Doctor Lundell’s Arizona Ironman report
I began this ironman with great trepidation; my first Ironman, having only considered triathlon two years ago, not being able to run or swim at that time, not feeling at peak fitness for cycling, only my second 2.4 mile swim, being undertrained for running because of a tibial stress fracture in the spring and multiple hamstring and foot issues.
That being said my few successes in life have been achieved more with determination than talent, so I was determined to finish with the goal of 16 hours 59 minutes.
Knowing that I am a slow swimmer in spite of Ann Wilson’s great instructions, I started near the back. The swim was comfortable and I thought I was doing OK until I saw Jeff and Shawn who were volunteers on the swim course. They said 1:23 had already passed and the Mill Ave Bridge was still in front of me, disappointed but still determined. I was out of the swim at 1:42:50. Happy to be done and feeling good, but with 2065 people in front of me.
The bike leg went well. I followed Bill Wilson’s instructions and took it easy, got in all the calories and electrolytes per the plan, and finished the bike segment in 5:48:02 having passed 847 faster swimmers.
The run was starting out poorly, running too fast then getting tired and walking. On the first Mill Ave Bridge crossing, to my humiliation Sharon caught me walking. Sharon is my sweetheart and training partner. When you run with Sharon there is no run-walk strategy it is all run. She encouraged me, so it was back to running and only walking at the aid stations. At the end of the first lap she told me that the internet spies said I was first in age group by 40 min coming off the bike, now the pressure was on. I kept a steady, but slow pace on the second loop. Sharon and her friend Jacque were at multiple locations on the course to encourage me; they may have covered more miles than I did. Sharon reported that I had lost time to my pursuer so my determination really kicked in. The last lap was my fastest segment, my legs felt OK so I picked up the pace. I saw Preston out on the course and his encouragement was vital in keeping me going for the last segment. What a beautiful sight that left turn arrow is at the bottom of the park to be followed by a more beautiful sight, the finish!
I am amazed that I finished, amazed that I was less than 13 hours and amazed to be first in age group, truly humbled to qualify for Kona.
I am extremely thankful for all support and encouragement from friends especially the TriScottsdale friends. To have children and grandchildren at the finish to celebrate was very special. I have much to be thankful for.
Special thanks to Ann and Bill from Camelback Coaching, Nate and the other pros at Endurance Rehab, Karyn Hendrickson at One Stop Fitness for getting this old carcass across the finish line.
Very special thanks to Sharon Johnston for her love, encouragement and all the great time we have spent training, she is the real Ironman.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Another reason to stay healthy
The number of serious drug reactions and deaths reported to the government shot up in the first three months of this year to set a new record, a health industry watchdog group said Wednesday.
The Food and Drug Administration received nearly 21,000 reports of serious drug reactions, including more than 4,800 deaths, said an analysis of federal data by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, known as ISMP.
Two drugs accounted for a large share of the latest reports. One was heparin, the tainted blood thinner from China that caused an international safety scandal. The other was Chantix, a new kind of anti-smoking drug from Pfizer.
Clearinghouse for informationThe watchdog group that prepared the analysis has served hospitals and pharmacists for years as a clearinghouse for information on medication errors. Known as ISMP, the organization is now trying to reach consumers with regular reports on drug safety trends.
“We believe that one of the most important tools to promote is to monitor trends on a regular basis,” said Thomas J. Moore, a senior scientist with ISMP. “Knowing which drugs are causing injuries and how many people are being hurt is the raw material we need to fashion sound measures to promote patient safety.”
The FDA defines serious drug reactions as ones that cause hospitalization, require medical intervention, or place a life in jeopardy. The agency’s monitoring system relies on voluntary reports from doctors and is only believed to capture a fraction of overall problems.
The 20,745 cases reported from January through March was 38 percent higher than the average for the previous four calendar quarters, and the highest for any quarter, the report said.
The number of deaths, 4,824, was a nearly threefold increase from the last calendar quarter of 2007. The FDA said heparin was largely to blame.
