So saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Dr. Charles van der Horst, a close colleague of Gary.  He was lost during a swimming marathon in the Hudson River.  We are saddened by the huge loss.

From: Gary Greenberg <gngreenberg@gmail.com>

Date: Mon, Apr 2, 2018 at 7:34 AM
Subject: Happy April Fools: "Speed Meditation" was a spoof
To:

The below message was another annual fiction.

Yes, there are download-based smartphone Mindfulness tools, even for guided meditation ("HeadSpace" is popular, with nearly 200,000 downloads just to iPhones!).

Yes, many of us do listen to "Audible" books and podcasts at accelerated speeds. My iOS application is Overcast, which offers 11 speed increments between 0.75 and 3.0 times original.

However, I don't think that anybody has combined these resources (yet).

Further: 

There is no Nev York Tines publication.

Neither Mel F. Lewis nor Peter Aftermey (mellifluous and repeat-after-me) are real.

Dr. Achmed Envel was named after our forum: Occ-Env-Med-L.

Dairy-Air is not a Wisconson air-transport carrier (derriere).

I.N.Hale and Bree Theasey are imaginary too.

I appreciate your indulgence and annual stretched credulity.

As usual, I had minor help (but share no blame) from AOEC's staff and also from the wonderful compilation of punny job holders at the Car Talk staff directory. Dairy-Air was introduced to me from Prairie Home Companion.

Thanks,

- Gary Greenberg

= -- = -- = -- 

Past Spoofs Past 4/1 stories, all false, false, false, generally as stored in our archives of all broadcast messages:

2017: Mauderator troll-detecting software to replace live professional supervision

2016: MMWR's replacement with Morbidity & Mortality Minute by Minute

2015: Medscrape: New ICD-10 Z-Codes for Administrative-Only Encounters

2014: EMR 'Transparent' Screen Improves Eye Contact for Doctors' Visits, CCU-II

2013: Bio-Implanted Tech Gadgets' Health Costs Debated

2012: Chi-Trib: Thimerasol Banned as Neti Pot Disinfectant, FDA

2011: Insurers’ Use of Consumer Data Attacked (“Well, Well, Well” program allowing Blue-Cross to access internet and mobile phone use data)

2010: Proposed Mental Diagnoses: Eating Disorders, Sexual Addiction and Lip Balm Habits

2009: Spi-PAP respiratory device alleged violates privacy rights

2008: CPSC: Counterfeit Radiation Protection Garments have no Lead

2007: FDA: Toxic Mold, Memory Loss, Judgment Effects, US (DC)

2006: ProMED: Capsaicin-Containing Personal Lubricant: UK, Scotland

2005: NYT: Ur Assay for Liberal BioMarker, Wker Screening

2004: Narrative: Sad tale of a spoiled spoof (belated April 1, 2004!) and content: FDA: Counterfeit Zocour and Aerisept

2003: MMWR/03-04-01, Powdered Candy Linked to Oral CA, Penn. and MMWR/03-04-01, Contents, Special edition

= -- = -- = -- = -- = -- = -- 

>

April 1, 2018 

By Mel F. Lewis and Peter Aftermey

Digital training tools and wellness benefit by increased audio speed

Compressed and speedy teaching techniques have been attractive options for busy learners for almost a century. Use of modern digital playback acceleration tools has made these more available and effective, and are extending in novel directions. Recognizing that training requirements (especially Human Resources, Safety and Health topics) are major costs to employers, time-efficiency has become a competitive front.

TEXT TOOLS

Readers' Digest (1922) and Cliff Notes (1958) used summarization and often brutal editing to abridge both literary and technical content, but were often characterized as a violation of the original material.

READING SKILLS

In the 1960's, reader training techniques (emphasizing disciplined eye, hand and page movements) were promoted to cover content with greater efficiency. Media coverage and celebrity endorsements offered near-magical acceleration of commercially available programs as Evelyn Woods Reading Dynamics. Mrs Woods herself boasted reading 2,700 words a minute, by visually scanning down the page rather than left to right, reading groups of words or complete thoughts rather than single words, and avoiding involuntary rereading of material. Success rates after training were variable.

TECHNOLOGY'S EFFECTS

With analog (taped) playback, sped-up learning from audio sources was mocked, because of concomitant changes in pitch, often compared to chipmunks. With digital playback, reduction of silences and suspended syllables allowed content to accelerate greatly, testing listeners' speed of retention.  Downloaded audiobooks, as well as podcast applications routinely allow quicker listening experiences, up to an intensely demanding "3x" or triple-speed.

WORKPLACE TRAINING APPLICATIONS

Employers are compelled by governmental rules and by defensive policies to require extensive (and expensive) worker training. In highly regulated sectors such as healthcare, and transportation, modules include OSHA and EEOC mandate formal training regarding policies from Sexual Harassment, Hazardous Substances, Blood Borne Pathogens, Radiation Safety, Diversity Sensitivity and Financial Integrity. For many workers, these fundamentals are supplemented training for local priorities. Such orientation (and recertification) programs are burdensome and costly.

