthier than yesterday's lumch.

Dwyane Wade Band-Aid - Richard Hamilton Mask

2009-03-01T06:40:00.000-05:00

The NBA recently banned Dwyane Wade's Band-Wade or the Dwyane Wade Band-Aid eventhough some NBA fans say that it is not much different than Richard Hamilton's Mask. Rip Hamilton was allowed to wear his mask after he broke his nose but the NBA has recently ruled that Wade cannot. Dwyane Wade received stiches under his eye after taking an elbow from Juwan Howard. After that, Wade a fashion trendsetter and marketing guru has been wearing the Band-Wade. At last night's Miami Heat game, the Heat gave out Band-Wades to the fans. For information on purchasing the Band-Wade, see the link below.

D-Wade and his trademark Band-Wade or D-Wade Band-Aid

Rip Hamilton and his Trademark Mask

Where to Buy - the Band-Wade or the Wade Adhesive Bandage
http://www.dwyanewade3.com/index.php?option=com_chronocontact&chronoformname=Band-Wade

Okay, for any Detroit Fans that aren't interested in buying any Band-Wades, here's the link for how to get a Rip Hamilton mask.

Where to Buy - the Rip Hamilton Mask
http://www.customfacemasks.com/

Peanut Butter Clif Bar Salmonella Warning

2009-01-21T17:56:00.001-05:00

I reveived a call from Costco today to check the Clif Bar website
regarding these bars. Thank you Costco.

Peanut Butter Recall - List of Recalled Products - Salmonella

2009-01-18T14:14:00.000-05:00

Here is a list of recalled products on the FDA site. You should go to the FDA site below for most up-to-date list.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph/products.html

551040	Creamy Natural Peanut Butter	35 lb.
551000	Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter	6 count/5 lb.
551020	Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter	35 lb.
551050	Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter	50 lb.
551051	Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter with Monodiglyceride	50 lb.
551035	Crunchy Natural Peanut Butter	35 lb.
551006	Crunchy Stabilized Peanut Butter	6 count/5 lb.
551053	Crunchy Stabilized Peanut Butter	50 lb.
551050-D	Dark Creamy Stabilized Peanut Butter	50 lb.
551022	Natural Course Peanut Paste	35 lb.
551025	Old Fashioned Creamy Peanut Butter with 1% Salt	35 lb.
551072	Peanut Butter Variegate	45 lb.

Hy-Vee Inc.

Recall includes all sell-by dates for the following products, sold in various packaging and quantities and having a Hy-Vee price label attached. Sold in all Hy-Vee stores in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota.

Assorted Truffle Fudge
Lunchbox Peanut Butter Cookies
Lunchbox Reese’s Pieces Cookies
Monster Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut Butter Reese’s Pieces Cookies
People Chow Party Mix

Kellogg Company

Kellogg products impacted by the recall were produced on or after July 1, 2008, including:
Austin® Quality Foods Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes
Austin® Quality Foods Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
Austin® Quality Foods Mega Stuffed Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter – all sizes
Austin® Quality Foods PB & J Cracker Sandwiches – all sizes
Austin® Quality Foods Super Snack Pack Sandwich Crackers
Austin® Quality Foods Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
Austin® Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter – all sizes
Austin® Quality Foods Reduced Fat Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
Austin® Quality Foods Reduced Fat Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
Austin® Quality Foods Cookie/Cracker Pack
Austin® Quality Foods Variety Pack
Famous Amos® Peanut Butter Cookies (2- and 3-ounce)
Keebler® Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
Keebler® Toast & PB'n J Flavored Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
Keebler® Toast & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers – all sizes
Keebler® Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies (2.5-ounce)

King Nut Companies

All King Nut and Parnell’s Pride peanut butter of all types distributed by King Nut with item numbers that begin with 038445 on the individual tub and if still in a case, all lot codes that begin in “8”

McKee Foods Corporation

Little Debbie® Peanut Butter Toasty sandwich crackers — all sizes.
Little Debbie® Peanut Butter Cheese sandwich crackers — all sizes.

Perry's Ice Cream Company

Perry’s is recalling ice cream products containing peanut butter sauce, which have been recalled by PCA.