Previous ISMP research has shown that reports of serious drug safety problems had increased markedly since the late 1990s.
The FDA case reports provide a signal of possible problems with a drug, but a cause-and-effect connection can only be established through painstaking investigation. If the FDA were a police agency, the reports would indicate “probable cause,” but not necessarily “guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
‘Significant drug safety problem’The ISMP study found that heparin accounted for 779 reports of serious problems, including 102 deaths. The FDA, using data that covers a longer time period, has reported 238 deaths possibly linked to heparin.
Heparin “illustrates an example of a significant drug safety problem that was promptly and effectively resolved by the drug manufacturers and the FDA once the issue was detected and understood,” the report said.
Most physicians believe the problem of drug reaction is severely under reported be cause of the amount of paperwork the doctor must do to make a report.
The number of serious drug reactions and deaths reported to the government shot up in the first three months of this year to set a new record, a health industry watchdog group said Wednesday.
The Food and Drug Administration received nearly 21,000 reports of serious drug reactions, including more than 4,800 deaths, said an analysis of federal data by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, known as ISMP.
Two drugs accounted for a large share of the latest reports. One was heparin, the tainted blood thinner from China that caused an international safety scandal. The other was Chantix, a new kind of anti-smoking drug from Pfizer.
Clearinghouse for informationThe watchdog group that prepared the analysis has served hospitals and pharmacists for years as a clearinghouse for information on medication errors. Known as ISMP, the organization is now trying to reach consumers with regular reports on drug safety trends.
“We believe that one of the most important tools to promote is to monitor trends on a regular basis,” said Thomas J. Moore, a senior scientist with ISMP. “Knowing which drugs are causing injuries and how many people are being hurt is the raw material we need to fashion sound measures to promote patient safety.”
The FDA defines serious drug reactions as ones that cause hospitalization, require medical intervention, or place a life in jeopardy. The agency’s monitoring system relies on voluntary reports from doctors and is only believed to capture a fraction of overall problems.
The 20,745 cases reported from January through March was 38 percent higher than the average for the previous four calendar quarters, and the highest for any quarter, the report said.
The number of deaths, 4,824, was a nearly threefold increase from the last calendar quarter of 2007. The FDA said heparin was largely to blame.
Previous ISMP research has shown that reports of serious drug safety problems had increased markedly since the late 1990s.
The FDA case reports provide a signal of possible problems with a drug, but a cause-and-effect connection can only be established through painstaking investigation. If the FDA were a police agency, the reports would indicate “probable cause,” but not necessarily “guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
‘Significant drug safety problem’The ISMP study found that heparin accounted for 779 reports of serious problems, including 102 deaths. The FDA, using data that covers a longer time period, has reported 238 deaths possibly linked to heparin.
Heparin “illustrates an example of a significant drug safety problem that was promptly and effectively resolved by the drug manufacturers and the FDA once the issue was detected and understood,” the report said.
Most physicians believe the problem of drug reaction is severely under reported be cause of the amount of paperwork the doctor must do to make a report.
Are Arizona Workers Healthier?
Are Employers Noticing the Difference in the Bottomline?
The Salt River Project (SRP) Teams with the Healthy Humans Foundation to Implement Employee Wellness Program
October 22,2008—The Healthy Humans Foundation, a non-profit focused on the open communication of health and wellness research and advocacy, extended its employee health program with visits and seminars at two Arizona power plants.
Dwight Lundell M.D., founder of the Healthy Humans Foundation, led seminars at two Arizona power generating stations—the Navajo Generating Station in Page, and the Agua Fria Station in Peoria, with 400 employees participating.
“It’s smart business,” says Dr. Lundell. “Providing employees with information that can significantly change their lives not only shows employees that they’re recognized and appreciated, but it dramatically lessen health insurance claims and associated expenses. We’ll see more companies follow suit.”
Dr Lundell shared the simple and startling message that heart disease can be prevented and cured by simple dietary and behavior changes that recognize our human biology in the modern environment. Employees at both plants showed tremendous participation in the question and answer sessions—proving acceptance and appreciation to SRP for showing a concern about their health.
