Dakota Today

***Happy Thanksgiving preparation

I happened to see Dr. Oz oozing this morning about Thanksgiving cooking safety.  Most likely you have heard all this before, but, the best way to thaw a frozen turkey is to put it in a refrigerator a week or so before you plan to cook.   For those of us who can't seem to plan that far ahead, put the frozen turkey in cold water completely submerging it about a day before planning to cook.  We have done this and it works.  The best container we found was an insulated cold chest or picnic  chest.  Something heavy may need to be put atop the turkey to keep from floating out of the water.

The next bit of everyday wisdom was that it is better to cook stuffing outside the turkey instead of inside the turkey.  It is possible but a bit tricky to get the stuffing and the turkey both up to 160F degrees or.  They did do it, but turkey was up to 175F and stuffing was still not 160F, but putting it under an aluminum foil tent for a time got the stuffing temp up.   It seems like cooking the stuffing separately makes a whole lot more sense for safety and requires a whole lot fussing and fiddling.

And, just a little note about Thanksgiving spirit.  I bought vehicle license stickers today.  While I was writing the check, the woman behind the counter said she had to get cooking after she got out of work.  Her mother had taught her how to bake a good pie, and she planned to get that done.   Then she mentioned that her mother had died, but her father still wanted pies.  So the daughter taught her father how to make and bake the pies himself.  I thought that was kind of interesting and reminded me that my own mother pretty much taught my wife how to cook, which means, I can never gripe about how her cooking is not as good as my mother's.

Well, so much for that.  Good luck on your thanksgiving dinner.  Maybe the best idea is to skip the stuffing and the turkey and just cook a ham.  According to an ag report early Sunday morning, farm prices are down for chickens, turkey, and cattle.  Don't eat too much anyway, just have fun and don't make the affair a test of wills and perseverance just short of a complete nervous breakdown.

I gotta get those license stickers on while the temperature is still above freezing.

***Stay tuned and watch the weather reports before traveling--- Doug Wiken.

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***Will farm dust protect you from allergies?

Another interesting article in Science News, Oct3, 2015 page 8.  This one titled "How farm life can prevent allergies".  The caveat on this article is that the science is based on experiments with mice; but, seems to be supported by a study of 1,707 children in fours countries which shows the same link between being exposed to barn dust and resulting allergy resistance.

Scientists have known for a long time that farm life seems to protect kids from developing asthma and hay fever.  The study with mice may have found the link between barn dust and allergy resistance.  Mice exposed to the dust developed resistance to house dust mites which otherwise produce asthma in mice.

Analysis of mouse lung tissue revealed that Trifaip3, the gene for making the enzyme A20, had switched on.  A20 tells cells to not react  and thus prevents triggering immune system unnecessarily.  The A20 enzyme removes ubiquitin, a molecule that sticks to proteins and can signal cells to dial up inflammation.

The dust ingredient may be a bit of bacteria called endotoxin.  That alone would trigger the same response in mice as the air loaded with fine cow manure particles.

Frankly, I can understand the above, but have insufficient knowledge to determine if this somewhat exotic and also primitive science is significant or not.  The same appears to be strue of Stewart Levine of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Md. says it explains a lot, but still does not know if he himself would put a kid in a barn to test this.

Meanwhile those of us still around cattle and barn dust and who have probably been exposed to it since early childhood may owe any resistance to allergies we have to that early exposure.   I suspect we will learn more about the connection between dried cow manure and allergy resistance in the future.

***Stay tuned even if you would rather have allergies than ever get even close to barn dust--- Doug Wiken

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*** Coffee is good for us according to Science News

Coffee may be good for us.  The October 3, 2015 Science News Magazine has a cover with "JAVA The buzz on Coffee's health benefits"and a splashing cup of coffee.  The story inside is titled,"The Beneficial Bean".  Read the whole thing if you can find a copy.  I will put a brief summary below, but it will leave out much that is worth reading.

