The People's Pharmacy®

This Week in The People's Pharmacy

2012-05-15T20:47:00Z

Listen To Our Podcast: 857 Night Shift in the ER

Tune in to our radio show on your local public radio station, or sign up for the podcast and listen at your leisure. Here's what it's about: Dr. Brian Goldman has worked the night shift in the emergency room at...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/12/857-night-shift-in-the-er/

MoM Deodorant is Back in Stock!

First, a big apology to our loyal MoM (milk of magnesia) deodorant fans. We have been out of stock for the last several weeks because of the popularity of the product and the time it took to re-manufacture to the...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/14/mom-deodorant-is-back-in-stock/

Bee-Ware Yellow Jacket Allergy

Q. I was a nanny last summer, and one day we were in the kids' back yard. Their dog knocked a yellow jacket down, but it was still alive. Unaware of this, I walked on the deck where the yellow...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/14/bee-ware-yellow-jacket-allergy/

Muscle Weakness from Vitamin D Deficiency

Q. I am 61 years old. My doctor recently tested me for vitamin D and found I am deficient. I was really surprised, since I play golf both summer and winter. (We go to Arizona in the winter.) What are...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/14/muscle-weakness-from-vitamin-d-deficiency/

Treating Nail Fungus without Drugs

Q. I have had toenail fungus for years. It started with a big toe and eventually spread to all my piggies. My wife complained, but since no one else ever sees my ugly toes I wasn't too concerned. Now I...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/14/treating-nail-fungus-without-drugs/

Laxative Doubles as Poison Ivy Remedy

Q. I've used milk of magnesia to clear up poison ivy. I used to get poison ivy all over after clearing the weeds and grass from my mowers in the Texas winds. I had to go to the doctor for...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/14/laxative-doubles-as-poison-ivy-remedy/

How to Avoid Hot Flashes

Q. You wrote about antidepressants like Effexor for hot flash relief and I thought I'd share my experience. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR for my hot flashes five years ago. I took one tablet at bedtime, as directed, and did...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/14/how-to-avoid-hot-flashes/

Cocoa Mocha Offers Benefits

Q. I put baking cocoa in my morning coffee instead of eating high-calorie dark chocolate. Is cocoa as good as the chocolate that is touted as beneficial to our health? A. Cocoa that has been processed with alkali (termed "Dutch...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/14/cocoa-mocha-offers-benefits/

Is Chocolate Health Food Now?

Americans have a strong Puritan ethic. They figure that if it hurts or tastes bad it must be good for you. That may partially explain the earnest embrace of prohibitions in our quest for good health. For decades people in...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/14/is-chocolate-health-food-now/

MoM Deodorant is Back in Stock!

2012-05-14T20:17:37Z

The good news is that The People's Pharmacy Milk of Magnesia Roll-On Deodorant is back in stock. You will discover that the new labels have a more modern, fresh look emphasizing the fact that our MoM deodorant is fragrance free for sensitive skin. We are offering loyal customers a 15% discount on all orders of 3 or more bottles of MoM. Just enter the discount code: mom15 when you check out.

Liquid Milk of Magnesia that you can buy as a laxative (to spray or slosh on underarms) contains sodium hypochlorite, the same ingredient found in household bleach such as Clorox®. We decided that we did not want to use sodium hypochlorite as a preservative in our MoM deodorant. Nor did we want to use parabens as a preservative because there is some concern that such chemicals may have hormone-disrupting properties.

There is no aluminum chlorohydrate in our MoM deodorant. The more we read about aluminum antiperspirants the more concerned we have become. In 2009 Kris McGrath, MD, proposed that obstructing apocrine sweat glands in the underarm with aluminum antiperspirants might have negative health consequents: "An unintentional, inadvertent and long term hormone exposure may occur from transdermal absorption of sex hormones and pheromones (androgens) from axillary apocrine sweat gland obstruction by aluminum-based antiperspirants. The global rise in antiperspirant use parallels rises in breast and prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates." Medical Hypotheses, 2009, vol. 72, pages 665-674.

Dr. McGrath's article was written to stimulate interest and research in this area. We are many years away from a final answer. But we are concerned about whether it is beneficial to apply aluminum compounds to underarm skin every day.