Products affected by the recall are as follows:

ITEM DESCRIPTION
Perry's Premium Peanut Butter Cup Craze Ice Cream 1/2 Pint
Perry's Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 1.5 QT, 1.75 QT AND 3 GL
Perry's Peanut Butter Chip Frozen Yogurt 1.5 QT, 1.75 QT and 3 GL
Perry's Peanut Butter Sundae Crunch Ice Cream Bar Bulk 24 pack
Perry's Premium Peanut Butter Fudge Ice Cream 1.5 QT and 1.75 QT
Perry's Perfectly Churned Light Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 1.5 QT and 1.75 QT
Perry's Light Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 1.75 QT
Shurfine Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 1.75 QT
Wegmans Chocolate Nutty Cone Ice Cream 1.75 QT
Wegmans Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream 1.75 QT and Pint
Wegmans Peanut Butter Swirl Ice Cream 1.75 QT
Wegmans Peanut Butter Sundae Ice Cream 1.75 QT
Wegmans Peanut Butter Pretzel Ice Cream 1.75 QT
Wegmans Peanut Butter Crunch Ice Cream Bar 6 pack
Wegmans Peanut Butter Candy Sundae Cup Ice Cream 4 pack
Wegmans Peanut Butter Sundae Cup Ice Cream 4 pack

50 Million Pound Challenge - National Weight Loss Campaign

2009-01-07T14:33:00.000-05:00

Today, I joined the 50 Million Pound Challenge, the national weight loss campaign sponsored by State Farm at www.50millionpounds.com. There is a significant amount of buzz about this website lately so I thought I would share the website address.

You can also register as part of a team such as the LeBron James and the Fit4Cleveland Team. The site tracks weight loss by team.

Here it is:

www.50millionpounds.com

There is no cost to join.

A Xmax Candy Tradition

2008-12-25T13:58:00.000-05:00

You can't eat from the the bottom layer until the top layer is finished.

Happy Holidays!

A 32 Basketball Game with Hip-Hop artist Mike Page

2008-12-17T12:38:00.000-05:00

This week my nephew and I went to my local Miami basketball court and got into a street basketball game of 32 (thirty-two) with Hip-Hop artist Mike Page from Elgin, Illinois. I have played many pickup games on these courts but you rarely see a player with the quickness, shooting and understanding of the game of basketball as Mike Page. It was also my first basketball game of Thirty-two (32), which is a variation to the Twenty-one basketball game (21) or "hustle" (see Wikipedia). Instead of shooting free throws after a 2 or 3 point shot which slows the game down, you keep the ball. I understand it is the game of choice in Chicago, D-Wade or Dwyane Wade's hometown. This is "Wade County" so I'm surprised that I've never heard of this game and was not able to find it on Urban Dictionary, Wikipedia or any basketball website.

BTW, Mike won both games we played although his VP of Operations for PAGEMUSIC, Dominique Jones can certainly put up the threes and my nephew, who Mike nicknamed "G-shot" also put up some points. As far as my game, I need to hit the gym more frequently, especially when playing a game of Thirty-two.

Mike Page is an independent artist and is known for his hit single, "Show Yo Swag" and has opened for such artists as Lil Wayne and T-Pain. I understand Mike Page is working on a new album, VOICE OF THE PEOPLE which is scheduled to be released in January, 2009.

Mike Page My Space
http://www.myspace.com/mikepagemusic

Mike Page Website
http://www.mikepagemusic.com/

Mike Page on Rapcity

Miami Sourdough 2.0

2008-12-04T12:19:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving - The Day After

2008-11-28T09:12:00.000-05:00

Thanks for sending us home with some turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes
and gravey. This morning I will thankful for the very best breskfast
of 2008.

Thamks againg for hosting Thanksgiving at your home this year.

Health Web Search, Cyberchondria, See Your Doctor

2008-11-25T07:23:00.000-05:00

According to an article in the New York Times today by John Markoff, a Microsoft study suggests that self-diagnosis by search engine frequently leads Web searchers to conclude the worst about what ails them. The term cyberchondria emerged in 2000 - definition: the practice of leaping to dire conclusions while researching health matters online. 2 percent of all Web queries are health-related. The study was by Eric Horvitz a computer scientist with a medical degree and employee at Microsoft and Ryen W. White, a specialist in information retrieval technology. 500 Microsoft employees participated in a portion of the study.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/technology/internet/25symptoms.html?ref=health

If you perform a health web search and think you might suffer from "Cyberchondria", just make sure you see your doctor before you think about treatment.