The chemicals in coffee: Caffeine, Polyphenols, Diterpenes, and Trigonelline all have beneficial effects.  Caffeine reduces liver fibrosis, slows heart and liver damage, and may counter Parkinson's dementia and depression, and boosts feel-good dopamine. Polyphenols (chlorogenic acids, caffeic acid) reduce liver fibrosis, boost DNA repair, may fend off blood clots, boost metabolic efficiency, lower blood pressure (offsetting fleeting blood pressure-boosting of caffeine), act as a demethylating agents, and lessen intestinal injury from free radicals. Diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) fight certain carcinogens, Reduce liver DNA adducts, boot level of glutatione, an anti-oxidant that prevents liver damage, target and kill mosthelioma cells in lung tissue, Kahweol is anti-inflammatory and cuts blood flow to tumors, but, both can also lead to higher levels of bad cholesterol(LDL).  Trigonelline is an antioxidant, lowers blood sugar, and may have brain benefits.

Coffee in varying levels has different effects, so check the article, but seems to reduce odds of Parkinson's disease.  Dementia with mild cognitive impairment progression  may be reduced by drinking coffee.  Polyphenols may also help memory.  Women drinking coffee were shown to have less depression risk and suicide rates fall with caffeinated coffee consumption.  Effect of caffeine on blood pressure is mixed with more consumption showing less increase possibly because of other chemicals in coffee.  A 2010 study found that coffee drinkers were 29 percent less likely to have a stroke compared with coffee avoiders.  Kidney filtration efficiency were improved with coffee drinking, but not by green tea.

So, those of us who start the day off with a cup or two of coffee probably aren't hurting ourselves and may actually be making us more healthy.  But again, read the article for more information on above processes and caveats I may have missed.

And, while it has little relation to the science above, Doug Lund at KELO  lets us know more about drinking coffee with THE BEST PART OF WAKING UP.

****Stay tuned even if you can't drink coffee loaded with cream and sugar and dishwater weak--- Doug Wiken

*** Etc.--July 2, 2015

Today started off with a bit of rain.  Just enough to make things damp.  Then the sun came out and the humidity became nearly unbearable as the temperature rose.

I started checking for anything interesting on the web.  Boink.  The computer shut down, but the new radio was still going.  I went to check the breakers.   Nothing tripped there.  About that time my wife called and said the power was off in Winner as well.  Then it dawned on me.  The new radio could run on AC or batteries.  Power goes off and it shifts to batteries.  The aha moment was tempered with the dumb **** awareness.

Power was off for a few hours.  It came back on in rural Tripp County before it returned to Winner.  Stop lights were working again.  When power was off, gas stations had bags over the pump nozzles, but people kept driving in to get gas.

Enough of that.  This evening my wife decided to thaw some Edamames we had purchased a few weeks ago.  The bag had a very American look to it with "Sea Point Farms" prominent on it.   The beans tasted pretty good.  But, the very fine print on the very bottom of the bag had "Product of China".  Not what I expected to see.   Then this evening I did a search and did find some good information.   "Edamame" is a fancy name for soybeans cut early green in the pod.

It is probably worth your time to check the link below for more information.  The beans taste good and might make a healthy snack.  A lot of health claims for them.  You can get 4 pages of info and recipes  at WebMD---The Secret of Edamame  .

Now, I wonder why this product isn't raised here in the midwest, SD, IA, MN..etc.

***Stay tuned anyway--- Doug Wiken

*** "A good day for America"

I saw and heard President Obama this morning on ABC TV announce the SCOTUS Burwell decision.  The Affordable Care Act was saved by a 6 to 3 vote in the court.  Obama said it was a "good day for America",  Millions of people will keep affordable health insurance.   Millions of people will not need to go through emergency rooms and drive up health care costs for everybody.

Of course, Retrograde Republican presidential candidates immediately attacked the Supreme Court and "Obamacare".  An ABC commenter noted that GOP has already had 67 votes in Congress to end the Affordable Care Act.

Of course, they threaten to deny health care to millions if one of their clown car passengers ends up President in the next election.  Those with affordable health care or with children covered to age 26 because of it should take note.  Republicans are hazardous to your health.