Bottom line: we think magnesium is a safer alternative.

Here is what some folks have to say about Milk of Magnesia (MoM) as a deodorant:

+++++++++++++++++

"I have been using Milk of Magnesia instead of deodorant for several years and it works great. I just get a little on my index finger out of the MoM bottle and rub it on. I had worried for many years about the aluminum in antiperspirants, and it is hard to find deodorants without it."
Helen

+++++++++++++++++

"For years I have had problems with being allergic to deodorants, causing terrible underarm itching. I tried your MoM roll on and it works! Not only does it stop the odor, NO MORE ITCH! I can't say enough for it. And it dries a lot more quickly than most roll-ons. Try it-you'll like it! "
Doris

+++++++++++++++++

"I am amazed at this Milk of Magnesia as deodorant. No one will believe me until they try it. I have eczema and use it to control the itching when I have out breaks. I read your article on how it helps poison oak, so decided to give it a try on my eczema and it works! Not only helps the itching, but will dry it up with daily use. Thank you for all your helpful information."
Ann

+++++++++++++++++
Anyone who would like to learn more about The People's Pharmacy Milk of Magnesia Roll-On Deodorant may go to this link.

If you prefer to go straight to the shopping cart here is your link. And remember, we are offering loyal customers a limited-time discount. Just enter mom15 into the discount code on all orders of 3 or more and save 15%. With hot and humid weather right around the corner we hope you will find The People's Pharmacy Milk of Magnesia Roll-On Deodorant a helpful option for controlling body odor.

Bee-Ware Yellow Jacket Allergy

2012-05-14T19:18:22Z

Q. I was a nanny last summer, and one day we were in the kids' back yard. Their dog knocked a yellow jacket down, but it was still alive. Unaware of this, I walked on the deck where the yellow jacket was lying upside down. I stepped on it and immediately went down: my foot and calf swelled up within seconds and I found it hard to breathe.

I will be back with these children this summer. Should I ask my doctor for an EpiPen? I'm afraid this will happen again this spring or summer. Please help. I'm scared bee-less!

A. Tell your doctor about your reaction. We believe that this could be a strong indication of a serious allergic reaction and next time might be worse. Your doctor can prescribe an EpiPen and explain how and when to use it to avoid anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening. Even with a shot of epinephrine you would need to go immediately to an emergency department.

Muscle Weakness from Vitamin D Deficiency

2012-05-14T19:17:30Z

Q. I am 61 years old. My doctor recently tested me for vitamin D and found I am deficient.

I was really surprised, since I play golf both summer and winter. (We go to Arizona in the winter.)

What are the causes and consequences of a vitamin D deficiency? My legs have become quite weak, so I golf with a cart. I even use a cart at the supermarket to make it all the way around the store. I would be grateful for any information you can send me.

A. Regular sunscreen use might block vitamin D production even though you spend time in the sun. Some medications can lower vitamin D levels in the body. They include prednisone (and other corticosteroids), some anti-seizure medications (phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid) and certain cholesterol-lowering drugs. We are sending you our Guide to Vitamin D Deficiency for more in-depth information.

Low levels of vitamin D are linked to bone pain, muscle weakness, cognitive impairment, depression, arthritis, and falls. You may need a supplement to get you back on track.

Treating Nail Fungus without Drugs

2012-05-14T19:08:30Z

Q. I have had toenail fungus for years. It started with a big toe and eventually spread to all my piggies. My wife complained, but since no one else ever sees my ugly toes I wasn't too concerned.

Now I have fungus on one fingernail and I fear it may be spreading. My doctor was willing to prescribe anti-fungal medicine but the cost and the side effects have scared me. Will the same remedies that you write about for toenail fungus work on fingernails? If so, please send me a copy.

A. We can't think of a reason why nail fungus remedies wouldn't work as well for fingers as for toes. Daily soaks (hands or feet) in a solution containing original amber Listerine mouthwash and white vinegar are a popular approach to home treatment of nail fungus. You should be able to re-use the solution several times.

If this approach doesn't solve the problem, you may find one that does in the Guide to Nail Care we are sending you. One popular home treatment is Vicks VapoRub. When tested in a small clinical trial, this was found to be effective (Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, Jan-Feb, 2011).