“SRP (Salt River Project) is a very forward thinking company who recognizes that health of their employees goes beyond just reducing medical claims, but goes to job satisfaction, productivity and loyalty,” says Dr. Lundell. “I’m honored to play a role in their positive forward movement.”
The power plants purchased Dr Lundell’s book The Cure for Heart Disease: Truth Will Save a Nation, Co-Authored by Todd Nordstrom, for all the employees at the two plants.
“The economy is forcing businesses to rethink their relationships with their employees,” says Lundell. “Health insurance rates are eating the bottom line, and employee engagement is a huge topic during turbulent times. Implementing a wellness program addresses both issues.”
The SRP employee health programs follows similar successful programs conducted by Dr. Lundell at the SRP Santan Generating Station, Henry Brown GMC Pontiac, and a 10% weight loss challenge at Waste Management done in cooperation with the Triscottsdale Foundation.
“Modern medicine, with all its benefits, is focused on treatment of disease,” says Lundell. “The Healthy Humans Foundation is focused on prevention and reversal of disease and disability through education about human biology and nutrition.”
Dr. Lundell says recent interest in Employee Wellness programs has spiked, and feedback from both the employers and the employees has been phenomenal.
“We want people to feel alive and vibrant,” says Lundell. “Companies want their employees to feel young, energized, and engaged too. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelming. Obviously employees are feeling the results of the programs, and their employers are seeing the results in the workplace.”
For more information about The Healthy Humans Foundation, go to: www.healthyhumansfoundation.com
For more information about the book, The Cure for Heart Disease, go to: www.thecureforheartdisease.net.
Or to inquire about Dr. Lundell speaking at your organization, call:
Are Employers Noticing the Difference in the Bottomline?
The Salt River Project (SRP) Teams with the Healthy Humans Foundation to Implement Employee Wellness Program
October 22,2008—The Healthy Humans Foundation, a non-profit focused on the open communication of health and wellness research and advocacy, extended its employee health program with visits and seminars at two Arizona power plants.
Dwight Lundell M.D., founder of the Healthy Humans Foundation, led seminars at two Arizona power generating stations—the Navajo Generating Station in Page, and the Agua Fria Station in Peoria, with 400 employees participating.
“It’s smart business,” says Dr. Lundell. “Providing employees with information that can significantly change their lives not only shows employees that they’re recognized and appreciated, but it dramatically lessen health insurance claims and associated expenses. We’ll see more companies follow suit.”
Dr Lundell shared the simple and startling message that heart disease can be prevented and cured by simple dietary and behavior changes that recognize our human biology in the modern environment. Employees at both plants showed tremendous participation in the question and answer sessions—proving acceptance and appreciation to SRP for showing a concern about their health.
“SRP (Salt River Project) is a very forward thinking company who recognizes that health of their employees goes beyond just reducing medical claims, but goes to job satisfaction, productivity and loyalty,” says Dr. Lundell. “I’m honored to play a role in their positive forward movement.”
The power plants purchased Dr Lundell’s book The Cure for Heart Disease: Truth Will Save a Nation, Co-Authored by Todd Nordstrom, for all the employees at the two plants.
“The economy is forcing businesses to rethink their relationships with their employees,” says Lundell. “Health insurance rates are eating the bottom line, and employee engagement is a huge topic during turbulent times. Implementing a wellness program addresses both issues.”
The SRP employee health programs follows similar successful programs conducted by Dr. Lundell at the SRP Santan Generating Station, Henry Brown GMC Pontiac, and a 10% weight loss challenge at Waste Management done in cooperation with the Triscottsdale Foundation.
“Modern medicine, with all its benefits, is focused on treatment of disease,” says Lundell. “The Healthy Humans Foundation is focused on prevention and reversal of disease and disability through education about human biology and nutrition.”
Dr. Lundell says recent interest in Employee Wellness programs has spiked, and feedback from both the employers and the employees has been phenomenal.