Corporate training tools have evolved from required rosters at live performances to electronic registration for logged streaming narrated PowerPoint presentations, The opportunity to customize playback speed is an option for teachers and learners. 

"As long as our workers get better than 80% on our post-module tests, we don't care what they're doing while listening, and surely don't need to require slower playback", says Dr. Achmed Envel Director for Worker Safety at Dairy-Air, a Wisconsin-based regional commuter airlines.

Referring to OSHA's Hazardous Waste training, Dr. Envel adds, "We even managed to cover the 'HAZWOPER 40-hour course' in less than 3 days".

HEALTH OPPORTUNITIES 

Beyond regulated training, Employee Health experts use accelerated learning for voluntary prevention programs. Wellness coaching began with fact-based topics regarding calorie-counting and exercise techniques, but new topics are exploding.

MNDFL is a new commercial program featuring a smartphone app that provides guided meditation coaching at double or triple-speed. Developers boast of early studies showing reduced stress markers in blood and urine hormones, as well vital signs. "We cater to a rushed generation seeking expedited results" says spokesperson I.N.Hale. 

"When we tested MNDFL, I was shocked you could get a half-hour of meditation in just 10 minutes!" declares Bree Theasey, an EAP trainer for an Orlando trucking firm. "Once they get used to 2x- or 3x-playback speeds, our drivers can really wind down in just a minute or so."

SAFETY CONCERNS 

Counterfeit speed-meditation programs appeared soon after MNDFL's success was recognized. "I was surprised to hear that the meditation guide competitor's CALM-X brand began deep rhythmic breathing at triple-speed" said counselor Les Moody of Dairy-Air. "I guess they didn't expect patients might hyperventilate and collapse".

Another concern was workers' tendency to multi-task. "Our drivers are allowed to listen to anything they want while driving" said Theasey. "So it was against our corporate culture to provide the meditation tools, but then we found we couldn't ban use during working hours according to our contracts. There have been complaints, despite obvious safety concerns. Otherwise, it's been very well received."

= -- = -- = -- = -- = -- = --

From: Gary Greenberg <gngreenberg@gmail.com>

Date: April 1, 2016 at 8:26:53 AM EDT
To: List <Occ-Env-Med-L@listserv.unc.edu>, odc-out <ODC-Out@listserv.unc.edu>, Announce <oem-announce@listserv.unc.edu>
Subject: NYT: CDC's MMWR to fold, creating continuous-release online journal

April 1, 2016, Atlanta, GA

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plan to cancel their signature publication MMWR, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. At a press event today, the agency announced it will instead create a continuously updated, online-only source to be called Morbidity and Mortality Minute by Minute, to emphasize the rapidly changing nature of its public health reporting. 

"Our scientific journalism will not cease." says content manager Ed Atorr. "As the voice of the CDC, MMMM will be more timely and compelling than ever, but without bearing the cost of publication. We refute the allegation that a virtual e-journal-only version of the MMWR will carry less prestige than an old-fashioned paper periodical."

Since 1878 when its first predecessor publication was released as "Bulletin of the Public Health", MMWR has functioned as the definitive source of the Federal Government's alerts and explanations regarding breaking news and official health statistics. Initially a Congressional mandate upon the Surgeon General serving under the National Quarantine Act, the Report provided research and episodic updates on outbreaks, clinical guidelines and evolving health crises.

Unlike other online-only newspapers' conversions, like the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, revenue losses from classified advertising and reduced circulation are not considered contributing factors. There are no plans for MMMM to develop fee-based pay-wall premium access. The journal was published and mailed directly and without charge during the 1980s, then printed for distribution by the Massachusetts Medical Society in the 1990's. Electronic release began through a toll-free dial-up connection called CDC Wonder, and has long been available via internet channels Gopher and then the Worldwide Web. JAMA has routinely included the entire (public domain) contents verbatim.

"Several trends pushed this decision." explained investigations editor Haydn Sikh. "We especially noticed that many of our articles needed sooner attention than the Friday publication's release. We also recognized that despite its critical content, the journal's old title and often dry content had earned a false reputation as a nerdy read. With a more compelling masthead, we hope to capture a younger readership, both hip and pragmatic."

In past years, the MMWR has served as the definitive source regarding evolving health situations like AIDS, Ebola, Legionnaires, SARS and Zika. The journal is also known for its occasional whimsical reports, odd health situations delivered in precise, dry tones regarding health effects from pumpernickel bagels, poisonous Lik-M-Aid candy and assaults by national park bisons. 

Hugh Morris, cartoon editor, says he expects that the less rigid format will permit more frequent light-hearted stories. "The size limits of the old folded-page mailed journal were too restrictive. Now we'll be able to really cut loose!"

A modern lifestyle section is also under evaluation. "People used to wince at our use of 'Mortality' on the mast head" said Faye Spuch, social media consultant. "By calling it MMMM, we'll even be able to distribute healthful seasonal recipes, frequently requested but absent from our earlier outreach."