Laxative Doubles as Poison Ivy Remedy

2012-05-14T19:06:12Z

Q. I've used milk of magnesia to clear up poison ivy.

I used to get poison ivy all over after clearing the weeds and grass from my mowers in the Texas winds. I had to go to the doctor for a steroid shot to clear it up.

One weekend, out of desperation, I first wiped all the rashes down with rubbing alcohol and then rubbed milk of magnesia all over them. It worked much better than calamine lotion. The rash stopped weeping and spreading, and best of all, the itching stopped too! It all cleared up quickly.

Now milk of magnesia is the first thing I grab as soon as blisters appear.

A. Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide and ferric oxide. It is an old-fashioned mainstay for poison ivy treatment but there has been controversy about its effectiveness.

Other readers agree that topical applications of magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) can be helpful for soothing poison ivy rashes: "I heard that milk of magnesia (MoM) can be applied to underarms as a deodorant. I tried it and it worked!

"Later I heard it is good for pimples. So when, two years ago, I had an attack of poison ivy, I thought MoM might work on poison ivy too.

"It is GREAT! It stops the discomfort immediately and dries it up within a day."

How to Avoid Hot Flashes

2012-05-14T18:52:30Z

Q. You wrote about antidepressants like Effexor for hot flash relief and I thought I'd share my experience. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR for my hot flashes five years ago. I took one tablet at bedtime, as directed, and did not sleep all night. Only when the drug wore off was I able to sleep.

I was nauseated and lightheaded for 18 hours. My first capsule of Effexor was also my last, because during that 18-hour period, I was not sure if I was going to live or die.

A. We are sorry to learn you had such a difficult time with Effexor XR. Nausea, dizziness and insomnia are common reactions to this drug. Women who tolerate the drug may find that the side effects are easier to handle than hot flashes, but others will come to the same conclusion as you.

All the experts agree that the most effective treatment for menopausal hot flashes is estrogen, but it is not for everyone. Some women, especially those who have had breast cancer, need to avoid this hormone.

Another pharmaceutical option that we failed to mention in the earlier column is gabapentin (Neurontin). This prescription drug may cause dizziness and fatigue, but it is more effective than placebo at controlling hot flashes (Maturitas, May, 2012).

Women who are interested in other options to control hot flashes may wish to consult our Guide to Menopause. In it we discuss both medications and nondrug approaches that may be helpful.

Cocoa Mocha Offers Benefits

2012-05-14T18:45:13Z

Q. I put baking cocoa in my morning coffee instead of eating high-calorie dark chocolate. Is cocoa as good as the chocolate that is touted as beneficial to our health?

A. Cocoa that has been processed with alkali (termed "Dutch process") is lower in the anti-oxidant cacao flavonoids that offer health benefits. Natural processed cocoa can be rich in these compounds. They help make blood vessels more flexible, lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity.

Adding cocoa to coffee is a classic flavor combination (mocha) and provides the benefits of chocolate without the sugar or fat associated with candy.

Is Chocolate Health Food Now?

2012-05-14T18:22:45Z

Americans have a strong Puritan ethic. They figure that if it hurts or tastes bad it must be good for you. That may partially explain the earnest embrace of prohibitions in our quest for good health.

For decades people in the U.S. have been told to cut back on fat and cholesterol. That translated into limitations on eggs, butter, and treats like chocolate.

The French, on the other hand, are more interested in moderation as the path to good health. They never traded in butter for margarine or gave up on eggs. They drink wine with their meals and appreciate good chocolate. Their heart attack statistics have always been lower than Americans'.

Now, nutrition experts are revising many of their rules. Eggs are no longer forbidden. Margarine with trans fats is no longer a better butter substitute. And chocolate is being recognized for its health benefits.

A team of nutrition experts from the Harvard School of Public Health recently reviewed the extensive research on chocolate and cocoa flavonoids (Journal of Nutrition, Nov. 2011). These antioxidant plant compounds have many beneficial physiological effects on humans.

Researchers became interested in cocoa and its compounds after anthropologists reported on Caribbean people called the Kuna. On their native islands off the coast of Panama, the Kuna have admirably low blood pressure even into old age. They rarely experience heart attacks or strokes. Once they move to the Panamanian mainland, however, the Kuna are just as likely as other people to die of cardiovascular causes.

