Author: Nancy Goldsmith

Medication Heists on the Rise

The U.S. freight security consultancy FreightWatch reported that $5 million-worth of prescription drugs have been stolen from trucks and warehouses in 41 incidents during 2010.

The increased demand for expensive pharmaceuticals in the wake of the economic recession, especially by those who lack medical insurance to pay for their drugs,  has helped make medication shipments a prime target for organized crime.

“There is a steady rise in value and volume,” explained a director at FreightWatch. “Thieves steal what the consumer wants to buy, with so much pharma advertising and people seeking to save money and purchase drugs cheaply.”

Earlier this month, Kentucky robbers stole millions of dollars of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s prescription medications from an unmarked truck en route to Canada during the driver’s 15-minute break.

This followed in the wake of a robbery from the Eli Lilly warehouse in Connecticut last spring, in which the thieves stole a record $76-million-worth of medications.

The FDA says that these robberies pose a threat to the public health, as patients have reported adverse reactions after taken stolen drugs that had not been stored or handled properly. They ordered pharmaceutical companies to increase their security and to cooperate with them in apprehending the criminals.

Happy Birthday Elmo!

ElmoNovember 18, 1985 was an important day in children’s history. It was on that day that a young furry red monster by the name of Elmo formed a long-term relationship with his puppeteer, Kevin Clash – and with millions of children around the world.

While Elmo had appeared in different roles, and with other handlers (Carole Spinney, aka “Big Bird,” and Scooter from The Muppet Show were among the voices playing Elmo), for several years prior, it was on that date 25 years ago that the fuzzy “toddler” with the squeaky voice made his debut as the Elmo that millions have come to know and love, as he entered the pantheon of primary Sesame Street characters.

Over the years, Elmo has met and mingled with numerous celebrities and stars, and appeared on talk shows, prime-time series, and his own movie, while merchandise bearing his name, including Tickle Me Elmo and the range of books, videos, and other toys featuring the three-and-a-half-year-old monster, have appeared in playrooms and nurseries around the world. So for toddlers and preschoolers everywhere, as well as their parents, nannies, and teachers, this week was a day to celebrate.

The Health Benefits of Having a Pet

petPets are not only great companions; recent studies have shown that animal owners may be healthier than the pet-less.

First of all, children who grow up with regular exposure to a pet develop a stronger immune system They are also less likely to be affected by allergies and asthma. In addition, exposure to pets from a young age also lessens the risk of developing eczema. Animals tend to be outside more than humans, and are exposed to more types of dirt and microorganisms. When children are exposed to these substances from a young age, the eliminate foreign bodies from the children’s imune systems more quickly and effectively.

Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients have less-frequent anxiety outburst if they have an animal in their home. The fresh air acquired while caring for the pet, as well as the companionship, lowers stress and blood pressure.

In general, pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression. Playing with a dog, especially out of doors, can increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the blood. These nerve transmitters are known to have relaxing qualities.

Heart attack survivors have been proven to live longer if there is a pet in their home. Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

America Recycles Day

Go-GreenThis week, cities around the U.S. honored America Recycles Day with a range of local programs and initiatives to help in the goal of “going green.” No doubt your community held an event too. Wondering what was done in other communities? Here’s a look around the country:

In Indianapolis, Indiana, Green Piece Indy has been hosting Rush Hour Recycling every morning this week, where they will take your e-waste items like laptops and VCRs. In Citrus Heights, California, Battery Plus was offering $10 off a new laptop battery in exchange for the used one, and a $5 discount on cell phone batteries in exchange for the old ones. The Solid Waste Agency of North Cook County, in Skokie, Illinois, held its 4th annual Trashy Fashion Show, while in Austin, Texas, you could bring your plastic bags to the Live Oak Pharmacy to exchange for a reusable supermarket bag. And those in Los Angeles could take part in the Recycling Education Fair.

There were many more projects going on the local and even national levels. My favorite was the offer from the Disney Store to bring in your old t-shirts. Your old shirts will be recycled into paper and you get a discount at the store!

Being Green III

cellphone_recycle1bThis week’s focus on Being Green honors the fact that November 15th was America Recycles Day. This special day, which was launched by Keep America Beautiful in 1997, aims to highlight the need for our nation to recycle. Americans were encouraged to adopt this year’s theme “I Recycle” and to pledge to start recycling, and to encourage others to do likewise. Individuals and businesses around the country got into the act with new initiatives on the individual, family, local and corporate level.

One focus was on e-waste. This refers not just to computers but to cell phones, MP3 players and DVD players. As we’ve already written about, e-waste is an increasing problem in the U.S. today. On American Recycles Day, Dell Computers underscored their two easy ways for customers to recycle their old computers: either drop off your Dell product at Staples or contact FedEx for pick-up – both ways are free.

Covanta Energy also joined the e-waste bandwagon on America Recycles Day, reminding people that when you’re ready to upgrade your phone, laptop, etc. you can donate it to a non-profit rather than just throwing it away. This will enable you to reduce e-waste and aid those less fortunate, all at the same time.
Stay tuned for some of the local initiatives held around the country in honor of America Recycles Day.