“We want people to feel alive and vibrant,” says Lundell. “Companies want their employees to feel young, energized, and engaged too. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelming. Obviously employees are feeling the results of the programs, and their employers are seeing the results in the workplace.”
For more information about The Healthy Humans Foundation, go to: www.healthyhumansfoundation.com
For more information about the book, The Cure for Heart Disease, go to: www.thecureforheartdisease.net.
Or to inquire about Dr. Lundell speaking at your organization, call:
Think fish oil
Emerging research is now showing that Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. An article on WebMD dated Dec. 26, 2007, by Daniel J. DeNoon, titled Fish Oil Prevents Alzheimer’s Plaques: Brain Needs Fish Oil Fatty Acid to Make Plaque-Fighting Protein, discusses how the brain needs the fish oil fatty acid DHA in order to produce a plaque-fighting protein. Researchers at UCLA, under the leadership of Greg M. Cole, PhD, found that those people who took a lot of DHA reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and determined that it was due to DHA’s ability to cause brain cells to increase the production of the protein LR11 (also called SorLA).
LR11 acts to help clear the brain of amyloid precursor protein. Amyloid precursor protein is essential for the production of beta-amyloid plaque, the plaque that seems to clog the brains of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. It is estimated that approximately 15% of people with Alzheimer’s disease carry a genetic mutation that reduces LR11.
Just last month, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published an article citing more evidence that Omega-3s may reduce the risk of dementia and depression. The article, Low plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and depressive symptomatology are independent predictors of dementia risk by Samieri C et al., discusses how plasma Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to be inversely related to the risk of dementia and to depression, frequently associated with dementia.
Samieri reports that a high level of plasma EPA (Omega-3 fatty acid) concentration may decrease the risk of dementia. Further, it is reported that ratios of Omega-6 fatty acids to Omega-3 fatty acids may actually increase risk. This was especially true when the ratio of Arachidonic acid (AA, an Omega-6) to DHA (docosahexanoinc acid, an Omega-3) was high. The increased risk due to the high ratios of Omega-6 to Omega-3s was especially applicable in depressed older persons. Samieri concludes by stating that the role of EPA in dementia warrants further research.
The research into the therapeutic benefit of Omega-3s will continue and new revelations regarding their incredible health benefits will undoubtedly continue to accumulate.
Emerging research is now showing that Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. An article on WebMD dated Dec. 26, 2007, by Daniel J. DeNoon, titled Fish Oil Prevents Alzheimer’s Plaques: Brain Needs Fish Oil Fatty Acid to Make Plaque-Fighting Protein, discusses how the brain needs the fish oil fatty acid DHA in order to produce a plaque-fighting protein. Researchers at UCLA, under the leadership of Greg M. Cole, PhD, found that those people who took a lot of DHA reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and determined that it was due to DHA’s ability to cause brain cells to increase the production of the protein LR11 (also called SorLA).
LR11 acts to help clear the brain of amyloid precursor protein. Amyloid precursor protein is essential for the production of beta-amyloid plaque, the plaque that seems to clog the brains of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. It is estimated that approximately 15% of people with Alzheimer’s disease carry a genetic mutation that reduces LR11.
Just last month, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published an article citing more evidence that Omega-3s may reduce the risk of dementia and depression. The article, Low plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and depressive symptomatology are independent predictors of dementia risk by Samieri C et al., discusses how plasma Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to be inversely related to the risk of dementia and to depression, frequently associated with dementia.
Samieri reports that a high level of plasma EPA (Omega-3 fatty acid) concentration may decrease the risk of dementia. Further, it is reported that ratios of Omega-6 fatty acids to Omega-3 fatty acids may actually increase risk. This was especially true when the ratio of Arachidonic acid (AA, an Omega-6) to DHA (docosahexanoinc acid, an Omega-3) was high. The increased risk due to the high ratios of Omega-6 to Omega-3s was especially applicable in depressed older persons. Samieri concludes by stating that the role of EPA in dementia warrants further research.