Source: NY Times

Out of the Oven

2008-11-24T09:59:00.001-05:00

Miami Sourdough French Bread

Pre-Thanksgiving Warmup

2008-11-24T08:50:00.001-05:00

With the 70 degree cool weather in Miami, a loaf of Miami Sourdough
French Bread. I'll be putting it in the oven later this morning. The
starter has been fermenting on my balcony for the past week.

Koda Farms Kokuho Rose - the Best Sushi Rice in the World

2008-11-13T15:36:00.000-05:00

I was recently in California and purchased a 20lb bag of Koda Farms Kokuho Rose Rice, the best sushi rice in the world. See my review of Koda Farms at http://martinog.yelp.com/

Yelp.com Review

Am I Dreaming Aromatherapy by Dr Sharon

2008-11-12T13:17:00.001-05:00

Here's a hot new aromatherapy product, from Dr. Sharon who is the chiropractor, acupuncturist and massage therapist to some of the top music superstars, actors and models in Hollywood and New York. Her patients include Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Christy Turlington, REM, Perl Jam and Foo Fights.

If you are looking for an aroma therapy product used by Dr. Sharon that help keeps these celebrities at their peak performance despite their high stress and demanding schedules, you should check out her website.

Am I Dreaming Aromatherapy website

Each kit is $48.00 and includes:

10 ml Aromatherapy Oil
Aromatherapy Candle
Instruction Booklet
AROMATIN® Fragrance Dispenser

The Best Costco Deal - Kirland Spring Water

2008-09-29T09:54:00.000-04:00

One of the best deals at Costco is the Kirkland Mountain Spring Water at $4.39 for 35 bottles. That's $ 12.5 cents 16.9 ounce per bottle or $4.39 for 591.5 ounces which is $ .0074 cents per bottle. I don't think you can find a better deal anywhere else. I am posting this to my health blog to remind everyone of the importance in drinking lots of water each day.

My Birthday Cards

2008-09-23T08:46:00.000-04:00

I caught a Cold - Airplane Travel

2008-09-16T11:32:00.000-04:00

I've been living in South Florida for 7 years and one thing I can say about the South Beach or SOBE living, I rarely get a cold. I personally think it's the weather since we experience very little climate and temperature change. I have been in Northern California the last several weekends and I forgot how it gets very hot in the afternoons and how cool it gets in the evenings after that Pacific Ocean fog rolls in. During the evenings, I usually found myself in shorts and very, very cold. I think this probably contributed to the cold I picked up rather than the airplane travel.

In any regard, I called my doctor yesterday and he prescribed a Z-pack. I also will be taking Mucinex-D which I think helps clear up my sinuses, helps deter a long-lasting cough and ultimately speeds up recovery. I am also religious about using my Neti Pot for my allegergies and am doing everything to stay off the daily dose of Claritin-D that I did for 10 years.

It's not much fun being sick and my W has made plans to travel again this weekend. I already feel better much better now that I have my meds and a recovery plan!

Cheers and Thank You!

2008-09-15T16:13:00.000-04:00

Cheers to everyone who attended Jack's Memorial Service! It was great
"connecting" with Jack's family, friends and loved ones.

Jack Morison - Mill Valley, CA

2008-08-17T17:46:00.000-04:00

Mill Valley, CA - On August 13, 2008, Jack Morison of Mill Valley passed away. Jack was a worldwide whitewater rafting pioneer, entrepreneur, father and my friend.

Jack's Memorial Service will be held in Mill Valley, CA at the Outdoor Art Club on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 2 p.m. If you plan to attend, please email: 1) your name; 2) email address; 3) how many in your party to martinog at gmail.com.

My Friend Jack Morison

2008-08-13T18:06:00.000-04:00

My friend Jack Morison lost his battle with cancer today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Jack's Memorial Service will be held in Mill Valley, CA at the Outdoor Art Club on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 2 p.m. If you plan to attend, please email: 1) your name; 2) email address; 3) how many in your party to martinog at gmail.com.

If any of Jack's friends have pictures of Jack for his Memorial Service and/or stories, please send them to martinog @ gmail.com.

Spris - Pizza Carbonara

2008-08-07T17:02:00.000-04:00

The Doctor Lowered My Crestor medication

2008-08-07T13:05:00.000-04:00

My doctor lowered my Crestor medication. I went out to celebrate with a Macho Taco from the Taco Shop. I'm now taking it every other day only.

