10 MOVIE FIRSTS AND THE DATE:

10 MOVIE FIRSTS AND THE DATE:

FIRST MOTION PICTURE CAMERA. 1889. The kinetograph was commissioned by Thomas Edison and built by William Kennedy Laurie Dickson.

FIRST MOVIE. 1903. "The Great Train Robbery." A 12-minute short. It was a Western filmed in New Jersey.

FIRST MOVIE THEATER. 1905. The Nickelodeon, located at 441 Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh.

FIRST FEATURE-LENGTH FILM. 1911. Two reels of D.W. Griffith's "Enoch Arden" were shown together making it the first feature-length film.

FIRST X-RATED MOVIE. 1968. "Greetings" directed by Brian DePalma. Also Robert De Niro's first movie.

FIRST (AND ONLY) X-RATED MOVIE TO WIN AN OSCAR. 1969. "Midnight Cowboy," directed by John Schlesinger. (It has now been upgraded to R).

FIRST COMPUTER-ANIMATED FEATURE FILM. 1995. "Toy Story."  The first cartoon to be drawn entirely by computer.

FIRST MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT. 1921. Comedian Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle.

FIRST TALKIE. 1927. "The Jazz Singer" with Al Jolson. It was only partially a talkie but my how it changed the industry.

FIRST ACADEMY AWARD WINNER FOR BEST FILM. 1927."Wings." Also the only silent film to win the Oscar. Directed by William Wellman and starred Gary Cooper.

How your attitude can create reality

How your attitude can create reality

By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

"Letting go and attitude." We hear that over and over in our discussions about stress. Let me explain how these two issues came home recently.

A wonderful opportunity arose for me to speak to a group of nurses who deal with challenging medical problems under difficult circumstances. The hours are long; the patients demanding; and issues of sleep and fitness are crucial. I shared with the audience the comments of one of my pilot friends who mentioned that when we are sleep deprived we may not know that our performances are suboptimal. Studies confirm this.

We may feel alert, but studies of judgment, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills are dramatically impaired. In other words, we may feel on top of our game, but without a fundamental level of fitness, we are clearly impaired.

At the end of my presentation, I asked the audience what were their survival tactics and skills. What could I learn from them? Two recurrent comments focused on the importance of attitude. The way I view the day, the way I react to circumstances, determines how my day will be.

If I approach a situation with negativity and pessimism, the situation can consume me. On the other hand, if I view the situation as a challenge and as an opportunity, the results are far more optimistic and positive.

I also heard the comment of "disengagement." This is the gift or the skill of unhooking or separating ourselves from a serious situation so that the next day we can be rejuvenated and go back into the arena, into the office, into the professional environment to do the best that we can for the next patient, the next customer, the next family, the next vendor with whom we deal. Yes, attitude creates reality.

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About Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

About Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

There's no cure for the common cold. But what about cold remedies that claim to make you feel better faster? Find out what's effective — and what's not.
Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold, and many are nearly as ancient. The use of chicken soup as a congestion cure dates back centuries. But is longevity any guarantee that a cold remedy works? Do effective cold remedies even exist? Here's a look at some common cold remedies and what's known about them.

Cold remedies: What works
If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for about a week. But that doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies may help:

Water and other fluids. You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse.
Salt water. A saltwater gargle — 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
Saline nasal sprays. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays combat stuffiness and congestion. Unlike nasal decongestants, saline sprays don't lead to a rebound effect — a worsening of symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe and nonirritating, even for children.
Chicken soup. Generations of parents have spooned chicken soup into their sick children. Now scientists have put chicken soup to the test, discovering that it does have effects that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining. So which is better, homemade or canned? Researchers at the University of Nebraska compared homemade chicken soup with canned versions and found that many, though not all, canned chicken soups worked just as well as soups made from scratch.
Over-the-counter cold medications. Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that parents avoid such cold medicines for children younger than age 2. And they are evaluating the safety of these medications in older children.

Keep in mind that acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in high doses. It's common for people to take Tylenol in addition to flu medications that also contain acetaminophen, which can lead to drug overdoses. Read the labels of any cold medication carefully to make sure you're not overdosing.

Humidity. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home, but it can also add mold, fungi and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Change the water in your humidifier daily, and clean the unit at least once every three days.