The research into the therapeutic benefit of Omega-3s will continue and new revelations regarding their incredible health benefits will undoubtedly continue to accumulate.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Great Statin Scam
The television ad featuring artificial heart inventor Dr. Robert Jarvik, who by the way can't row a skull, and never practiced medicine, claims that Lipitor will lower heart attack risk by 36%. Now who wouldn't want to do that? However, the fine print required, says “in a large clinical study. 3% of people taking placebo had a heart attack and 2% of those taking Lipitor had a heart attack.
Let's do the math. For every 100 people in the trial, which lasted for 3 1/2 years, three people on placebo, and two people on Lipitor, had a heart attack. That is one less heart attack for every 100 people. In other words, 100 people had to take the drug 3 1/2 years to prevent one heart attack. What this really means is that 99 out of 100 people, taking the drug had no benefit.
This is explained in a little known statistic called number needed to treat (NNT). In the case of Lipitor, 100 patients would have to be treated for 3 1/2 years to possibly eliminate one heart attack. Let's compare that to today's antibiotic treatment to eradicate ulcer causing H. pylori stomach bacteria. The NNT is 1.1; give the antibiotic to 11 people and 10 will be cured.
Several recent scientific papers peg the NNT for statins at 250. Dr. Jerome R. Hoffman, professor of clinical medicine at UCLA asks “What if you put 250 people in a room and told them that they each would have to pay over $1000 per year for a medicine they must take every day, that may give them diarrhea and muscle pain, and that 249 would get no benefit. How many would take that?”
Marketing over Medicine!
Drug companies have a responsibility to their shareholders to make a profit, and we need them to develop new medicines. But when they grossly overstate the benefits and spend huge amounts of money influencing physicians it turns bad and leads to potential corruption.
The National Cholesterol Education Program, (NCEP) 2004 guidelines that lowered the targets for cholesterol treatment and recommended that many more Americans take statins was issued by a panel on which 8 of 9 experts had financial ties to the drug industry.
“The guideline and process went awry” says Dr. Henry C. Barry of the Michigan State University College of medicine. Dr. Barry and 34 other experts sent a petition of protest to the National Institutes of Health, saying the evidence was weak and the panel biased because of its ties to the drug industry.
I and all other physicians who speak out take great risks; medicine and government agencies do not like criticism.
At a recent meeting, a prominent statin boosting physician who advises the NCEP
said that Dr. Rodney A. Hayward, professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School “should be held accountable in a court of law for doing things to kill people” because Dr. Hayward had the audacity to suggest that ”current evidence supports ignoring LDL cholesterol altogether”.
We would expect this kind of vitriol from zealots and extremists not from government agencies or scientists.
If we spent a fraction of the money that we spend on cholesterol testing, cholesterol lowering drugs, and doctor visits instead on educating people about proper diet, exercise and weight loss we would be far healthier.
The television ad featuring artificial heart inventor Dr. Robert Jarvik, who by the way can't row a skull, and never practiced medicine, claims that Lipitor will lower heart attack risk by 36%. Now who wouldn't want to do that? However, the fine print required, says “in a large clinical study. 3% of people taking placebo had a heart attack and 2% of those taking Lipitor had a heart attack.
Let's do the math. For every 100 people in the trial, which lasted for 3 1/2 years, three people on placebo, and two people on Lipitor, had a heart attack. That is one less heart attack for every 100 people. In other words, 100 people had to take the drug 3 1/2 years to prevent one heart attack. What this really means is that 99 out of 100 people, taking the drug had no benefit.
This is explained in a little known statistic called number needed to treat (NNT). In the case of Lipitor, 100 patients would have to be treated for 3 1/2 years to possibly eliminate one heart attack. Let's compare that to today's antibiotic treatment to eradicate ulcer causing H. pylori stomach bacteria. The NNT is 1.1; give the antibiotic to 11 people and 10 will be cured.
Several recent scientific papers peg the NNT for statins at 250. Dr. Jerome R. Hoffman, professor of clinical medicine at UCLA asks “What if you put 250 people in a room and told them that they each would have to pay over $1000 per year for a medicine they must take every day, that may give them diarrhea and muscle pain, and that 249 would get no benefit. How many would take that?”