Dinner at Lime

2008-05-16T20:13:00.001-04:00

My Colonoscopy - Day 2

2008-05-15T17:14:00.001-04:00

6:45 a.m. -- arrived at the hospital and signed in.

7:00 a.m. -- I was called by the nurse and escorted into the room. My W kept the book I was reading as well as my other belonging...phone, picture id.

7:15 a.m. -- Got dressed in the standard hospital gown. I was able to wear my glasses. The nurse started the IV, two drops of my blood hit the floor. Another nurse took my temperature, pulse and blood pressure.

8:30 a.m. -- I am still waiting and another patient arrived before me. I should have gone to the hospital at 6:30 a.m. so I could be first. I also should have kept my book so I could read it.

8:45 a.m. -- The nurse who would administer the anesthesia arrived. She wheeled me into the pre-operating room.

9:00 a.m. -- The doctor finally arrived. He made some small talk while the nurse gave me the demerol and another med.

10:45 a.m. -- I awoke to the face of my W. She was patiently waiting for me to wake up. I received a glass of cranberry juice and was discharged.

11:00 a.m. -- I arrived home, I feel great. I'm not tired. My D made me breakfast.

My Colonoscopy - Day 1

2008-05-14T17:25:00.000-04:00

One Week Before: No Aspirin, Advis, Motrin, Ibruprofen, Aleve, Iron, Vioxx, Celebrex or Aspirin products. I am not using any coumadin, warfarin, plavix or any other blood thinnners. Tylenol is okay.

7:00 a.m. -- One day before the procedure: clear liquids for the entire day. Clear liquids include: white cranberry and apple juice, 7 up, ginger-ale, tea, clear chicken broth without noodles and plain jello.

I started the day with a cup of tea instead of my home brewed latte. I took my blood pressure med and cholesteral drugs with a bottle of water.

10:00 a.m. -- I had another cup of hot tea.

3:00 p.m. -- I took the two 5mg Dulcolax tablets (over the counter). My W bought a box of 50 but I only needed two. After taking these tablets, I felt fine so I went downtairs to the gym.

4:50 p.m. -- Per the doctor's instructions we purchased a bottle of MiraLAX. They didn't have a 255 gram bottle, so we purchased a 17.9 oz or 5120 gram bottle. Today, I mixed 17 cap fulls into a 64 ounce bottle of lime Gatorade. I used a glass pitcher to shake and mix it and then re-poured most of the contents into the original bottle.

5:00 p.m. -- I drank the first 8oz glass of Gatorade/MiraLax. It tasted fine. Here the instructions from here:

"Drink an 8oz glass every 10-15 minutes until the solution is gone"

5:30 p.m. -- I feel like I'm back in my younger days trying to finish a 6 pack of talls.

5:55 p.m. -- It now feels like I am on vacation in Mexico.

6:30 p.m. -- It still feels like I am on vacation. I'm just finishing up the 8oz glasses.

10 p.m. -- It still feels like I am on vacation in Mexico but I have the chills, even after taking a hot shower. I understand food warms the body, so there is probably nothing I can do.

11:59 p.m. -- I should no longer eat or drink any fluids but that's not an issue because I am asleep.

1:00 a.m. -- Got up to go to the bathroom.

Crestor - I guess my doctor made the right choice!

2008-04-03T09:26:00.000-04:00

With all the recent news about the benefit of cholesterol lowering statin drugs, I stumbled across this article today. My doctor has had me taking Crestor since Lipitor caused some side effects. Despite this news, I am still taking both Crestor and Zetia and am waiting to hear from my doctor about the Zetia. When I talked to him a few months ago, he told me to continue taking it.

-- snip --
Astra Drug Tipped as $8-9 Billion Cholesterol WinnerReuters Health - Apr. 01, 2008
By Ben Hirschler

LONDON (Reuters) - AstraZeneca Plc's Crestor is emerging as a potential big winner in the fiercely competitive anti-cholesterol market, with two brokerages on Tuesday hiking sales forecasts for the drug to $8-9 billion.
Shares in the Anglo-Swedish group, which have been hit recently by fears of generic competition to its top medicines, jumped for a second day, adding 5.5 percent by 1200 GMT, the biggest daily gain in more than four months.
Japan's Shionogi & Co Ltd, which originally developed Crestor, soared more than 9 percent.
JPMorgan said positive results from a clinical ...