What makes the difference? Scientists considered stress and salt intake and concluded those were not to blame (Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 2006). Instead, the explanation lies in the five or more cups of flavonoid-rich cocoa that the island Kuna usually drink each day.

What the research shows is that the flavonoid compounds from cacao can lower systolic blood pressure and increase the flexibility of blood vessels. Cholesterol is affected favorably, with bad LDL cholesterol dropping and good HDL cholesterol rising. All these changes are modest but consistent. In addition, insulin resistance, which plays an important role in type-2 diabetes, is reduced.

Now, you might imagine that, given these results, nutrition nabobs would be encouraging us all to consume cacao flavonoids in cocoa or flavonoid-rich chocolate. Not so. When a new study on the benefits of these compounds is published, there is usually a cautionary commentary from a nutrition scientist warning us that chocolate is high in calories and that eating it will make us fat.

The research shows, however, that people who consume chocolate or cocoa in a research environment do not gain weight. In addition, epidemiology reveals that people who eat modest amounts of chocolate regularly don't weigh more than people who deprive themselves (Archives of Internal Medicine, March 26, 2012).

Learn more about the health benefits of chocolate in The People's Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies (National Geographic). Dark chocolate and naturally processed cocoa are usually richer in the valuable flavonoids that provide health benefits.

857 Night Shift in the ER

2012-05-12T07:48:01Z

Tune in to our radio show on your local public radio station, or sign up for the podcast and listen at your leisure. Here's what it's about:

Dr. Brian Goldman has worked the night shift in the emergency room at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto for more than 20 years. He guides us through the controlled chaos that is a modern emergency department. When clinical time is so restricted, it's hardly any wonder that providers sometimes make mistakes.

How do doctors, nurses and other health care providers deal with their errors? Can patients and their family members help catch mistakes before they do grave harm? Dr. Goldman tells us how learning from mistakes can make health care safer.

Guest: Brian Goldman, MD, is an emergency physician who has worked at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto for more than 20 years. His book is The Night Shift: Real Life in the Heart of the ER. Dr. Goldman hosts CBC Radio One's popular show, White Coat, Black Art, about the practice of medicine. He is part of the National Speaker's Bureau.

There's a conference coming up on June 4, 2012, in Toronto about The Epidemic of Medical Errors and Healthcare Acquired Infections in the US and Canada. It's a good chance to learn more about these problems and how they could be addressed.

The podcast of this program will be available the Monday after the broadcast date. The show can be streamed online from this site and podcasts can be downloaded for free for six weeks after the date of broadcast. After that time has passed, digital downloads are available for $2.99. CDs may be purchased at any time after broadcast for $9.99.

Health Headlines

2012-05-11T22:32:49Z

This Week's Radio Show: 857 Night Shift in the ER

Help for Dry Hands From Digging in the Dirt

Q. I am an avid gardener. I love digging in the earth and even find weeding enjoyable. My flowers and vegetables are looking fabulous, but my hands are a mess. What is it about digging around in the dirt that...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/help-for-dry-hands-from-digging-in-the-dirt/

Parents Disagree About Enemas for Teens

Q. I am very concerned about my wife's practice of giving our boy's enemas on the last Thursday of every month. Our sons are 14 and 12. When I ask why she does this, she replies that it's good for...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/parents-disagree-about-enemas-for-teens/

People Are Obsessed About Pubic Hair

We never fail to be amazed about what our readers and visitors worry about. Of all the things that can go wrong with our health, the color of our pubic hair seems pretty low on the list. Nevertheless, many people...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/people-are-obsessed-about-pubic-hair/

Don't Count on Bone Drugs Long Term

FDA researchers are questioning the long-term benefits of bone drugs like Actonel, Boniva, Reclast and Fosamax (alendronate). These bisphosphonate medications are prescribed to build bone and reduce the risk of fractures. According to the FDA, "more than 150 million prescriptions...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/dont-count-on-bone-drugs-long-term/

Are You Listening to The People's Pharmacy Podcast?