Marketing over Medicine!
Drug companies have a responsibility to their shareholders to make a profit, and we need them to develop new medicines. But when they grossly overstate the benefits and spend huge amounts of money influencing physicians it turns bad and leads to potential corruption.
The National Cholesterol Education Program, (NCEP) 2004 guidelines that lowered the targets for cholesterol treatment and recommended that many more Americans take statins was issued by a panel on which 8 of 9 experts had financial ties to the drug industry.
“The guideline and process went awry” says Dr. Henry C. Barry of the Michigan State University College of medicine. Dr. Barry and 34 other experts sent a petition of protest to the National Institutes of Health, saying the evidence was weak and the panel biased because of its ties to the drug industry.
I and all other physicians who speak out take great risks; medicine and government agencies do not like criticism.
At a recent meeting, a prominent statin boosting physician who advises the NCEP
said that Dr. Rodney A. Hayward, professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School “should be held accountable in a court of law for doing things to kill people” because Dr. Hayward had the audacity to suggest that ”current evidence supports ignoring LDL cholesterol altogether”.
We would expect this kind of vitriol from zealots and extremists not from government agencies or scientists.
If we spent a fraction of the money that we spend on cholesterol testing, cholesterol lowering drugs, and doctor visits instead on educating people about proper diet, exercise and weight loss we would be far healthier.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The tragic and untimely death of Tim Russert raises many questions. Could his death from a heart attack have been prevented or was it inevitable?
By all reports he had excellent medical care, he was on medication for high blood pressure, and it reportedly was under control. He was being treated for high cholesterol, with a statin drug and enjoyed an excellent response. His LDL was 68, below, the new recommended level of 70. His HDL had been raised from the low 20s to 38. He had passed a stress test this past April, and reportedly was trying to lose weight and had begun to exercise on a stationary bike.
Mr. Russert and his family had the false hope as do countless others that taking a statin drug or some other medication solves the problem of heart disease.
Mr. Russert died in spite of excellent conventional medical care. His death was caused by a ruptured plaque in the left anterior descending coronary artery, which blocked it and caused ventricular fibrillation. Sadly this same thing happens to about 90 people every single day, it just does not make headlines.
So what are we to do to prevent this from happening to us or our loved ones?
Modern heart care is excellent at treating symptomatic heart disease and intervening in a crisis, but is very poor at prevention or predicting future events. This is because we have focused on cholesterol levels and ignored the real cause of plaque and plaque rupture; inflammation!
Inflammation is caused by bad diets, inactivity, and excess body weight. Inflammation can be controlled, heart disease can be prevented, tragedies can be avoided.
To learn how please read a new book called The Cure for Heart Disease available at Amazon and www.thecureforheartdisease.net.
By all reports he had excellent medical care, he was on medication for high blood pressure, and it reportedly was under control. He was being treated for high cholesterol, with a statin drug and enjoyed an excellent response. His LDL was 68, below, the new recommended level of 70. His HDL had been raised from the low 20s to 38. He had passed a stress test this past April, and reportedly was trying to lose weight and had begun to exercise on a stationary bike.
Mr. Russert and his family had the false hope as do countless others that taking a statin drug or some other medication solves the problem of heart disease.
Mr. Russert died in spite of excellent conventional medical care. His death was caused by a ruptured plaque in the left anterior descending coronary artery, which blocked it and caused ventricular fibrillation. Sadly this same thing happens to about 90 people every single day, it just does not make headlines.
So what are we to do to prevent this from happening to us or our loved ones?
Modern heart care is excellent at treating symptomatic heart disease and intervening in a crisis, but is very poor at prevention or predicting future events. This is because we have focused on cholesterol levels and ignored the real cause of plaque and plaque rupture; inflammation!
Inflammation is caused by bad diets, inactivity, and excess body weight. Inflammation can be controlled, heart disease can be prevented, tragedies can be avoided.
To learn how please read a new book called The Cure for Heart Disease available at Amazon and www.thecureforheartdisease.net.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