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Cold remedies: What doesn't work
The list of ineffective cold remedies is long. A few of the more common ones that don't work include:

Antibiotics. These destroy bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Antihistamines. Some studies have suggested minimal reduction in sneezing and nasal discharge with first-generation (sedating) antihistamines. However, results are conflicting and the benefits may not outweigh the side effects.
Over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups. In cold season, nonprescription cough syrups practically fly off the drugstore shelves. Some contain ingredients that may relieve coughing, but the amounts are too small to do much good and may actually be harmful for children. Many experts don't recommend their use in children. The FDA recommends that parents avoid cough medicines for children younger than age 2. They are evaluating the safety of these medications in older children. The American College of Chest Physicians strongly discourages the use of these medications in children younger than 14, because they're not effective at treating the underlying cause of cough due to colds.

Coughs associated with a cold usually last less than three weeks but could be present up to four weeks. If a cough lingers longer than that, see your doctor. In the meantime, try soothing your throat with warm lemon water and honey and humidifying the air in your house. Avoid giving honey to infants.


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Cold remedies: What probably doesn't hurt
In spite of ongoing studies, the scientific jury is still out on popular cold remedies such as vitamin C, echinacea and zinc. Here's an update on some common alternative remedies:

Vitamin C. It appears that for the most part taking vitamin C won't help the average person prevent colds. However, taking 200 milligrams (mg) or more does seems to benefit those who engage in extreme physical exercise or who are exposed to extremely cold environments — such as soldiers, skiers and marathon runners. Just what constitutes an optimum dose isn't clear, but amounts in excess of 2,000 mg a day may cause nausea and diarrhea.
Echinacea. Studies on the effectiveness of echinacea at preventing or shortening colds is mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show a 10 percent to 30 percent reduction in severity and duration when taken for seven to 10 days at the onset of the cold. Some people swear by Airborne, a popular herbal cold remedy that's sold over-the-counter in many drugstores.
Zinc. The cold-fighting reputation of zinc has had its ups and downs. That's because many zinc studies — both those that find the mineral beneficial and those that do not — are flawed. The highest quality randomized trials generally show no benefit. In studies with positive results, zinc seemed most effective taken as a lozenge or nasal spray in the form of zinc acetate within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Taking zinc with food may reduce side effects, including a bad taste and nausea. Intranasal zinc may result in permanent damage to the sense of smell.

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Take care of yourself
Although usually minor, colds can make you feel miserable. It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids, and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.

MRSA

MRSA that occurs outside the hospital setting often looks innocuous at first — you may see pimples, swollen skin and a rash, and you may develop a fever. If you're concerned about whether you've been exposed to MRSA, take precautions to keep your wound covered so you don't transmit the bacteria to others, and see your doctor immediately. But remember that staph is not a death sentence — with the right antibiotics, it can be treated.

Daily aspirin therapy: Understand the benefits and risks

Daily aspirin therapy: Understand the benefits and risks

Is an aspirin a day the right thing for you? It's not as easy a decision as it sounds. Know the benefits and risks before considering daily aspirin therapy.
Daily aspirin therapy helps lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, but daily aspirin therapy isn't appropriate for everyone. Is it right for you?

You should consider daily aspirin therapy only if you've had a heart attack or stroke, or you're at high risk of either. And then, proceed only with your doctor's approval. Although taking an occasional aspirin or two is safe for most adults to use for headaches, body aches or fever, daily use of aspirin can have serious side effects.

How does aspirin prevent a heart attack or stroke?
Aspirin interferes with your blood's clotting action. When you bleed, your blood's clotting cells, called platelets, accumulate at the site of your wound. The platelets help form a plug that seals the opening in your blood vessel to stop bleeding.

But this clotting can also happen within the vessels that supply your heart and brain with blood. If your blood vessels are already narrowed from atherosclerosis — the accumulation of fatty deposits in your arteries — a blood clot can quickly form and block the artery. This prevents blood flow to the heart or brain and causes a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin therapy reduces the clumping action of platelets — possibly preventing heart attack and stroke.


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Does daily aspirin therapy differ between men and women?
Early studies on daily aspirin therapy were done mostly in men. More recent studies have focused on the effects of aspirin in women, finding that its effects differ between the sexes, and for women, between age groups. The table below shows how aspirin can affect men and women differently.

Aspirin benefits for men and women

A daily aspirin can: Women under age 65 Women age 65 and older Men (all ages)
Prevent first stroke X X
Prevent first heart attack X X
Reduce heart disease risk X X X
Prevent second heart attack X X X

The risk of bleeding with daily aspirin therapy, however, is about the same in both sexes. More study is needed to determine how or if this might change recommendations for daily aspirin therapy for heart attack and stroke prevention.