Our award winning radio show is heard on 128 public radio stations nationwide. Each week you can tune in to learn about everything from home remedies to the latest breakthroughs in medicine. You can find a list of public radio...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/are-you-listening-to-the-peoples-pharmacy-podcast/

Cherry Extract Eased Gout Pain

Q. At 39, my brother had knots come up on his shins. His ankles and knees got swollen, and he had pain so excruciating he could barely walk. Tests showed his uric acid levels were extremely high and he was...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/08/cherry-extract-eased-gout-pain/

Health Headlines:

Does BPA Exposure Raise Risk of Breast Cancer?

Evidence continues to accumulate that bisphenol A could pose a health threat. This compound, known as BPA, is a component in clear rigid plastic and the lining of food and beverage cans. It is also found on cash register receipts....

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/does-bpa-exposure-raise-risk-of-breast-cancer/

Big Fine for Drug Maker

Drug maker Abbott has been fined $1.6 billion for promoting unapproved uses of its anticonvulsant Depakote. The medication is used to prevent epileptic seizures, but the company was apparently encouraging doctors to prescribe it for agitation in patients with dementia...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/big-fine-for-drug-maker/

HDL-Raising Drug Flames Out

When doctors assess heart attack risk they frequently consider total cholesterol, bad LDL cholesterol and good HDL cholesterol. There are effective medications to lower total cholesterol and LDL, but raising good HDL has posed a challenge. The Swiss drug developer...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/hdl-raising-drug-flames-out/

Drug Information Is Inadequate for Children

Children are not mini-adults. Their response to medications can be quite different, and they may need special dosing and precautions. That is why a new FDA report is so discouraging. Most medications are not tested in children before FDA approval....

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/drug-information-is-inadequate-for-children/

Probiotics to Prevent Diarrhea

When people take antibiotics they frequently experience diarrhea as a side effect. That's because broad spectrum antibiotics often upset the natural balance of flora in our digestive tracts. A new review in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/probiotics-to-prevent-diarrhea/

Zinc Speeds Recovery from Colds

Some people are enthusiastic about zinc supplements for the common cold, and a new analysis of research shows that zinc can indeed reduce the amount of time some people spend suffering with sniffles. The investigators reviewed 17 randomized, placebo-controlled trials...

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/05/10/zinc-speeds-recovery-from-colds/

Help for Dry Hands From Digging in the Dirt

2012-05-10T22:23:17Z

Q. I am an avid gardener. I love digging in the earth and even find weeding enjoyable. My flowers and vegetables are looking fabulous, but my hands are a mess.

What is it about digging around in the dirt that dries hands out? I hate wearing gloves when I garden but I would love to know how to protect my hands.

A. We asked one of the country's leading cosmaceutical dermatologists about the drying impact of dirt. Here is his answer:

"There is nothing irritating about "dirt" per se. Depending on its moisture, mineral content and particle size it could be abrasive. Generally, people working in dirt like gardeners or an industrial setting are washing their hands a lot with strong and sometimes abrasive cleansers, which have a drying effect. They are also coming in contact with other irritants depending on the specific activity. It is very much an individual situation and not just dirt."

We're not sure he is totally correct. Our hands also dry out when we spend a lot of time digging in dirt. It certainly is true that when you wash your hands a lot after planting or weeding you will also dry out your hands. Regardless of the cause, what can you do?

Short of wearing gloves, which lots of gardeners do not enjoy, your best bet is an affordable and effective moisturizer. You may wish to consider Udderly Smooth Extra Care Cream with Urea for really dry hands. Full disclosure: Redex Industries, makers of Udderly Smooth products underwrites our radio show. That said, we think their products are terrific for dry skin and they are really affordable. Here is a link to Udderly Smooth.

Farmers have been using Udderly Smooth Udder Cream for decades and have learned that it works for their own dry skin...not just for cows udders. That's why we are pleased to have Udderly Smooth as an underwriter for our show. The urea addition is a terrific plus to an already excellent product.

Parents Disagree About Enemas for Teens

2012-05-10T21:58:01Z

Q. I am very concerned about my wife's practice of giving our boy's enemas on the last Thursday of every month. Our sons are 14 and 12.

When I ask why she does this, she replies that it's good for them. She says "it cleans them out," keeps them regular, and cuts down on their chance of colorectal cancer.
I believe a diet high in fiber is enough, but she insists on this measure. Are these enemas harmful or helpful for our sons?