Meanwhile back here in South Dakota, our idiot in the Governor's Mansion is still letting his ideological mythology trump reality and reason and is preventing $45 million from entering the South Dakota economy and helping thousands with medical cost relief.

For some fine combing of the legal positions involved, take a look at Cory Heidelberger's Dakota Free Press.

And for a satirical look at GOP lunacy, check Andy Borowitz.

***Stay tuned and remember June 25, 2015 was "a good day for America"-- Doug Wiken

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*** The STR(T) Quick tests to check for strokes

I found this at Facebook.  I have not had time to check for confirmation of any of this information yet however.  Comments welcome.  It appears that the information may have the potential to save lives.

Angie Kassabie

August 22, 2013 ·

Stroke has a new indicator! They say if you forward this to ten people, you stand a chance of saving one life. Will you send this along? Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue:

During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) ...she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Jane's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 PM Jane passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today.

Some stroke victims don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

 

It only takes a minute to read this-----
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which may be tough but is essential.

Not identifying symptoms of a stroke can spell disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to quickly recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

  Remember the '3' steps, STR. Doctor claims a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking 3 or 4 simple questions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)  (i.e. "Chicken Soup is good")

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

 

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Above was edited for clarity and conciseness. A cardiologist says sending this to 10 people may save at  least one life..

The above may have a number of untestable assertions, but it might also be useful.  A commenter at the Facebook page indicated above relates to ischemic strokes.  Other types of strokes may have different indicators and require nearly completely different treatment.  Check with your own doctors or medical providers.

 

*** Stay tuned and remember I am not a doctor and don't even play one on --- Doug Wiken

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*** "WEED"--National Geographic article on science of marijuana

The June 2015 issue of National Geographic on pages 31 to 57 has an article headlined, "High Science".  I can only assume most of the information is correct since I have never used marijuana for any purpose..medical or otherwise and haven't had even a beer for many years.  It seems to be pretty well balanced indicating both the potential and the perils which may be involved with marijuana, medicine, and medical research.

The medical research and uses by patients suffering from several varieties of diseases and afflictions is interesting.  The over reaction of the federal government in classifying marijuana in the same category of drug as heroin also is discussed.  The federal position prevents some research in the US that is moving forward in other countries.

The article also discusses Colorado which has legalized marijuana and the impact on society and economy there.

I think it is an article worth reading by all since it appears to be reasonably well balanced in coverage of negative and positive aspects.  There is a bit of information for those opposed to marijuana and a lot of information which may be of interest to those hoping for development of medical uses of marijuana or chemical substances it contains.

It also should be read by those who see little purpose in giving long prison sentences to those using pot.  It appears to me that marijuana use probably causes fewer costs to society than does alcohol.  Likely all the direct tax revenue from alcohol fails to cover even the social costs associated with fatal crashes in which alcohol is a contributing factor.  It is interesting that some advocates of marijuana are now pushing for a ban on alcohol sales so long as marijuana is banned.

I also heard an interesting comment today on public radio concerning entry of illegal aliens crossing the US-Mexican border.  The number is down.  The Hispanic reporter had a number of explanations, but one of them was the legalization of marijuana in some US states.   Also note the batch of links below.  TypePad reached the limit, but there are many more links and references to the National Geographic article than I could include.

***Stay tuned and stay sober--- Doug Wiken

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***More on yes-no on 17?

Based on hits on the Yes-No post, a lot of people are apparently still looking for information on SD Initiative 17.  So am I, but more and more I am leaning toward the idea that "NO" might be the better vote.

BUT, what this initiative really indicates and what the composition its supporters and opponents show is that the SD Legislature is derilict in their duties to serve citizens rather than the doctor/chiropractor special interest/clinics or the hospital/insurance special interests because mostly those groups are lined up on opposite sides of this.  There just must be a better option to the problems with medical insurance coverage that Initiative 17.   I am not sure that my perhaps vain hope is sufficient reason to vote "No" however.

South Dakota insurance regulators and the legislature can make sure that South Dakotans get fair treatment from their health insurance suppliers even when that requires a doctor not in the  system that insures them or is the result of an emergency in the wrong town.   They can also make certain that such necessities do not require extra payments.  Legislators and the legislative research counsel should be able to devise a uniform billing system that works for all groups and all providers so that this protection does not generate billing nightmares and extra charges.