Caregiver Info

2008-02-25T10:06:00.000-05:00

As our parents get older, many of us must increase our knowledge of being a caregiver to them. Someone suggested a book, "Share the Care", but if anyone has any good resources for me, I would appreciate it. In the next several months, this will be an area that I will be researching.

The local city run Senior Center provided me with an email with some resources already. This is a good start.

Medication Side Effects?

2008-02-21T12:22:00.000-05:00

Before a trip to the west coast last week, I misplaced my gold wedding ring. Since the plane was leaving and my W was reminding me we needed to leave for the airport, I did not have time to look for it. It was bothering me during my entire trip.

Last night I looked everywhere for it. My supportive W even helped me look under the bed in case it fell off the night stand. Finally, I gave up after my W convinced me to stop looking for it. I then went to the bathroom, picked up the tube of toothpaste and brushed my teeth. After that, I looked down on the counter and saw my gold wedding ring. It was under the tube of toothpaste. I must have checked the bathroom counter 100+ times.

I don't think this incident qualifies as a side effect from the meds I am taking but it is a reminder that I need to be more careful with things that really matter to me, especially when taking meds.

Crestor and Zetia

2008-01-17T10:11:00.001-05:00

Here are some links on the use of Crestor and Zetia.

WorstPills.org

http://www.spacedoc.net/board/index.php

http://www.spacedoc.net/why_ENHANCE_failed.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheroma

Zeta and Crestor - My doctor say to Continue to Take it

2008-01-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

With the Vytorin study (Zetia and Zocor) in the news this week, I called my doctor today to ask him if I should continue to take Zetia and Crestor which has been successful in lowering my cholesterol level.

From reading some of these articles, I think the critical question are:

Will taking Crestor and Zetia cause me to have faster plaque buildup in my arteries.
Is my doctor monitoring my plaque in my arteries?

Keep taking Zetia, Fort Meyers Cardiologist Says

Drug Doesn't Slow Artery Clogs, Study Says

A Low Cholesterol Breakfast

2008-01-15T14:33:00.000-05:00

I've always enjoyed eating an traditional American sausage, eggs, bacon and hash browns breakfast. My W has banned me from going to the infamous diner up the street (Maurice Gibb's of the BeeJees, favorite place for breakfast, he had his own booth). After a recent trip to Costco and the grocery store, here is my new low cholesterol American breakfast.

If for whatever reason the doctor says I need to stop taking Zetia and I need to wait for a new cholesterol medication to be developed, I guess I'll be eating these types of breakfasts for the rest of my life.

Zetia and Crestor -- Should I stop taking Zetia?

2008-01-15T14:20:00.001-05:00

For the past several yeas, I've been taking Zetia and Crestor for my high cholesterol. I tried Lipitor for a brief period and there were some issues with my liver as well as perceived muscle pain. So far, the combination of Crestor and Zetia has significantly lowered my cholesterol, a test results I do not believe I could have achieved through exercise and diet with my family history. That said, with the recent news about Zetia, I need to call my doctor today to find out if I should continue taking it.

SinuCleanse - Nose Bidet - Neti Pot

2008-01-10T15:24:00.000-05:00

Here is the nose bidet or Neti Pot that I purchased at the local drugstore Walgreens. It was on sale for less than $10.00 and it came with a 30-day supply of saline salt.

Neti Pot - Nose Bidet Update

2008-01-08T14:52:00.000-05:00

For the past week, I have been using my neti pot at least twice daily for a runny nose I've had as well as allergies for January in Miami, Florida. To be honest, it's not much different than the saline therapy that my Ear Nose and Throat doctor recommended last year after my deviated septum surgery.

My W saw my leaning over the sink with my neti pot and told me, "that pot has to go, I'm going to throw it out". However, this morning she was reading from the NYTimes.com site and stumbled on this article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/03/fashion/03skin.html?_r=1&oref=slogin She couldn't believe it and I'm going to assume that the email I received with this link was her form of apology. I'm now allowed to keep my neti pot.

I absolutely love my Neti Pot today. I believe it does a better job at clearing my nose up that the daily Claritan or Claritan-D I was taking.

Nose Bidet for Allergies

2007-12-28T10:32:00.000-05:00

At the end of each year, the NY Times lists the top buzzwords. This year I noticed the word, "nose bidet" which is an alternative health remedy for allergies. Here's a video this this product.