A. A diet high in fiber that includes lots of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains is your sons' best insurance against constipation and colorectal cancer!

We share your concern about your wife's enthusiasm for administering enemas. Most teenage boys would find this practice embarrassing.

Pediatricians generally counsel against regular enema use. Some commercial preparations are high in sodium phosphate which may be absorbed and upset the body's mineral balance.

P.S. We know of no evidence that enemas protect against cancer.

++++++++++

Not surprisingly, this Q&A stirred some powerful emotions for our readers. Here is just one response:

Q. Since your expertise is in pharmacological matters and medical anthropology, I realize that you had to give a gentle answer to the husband who questioned his wife's "perverse" need to subject her teenage sons to enemas. I am only a high school dropout, so I am free to voice my opinion.

This mother should be taken to a head shrink. She has no insight into her own incestuous need to bind her sons forever to an anal fixation. The sexual damage done to them needs treatment immediately.

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to see the correlation between tortured children and adults who are mentally disturbed. Telling this woman that there's no proof enemas prevent cancer will not stop her compulsion. It's like telling her to take up Bingo instead.

A. People have reacted emotionally to the question about enemas administered monthly to a 12- and a 14-year-old boy by their mother. She insisted she was trying to "clean them out" for their health and to prevent cancer.

We are not in a position to diagnose medical or psychological problems. We agree with you, however, that this situation does not sound healthy.

We certainly discouraged the practice. Too many people are overly concerned with bowel function and regularity. Use of enemas and laxatives can become habit-forming and counterproductive.

Anyone who would prefer a more natural approach to digestive problems including constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, hemorrhoids and hiccups may find our book, The People's Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies from National Geographic quite helpful. In addition to GI problems we deal with everything from arthritis and acne to high cholesterol and sinusitis. Let's leave the enemas for emergencies.

People Are Obsessed About Pubic Hair

2012-05-10T21:34:10Z

We never fail to be amazed about what our readers and visitors worry about. Of all the things that can go wrong with our health, the color of our pubic hair seems pretty low on the list. Nevertheless, many people do seem concerned about both the amount and the color of this hair. See some questions and answers below:

Will Rogaine Regrow Lost Pubic Hair?

Q. I'm 63 and have had a hysterectomy. I know this question is for vanity's sake, but I don't want to ask my doctor because I would feel too self-conscious.

Is there anything that can be done for loss of pubic hair? Will Rogaine help? I am embarrassed for my husband to see me without any clothes.

A. Our dermatological consultant could offer no suggestions about the cause of such hair loss. There is no obvious medical condition that would account for this.

Rogaine (minoxidil) might work, but there are no studies to determine if it is helpful in the pubic area. Before you assume your husband would be shocked, check with him. He might not be unhappy with your lack of pubic hair.

++++++++

Q. I was intrigued to read about the lady who had lost her pubic hair and wanted to know if Rogaine could help. I had the same problem. Not only did I lose my pubic hair, but also the hair under my arms, and on my arms and legs.

I don't know if my thyroid problem was responsible but it has led to loss of hair on my head. I just wanted to let you and that lady know that she is not alone with her problem. Please urge her again to be sure to tell her husband and not be embarrassed.

A. Thyroid trouble can trigger hair loss and this gland should be checked in anyone experiencing such a sudden change. Thanks for sharing your experience.

++++++++++++

Can you Dye Your Pubic Hair?

Q. I have never seen my question written up. Is there anything you can use to color graying pubic hair?

I am only in my early forties and I am very distraught about the gray hair I have noticed in this region. I am sure I am not the only one who would like to know about this.

A. We have never received such a question, but our dermatological consultants assure us that you are not the first person to inquire. Unfortunately, there is no good answer.

Hair dyes made for the scalp may cause contact dermatitis for some people, even when used according to directions. Most manufacturers caution against application on other sensitive parts of the body. Pubic hair is sparser so there might be more skin exposure to the chemicals. Since there has been no testing for safety, we have to caution against using commercial dyes on your pubic hair.

