HEARD IT AND READ IT

Prepared by Bassam Mechammil

April 2008

 

HEALTH:

U.S. researchers have identified all 1,116 unique proteins found in human saliva glands, a discovery they said could usher in a wave of convenient. Spit based diagnostic tests that could be done without the need for a single drop of blood. The researchers hope the saliva-based tests could be used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and a number of other conditions.

 

NEW MIGRANE TREATMENT: Injections of a local anesthetic directly into migraine trigger points in the muscles of the neck can eliminate headache symptoms. The new treatment may help reduce dependency on migraine drugs, the overuse of which can result in headaches. Researchers administered a series of four intramuscular shots to the cervical spine of 78 migraine patients over a period of 60 days. 54 patients received the pain killer bupivacaine and 24 received an inactive placebo. Subjects who received anesthetic experienced 47% fewer headaches and an 18% drop in maximal intensity of headaches, and reported a 53% reduction in use of medications during the treatment period. Those who received placebo reported no significant change in these measures.

 

NEW DEVICE MAKES HEART SURGERY POSSIBLE: Patients who otherwise would be too weak to survive a heart surgery, we hear from Dr. Kirk Garratt. TandemHeart is a temporary pumping device that takes over for the heart for up to 2 weeks, until the heart recovers from surgery. It is covered by Medicare and is available in 28 hospitals in the US. For more information, go to www.cardiacassist.com.

 

FINANCE:

 

Maximize FDIC insurance coverage by funding a variety of bank accounts. The coverage is capped at $100,000 per person for individual savings or checking accounts- But the FDIC also insures up to $100,000 per person in joint accounts. In addition, it insures retirement accounts for up to $250,000 and trust accounts for an additional $100,000 per qualified beneficiary. So a married couple could have separate individual accounts, a joint savings account, separate retirement accounts, and two trust accounts-each naming the other spouse as a beneficiary-and be covered by FDIC insurance up to $1.1 million. And that’s just at one bank. This procedure can be repeated at as many FDIC insured institutions as your assets permit. NOTE: changing how your name is listed on accounts does not give you more coverage.

 

 

AGES 5 To 95 – WHAT THEY LEARN ABOUT LIFE:

 

I have learned that most of the things I worry about never happen. Age 64

 

I have learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 39

 

I have learned that every great achievement was once considered impossible. Age 47.

 

I have learned that no one has a clue about what the stock market is going to do. Age 51.

 

I have learned that couples without children always know just how to raise yours. Age 29.

 

I have learned that getting fired can be the best thing that can happen to you. Age 42.

 

I have learned that the more creative you are, the more things you notice. Age 51.

 

I have learned that you cannot be a hero without taking chances. Age 43.

 

I have learned that it doesn’t cost anything to be nice. Age 66.

 

I have learned that life challenges us with the fact that everything can be done better. Age 57.

 

I have learned that nothing of value comes without effort. Age 64.

 

I have learned that it’s better to be married to someone with a good nature than a good physic. Age 39.

 

I have learned that I should not go grocery shopping when Im hungry. Age 55.

 

I have learned that I cannot expect others to solve my problems. Age 34.

 

I have learned that animals can sometimes warm your heart better than people can. Age 10.

 

I have learned that if you take good care of your employees, they will take good care of your customers. Age 49.

 

I have learned that education, experience, and memories are three things that no one can take away from you. Age 67.

 

I have learned that you cannot hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. Age 7.

 

I have learned that the best way to lose a friend is to lend him money. Age 55.

 

I have learned that when someone tells you it is the principal of the thing and not the money, it is usually the money. Age 65.

 

I have learned that when my parents are in bad moods, its best to agree to everything they say or things get nasty. Age 12.

 

I have learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62.

 

I have learned that the best thing about growing older is that now I don’t feel the need to impress anyone. Age 79.

 

I have learned that it pays to believe in miracles and to tell the truth, I’ve seen several. Age 73.

 

 

I have learned that if your children feel safe, wanted, and loved, you are a successful parent. Age 39.

 

I have learned that if you give a pig and a boy everything they want, you will get a good pig and a bad boy. Age 77.