Should I take a daily aspirin?
Whether you need daily aspirin therapy depends on your risk of heart disease and stroke. Risk factors for a heart attack or stroke include:

Smoking tobacco
High blood pressure — a systolic pressure of 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher
Total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL (6.22 mmol/L) or higher
Low-density lipoprotein ("bad") cholesterol level of 130 mg/dL (3.68 mmol/L) or higher
Lack of exercise
Diabetes
Stress
Having more than two alcoholic drinks a day for men, one drink a day for women
Family history of a stroke or heart attack
If you've had a heart attack or stroke, chances are your doctor has talked to you about taking aspirin to prevent a second occurrence.

If you have strong risk factors, but have not had a heart attack or stroke, you may also benefit from taking an aspirin every day. First, you'll want to discuss with your doctor whether you have any conditions that make taking aspirin dangerous for you.

Some conditions that may prevent you from starting daily aspirin therapy include:

A bleeding or clotting disorder (bleeding easily)
Asthma
Stomach ulcers
Heart failure
It's also important to tell your doctor what other medications or supplements you might be taking, even if it's just ibuprofen. Taking aspirin and ibuprofen together reduces the beneficial effects of the aspirin. Taking aspirin with other anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin) could greatly increase your chance of bleeding.


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What's the best dose of aspirin to take?
There's no uniform dose of aspirin you should take to get the benefits of daily aspirin therapy. You and your doctor will discuss what dose is right for you. Some studies have shown that very low doses of aspirin — 75 milligrams (mg), which is less than a standard baby aspirin — can be effective. Your doctor may prescribe a daily dose anywhere from 81 mg — the amount in a baby aspirin — to 325 mg (regular strength).

What happens if I stop taking aspirin every day?
While you might know that taking daily aspirin helps prevent additional heart attacks or strokes, you might be surprised to learn that stopping daily aspirin therapy can have a rebound effect that may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. If you've been on daily aspirin therapy and want to stop, it's important to talk to your doctor before making any changes. Suddenly stopping daily aspirin therapy could have a rebound effect that may trigger a blood clot.

Can I take aspirin if I regularly take ibuprofen for another condition?
Ibuprofen counteracts the benefit of daily aspirin therapy when taken together. Both aspirin and ibuprofen reduce the clotting action of blood platelets.

Aspirin is still effective if taken two hours before a single daily dose of ibuprofen. However, taking multiple doses of ibuprofen daily or taking ibuprofen before aspirin can prevent aspirin from working effectively. Occasional use of ibuprofen — less than 60 days a year — is usually OK.

If you need only a single dose of ibuprofen, take it eight hours before or 30 minutes after the aspirin. If you need to take ibuprofen more often, talk to your doctor about medication alternatives.

What are the possible side effects of daily aspirin therapy?
Even if you do have risk factors for heart attack or stroke, don't pop open your aspirin bottle just yet. If you're already taking an anticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin) for another condition, combining it with aspirin may greatly increase the risk of major bleeding complications. However, there may be some conditions for which combining a low dose of aspirin with warfarin is appropriate (for example, with certain types of artificial heart valves for secondary stroke prevention), but this therapy always needs to be carefully discussed with your doctor.

Other medications and herbal supplements also may increase your risk of bleeding. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all of your medications — prescription and over-the-counter — and any supplements that you're taking, before beginning daily aspirin therapy.

Side effects and complications of taking aspirin include:

Hemorrhagic stroke. While daily aspirin can help prevent a clot-related stroke, it may increase your risk of a bleeding stroke (hemorrhagic stroke).
Gastrointestinal bleeding. Daily aspirin use increases your risk of developing a stomach ulcer. And, if you have a bleeding ulcer, taking aspirin will cause it to bleed more, perhaps to a life-threatening extent.
Allergic reaction. If you're allergic to aspirin, taking any amount of aspirin can trigger a serious allergic reaction.
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss. Too much aspirin (overdosing) can cause tinnitus and eventual hearing loss in some people.
If you're taking aspirin and you must undergo even a simple surgical procedure or dental work, be sure to tell the surgeon or dentist that you take daily aspirin and how much. Otherwise you risk excessive bleeding during surgery.

The Food and Drug Administration also warns that people who regularly take aspirin should limit the amount of alcohol they drink because of its additional blood-thinning effects and potential to upset your stomach. If you take daily aspirin therapy, you should not have more than one drink a day if you're a woman or two drinks a day if you're a man.


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If I take daily aspirin, is it still safe to take an aspirin during a heart attack?
For most people experiencing heart attack symptoms, doctors recommend chewing and swallowing one plain regular-strength aspirin or two to four baby aspirin. This recommendation still holds true if you are on daily aspirin therapy. Chewing the aspirin speeds up the absorption process and minimizes any delay in the beneficial effects of aspirin.

If you have certain bleeding disorders, you should not take an aspirin during a heart attack, and you're also not a candidate for daily aspirin therapy.