Natural coloring agents like henna haven't been tested either. One home remedy we came across in Sassy magazine suggested a hair coloring made of a quarter cup blackstrap molasses mixed with one tablespoon used coffee grounds, a tablespoon of dried rosemary and a tablespoon of your favorite conditioner. Wash off after 20 minutes. P.S. We make no promises about safety or effectiveness. It is likely to be messy!

++++++++

Q. Your answer to a question about graying pubic hair was of great interest to me. I have found sunless tanning gel (No-Ad, manufactured by Solar Suncare) to be very inexpensive and effective in coloring pubic hair to a golden brown in one or two applications. Just moisten the hair and leave the gel on for an hour. Then wash the area with soap and water. The color remains for months. It can easily be reapplied as needed. The tanning gel should be washed from the hands promptly with soap and water as it will stain.

I discovered this method for darkening pubic hair quite by accident. It really works! Please don't use my name since my wife doesn't know the truth yet.

A. We do not understand why people are so concerned about graying pubic hair. Our dermatological consultants tell us, however, that this question comes up periodically. Commercial hair dyes are untested and unapproved for this use.

Sunless tanning gel seems pretty innocuous although we doubt the FDA has cleared it for the use you suggest. Such sunless tanning products have come a long way in recent years and allow for a safer tan than sun exposure. Before anyone tries your trick, they should make sure sensitive skin in that area is not going to react adversely. A little test on the inside of the arm might be a good way to start.

Don't Count on Bone Drugs Long Term

2012-05-10T21:20:32Z

FDA researchers are questioning the long-term benefits of bone drugs like Actonel, Boniva, Reclast and Fosamax (alendronate). These bisphosphonate medications are prescribed to build bone and reduce the risk of fractures. According to the FDA, "more than 150 million prescriptions were dispensed to outpatients between 2005 and 2009."

It's hardly any wonder the drugs have become so popular. Anyone who watches television is likely to have seen Sally Field speak convincingly about the benefits of Boniva and how it can help stop and reverse bone loss. Reclast commercials are equally convincing. The actors look so healthy and happy it is hardly any wonder that people contact their doctors to get a prescription.

So, how good are these drugs really, especially when it comes to long-term use? The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (May 9, 2012), suggests that after the first three to five years, these drugs offer little, if any, reduced risk of fractures. And reducing fractures is the whole point of the exercise. Just improving a score on a bone mineral density test is not enough to warrant long-term use.

The FDA analysis also pointed out that these drugs may have some disconcerting rare risks: Atypical femur fractures [thigh bone breaks], osteonecrosis of the jaw [jaw bone death] and esophageal cancer.

Other possible side effects of this class of medications include:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Back pain
• Digestive distress, nausea, heartburn and esophageal irritation, constipation, gas
• Flu-like symptoms
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches and cramps
• Insomnia

The FDA was very cautious about offering recommendations directly to prescribers or patients. The researchers did say that "patients at low risk for fracture (e.g., younger patients without a fracture history and with a bone mineral density approaching normal) may prove to be good candidates for discontinuation of bisphosphonate therapy after 3 to 5 years..."

Bottom line, there is a lot of uncertainty about the long-term benefits of these widely-prescribed bone drugs. The FDA calls for...guess what..."further investigation...for determining the best regimen of treatment for individual patients with osteoporosis." Thanks a lot FDA for these words of wisdom. Is it likely that drug companies are going to spend the money to do this kind of long-term study? Probably not, given the rather bleak report card from the long-term studies that have already been completed.

What this means is that physicians and patients are even more confused now than they were before. To help shed a little more light on other approaches to preventing and treating osteoporosis we offer our 8-page Guide to Osteoporosis. You will learn about some potential causes (like celiac disease which often goes undiagnosed), non drug preventive approaches and a variety of other ways to deal with osteoporosis. You will also learn about a secret your doctor may not have mentioned: There are a lot of drugs that can actually increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. Find out what they are and how to empower yourself with this $2 guide.

You may also find our 524-page book, Best Choices From The People's Pharmacy of great value. In addition to a chapter on osteoporosis, you will find in-depth chapters on depression, diabetes, heartburn, high blood pressure, insomnia, menopause and tinnitus. You will learn about the best treatments for such conditions ranging from nondrug approaches to the safest and most effective prescription medications.