Your ideas and comments welcome.  Legislators need to hear about patient and insured interests as well as those of the special corporate and medical interests.

[[Following added October 28, 2014:  In the Mitchell Daily Republic Tuesday October 28, 2014 on page A5 (the Opinion page), Dr. Tom Dean, M.D. of Wessington springs wrote:  I would urge a "NO" vote on Measure 17.

This is truly a "wolf in sheep's clothing". Why did I say that?  The ads about freedom of choice are naturally appealing, but there is a great deal the ads do not tell you.

First, passage of this measure would severely restrict the ability of insurance companies to negotiate provider fees on behalf of their subscribers.  It would therefore increase insurance premiums and health care costs.

Second, the proposal has been considered by the SD legislature on several occasions, and on each ocassion, they have rejected it.  If it was simply a matter of freedom of choice for consumers, it is not likely the legislature would have taken such action.

Finally, the public needs to know who is in fact promoting this proposal. The sponsors are the for profit specialty hospitals-- most of which are owned by physicians who refer to them -- and various medical specialists whose high fees are being squeezed as the pressure for health care cost control becomes increasingly intense.

In summary, I would ask "Is it appropriate for the state to be dictating who an insurance company has to do business with?"  In my view, it is not, and I would urge a "NO" vote on 17.

I find the doctors's letter interesting with several good points worth considering  I am however not at all convinced of the reasons for the legislature reticence of the issue.  I think it has more to do with political gutlessness and fear of upsetting special interests on all sides of this issue.  As I indicated above, I think there are better ways to do what needs to be done.

***Stay tuned, I may waffle around a bit more on this in the next few days--Doug Wiken.

*** Might a filter made by a Rapid City firm help fight against Ebola?

The Rapid City Journal had a story in the Sunday October 19, 2014 issue.  It was followed a front-page headline, "Firm develops Ebola treatment".  You can read the story online (don't know for how long however).  Click on RC JOURNAL ImmutriX Therapeutics.    

If you read the link I posted here a few days ago, you are already aware that the way Ebola kills has recently been determined.  The products from Ebola virus cause human resistance system to go into wild reaction.  This is mentioned in the RC Journal story too.  Here is the link again on how your immune system and Ebola can destroy your body.     The Rapid City firm thinks it may have developed a blood filter which can aid victims of Ebola by removing the destructive blood contaminants resulting from systemic inflamation response syndrome.

The Rapid City Journal story is based on information from Jeff Barnes, VP of development for ImmutriX.  and Immutrix founder, president, and CEO Carol A. Rae.  They say the firm has spent years researching ways to remove pro-infamatory mediators from blood. This research was not done because of stimulus from Ebola, but other diseases that also cause a flood of enzymes and proteins that overwhelm the body and its organs.

Rae says the company has patents, but their blood cleansing system has not yet been tested in humans.  It has however already worked in animals.  The company has submitted its technology to The Grand Ebola Challenge and is hoping for cooperation from other government agencies.  This may be a gift the company can give to victims of Ebola, but others will have to administer it and provide the training and hardware.

I hope this isn't literally a (blood) pipe dream and the company is on to something.  This may be good for South Dakota and the world for that matter.  I haven't yet found links to the company however.  Immutrix did get a grant from Proof of Concept.  This link appears to be from Immutrix--- More Scientific Explanation--Immutrix Absorbents in Ebola Treatment. 

***Stay tuned...I may find more on this in the following days-- Doug Wiken

 

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*** A couple of interesting links

Some of the weirder parts of the GOP prefer ignorance to science.  Check the link that follows:  The Republican Party Assault on Science.

William Srstka found an interesting link on failures and likely more failures in trying to turn money grubbing ideologue religionists into armies favorable to the US.

Investing in Junk Armies

The article is interesting and worth reading from top through the comments...some of which make sense and some which don't.

***Stay tuned..now and then stuff at Facebook is VERY interesting-- Doug Wiken

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