Don't take aspirin if you think you're having a stroke, because not all strokes are caused by blood clots; some are caused by ruptured blood vessels. Taking aspirin could make a bleeding stroke more severe.


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Should I take a coated aspirin?
Enteric-coated aspirin is designed to pass through your stomach and not disintegrate until it reaches your intestines. It's gentler on the stomach and may be appropriate for some people who take a daily aspirin, especially in those with a history of gastritis or ulcers.

However, it takes longer for your body to absorb enteric-coated aspirin, and it doesn't appear to offer significant protection against bleeding in your stomach and intestines. More studies are needed to better understand the differences between plain aspirin and enteric-coated aspirin. If you have questions or concerns about the type of aspirin you take, ask your doctor to determine the best option for you.

What is a superaspirin?
Perhaps you've heard or read about what is sometimes called a "superaspirin." Superaspirin refers to a newer class of drugs that are available as an alternative or supplement to aspirin. These medications are called platelet aggregation inhibitors and reduce the risk of blood clots. Though they have similar effects as aspirin, they work by a slightly different action. This class of drugs includes clopidogrel (Plavix), eptifibatide (Integrilin) and others. These medications may be used:

Along with aspirin, to reduce the risk of another heart attack or stroke in people who have had one
During a heart attack or clot-related strokes
Before and after angioplasty and stent placement, to help reduce procedure-related blood clots
To treat peripheral vascular disease
Superaspirin may be an option if you are resistant to aspirin (meaning you don't get the clot-preventing benefits), are allergic to aspirin or can't tolerate its side effects. The combination of aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) is recommended only for people who have specific heart or blood vessel conditions. If you are currently taking Plavix and aspirin but have not had a heart attack or stroke, don't stop taking it suddenly. Talk to your doctor first.

Aspirin — Tried and true
With all of the amazing medical advances and new medications available, it's reassuring to know that aspirin is still an effective, affordable and simple option for many people at risk of heart attack and stroke. Though aspirin is readily available, always check with your doctor before starting daily aspirin therapy.


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Feb 27, 2008
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You’re Not Perfect – So Stop Trying to Be!

You’re Not Perfect – So Stop Trying to Be!

JORGE’S DAILY FIT TIP
By Jorge Cruise, LifeScript Fitness Coach
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Don’t get me wrong – doing things to the best of your ability is a good rule of thumb. But some people take this motto to an unhealthy extreme. Seeking perfection is not only unrealistic, but it’s also a huge burden to carry. Perfectionists may start out with the best of intentions – wanting to better themselves or their situation – but they end up becoming control freaks. When something minor goes wrong, they feel like it’s the end of the world. This creates an obscene amount of stress that’s enough to drive anyone batty! If you fall into the trap of perfectionism, especially when it comes to your body, you need to learn to accept your imperfections. Maybe you compare yourself to glossy photos of supermodels. Guess what? They’re airbrushed to look perfect. Away from the pages of magazines, they have imperfections, problem areas and bad hair days just like everyone else. So, remember: Nobody’s perfect… and that’s the beauty of it.

lifting weights

Skipping the Weights.

Contrary to popular myth, lifting weights will not necessarily make you bulk up, an effect that many people, especially women, want to avoid. In fact, women actually lack the testosterone and often the time it takes in the gym to really get beefy.It’s true that when you start lifting weights or using a resistance training program, you generally gain a bit of weight before you start to lose it, but that’s simply because muscle weighs more than fat.If you want to get in shape, “pumping iron” will make you look trimmer and more toned, and will help you burn more calories even after your workout is done.

Lifting weights can help your heart, boost your brian, and gives you the muscles of someone 20 years younger. It soumds like some suspicious promise from late-night infomercial: feel 15 to 30 years younger by exercisiing just one hour a week!

yet that's exactly what happens when your lift weights. Strength training has been shown to decrease insulin resistance, decrease resting blood pressure, reduce arthritis pain, even improve memory.

Some experts believe it's as essential as aerobic training. Aerobic training such as walking prevents muscle loss in the legs; while weightlifting prevents muscle loss in the arms and strengthen muscles there. Tht loss of muscle - about seven pounds per decade for men and five pounds per decade for women - causes a slow down in resting metabolism that then translates into a host of health problems.

Much of that age-related decline in muscle mass can be halted - and even reversed - by strength training, Gary Hunter, a professor of human studies and nutrition sciences at the university of alabama at birmingham, found that lifting weights for 30-40 minutes three times a week increased the muscle strength of women 60-77 years old by almost 40 percent -putting them on a par with 35-year-olds. Other studies have found similar benefits from lifting just twice a week.