Every April 1st, Gary would send out an email to his Occ-Med listserve w a subtly incongruent yet clever and very realistic take on a real topical subject. He would wait a day or so before issuing "the big reveal". 

New ICD-10 Z-Codes to Include Additional Administrative-Only Encounters

April 1, 2015

Noah Wayne Hellman, Administrative Med. Correspondent

Washington, DC

After long delay, the International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) system will now include dozens of new categories for visits without no particular clinical diagnosis. Previously neglected because of the less therapeutic and rarely curative nature of these encounters, the Federal Center for Nomenclature Services (CNS) has added new codes for administrative visits, ensuring proper tracking and payment for this category of professional work.

"Statisticians saved the day", explained Viola Fuss, CNS sub-administrator for coding , "We were mistaken to believe that clinical encounters usually regarded topics of symptoms or disease. Now we recognize that many practitioners' entire schedule may consist of patients with only non-clinical reasons for medical care." She added, "Clinician approval has become a default pathway for dozens of required administrative certifications".

October 1, 2015 is the most recent deadline when ICD-10 is required to be fully implemented in all practices seeking Federal reimbursement (especially Medicare and Medicaid). The transition has been held-up for several years.

Dr. Achmed Envel is chair of the Clinical Coding Committee (CCC) at the American College of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), His group had recently complained that ICD-10 was not yet suitable for universal and mandated implementation. 

With the new codes' release, Dr. Envel is impressed with the nearly comprehensive coverage of previously poorly categorized visits. "Our CCC has been energetically involved for training and systems changes for ICD-10, and finally see the advantage of all the supplemental detail and effort." 

Many practitioners are familiar with the ICD-9's "V-codes" for non-illness situations, and will be heartened by the depth of the new replacement codes' details, listed as Z-codes.

ICD-9

V62.1 - Adverse effects of work environment

V62.2 - Other occupational circumstance or maladjustment

V62.5 - Legal circumstances (litigation)

V65.2 - Person feigning illness (malingerer, peregrinating pt)

V68.0 - Administrative Purpose - Issue or Med. Certificates

V70.3 - Gen'l med. exam. for administrative purposes

V70.4 - Exam for medicolegal reasons

V72 - Special investigations and exams (0=eyes, 1=ears)

Federal Center for Nomenclature Services (CNS)

The original ICD-10 codes largely overlap with the predecessors above.

ICD-10

Original codes

Z01.00 - Exam: eyes & vision w/o abn. findings

Z01.01 - Exam: eyes & vision with abn. findings

Z01.110 - Hearing exam following failed hearing screening

Z01.12 - Hearing conservation and treatment

Z02.71 - Exam for disability determination

Z02.79 - Exam for other medical certificate

Z04.8 - Exam & observation for other specified reasons

Z02.81 - Paternity testing

Z02.83 - Encounter for blood-alcohol and blood-drug test

Z02.89 - Exam for other administrative examinations

Z04.9 - Exam & observation for unspecified reason

Z76.5 - Malingerer [conscious simulation]

However, the new codes are both more expansive and targeted. Many cover entirely new topics and clinical needs. "These are really significant" said ACOEM's EMR reviewer, Dr. Cy Burdock. "They even recognized the need to approve tax-deductible gym memberships, Z02.897."

ICD-10b

Supplemental codes

Z02.711 - Exam for disability, Social Security

Z02.712 - Exam for disability, Private Insurance

Z02.713 - Exam for disability, Work Restrictions

Z02.714 - Exam for disability, Family Leave, personal

Z02.714 - Exam for disability, Family Leave, Care-giver/ Relative

Z02.791 - Exam for certification, Personal Protective Equip

Z02.792 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Auto

Z02.793 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Aviation

Z02.794 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Hazardous

Z02.795 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Interstate

Z02.796 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Work-Related

Z02.797 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Handicapped Parking Permit

Z02.797.1 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Parking Permit, Valet

Z02.797.2 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Van Pickup

Z02.797.3 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Cancel Airline Reservation

Z02.797.4 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Companion Dog

Z02.797.5 - Exam for certification, Transportation, Companion Animal, other

Z02.831 - Encounter for Medically Approved [+] Drug test, Opiates

Z02.832 - Encounter for Medical Marijuana access

Z02.891 - Exam for Housing Exception (Priority Elect. Restore)

Z02.892 - Exam for Housing Exception (Ground Floor Access)

Z02.893 - Exam for Housing Exception (Non-smoking)

Z02.894 - Encounter for admin. examinations (marriage)

Z02.895 - Encounter for admin. examinations (adoption)

Z02.896 - Encounter for admin. examinations (immigration)

Z02.897 - Encounter for admin. examinations (gym/sports approval)

Z02.898 - Encounter for admin. examinations (curbside voter)

Z02.899 - Encounter for admin. examinations (jury duty waiver)

Z02.900.1 - Encounter for admin. exam (Religious Fasting Waiver)

Dr. Otto Graff, an Occupational Med. practitioner recruited for the pilot phase for the new codes found them gratifying and only slightly more time-consuming. 

"Yesterday, I saw a lady with sleep apnea, panic disorder and seizures, with a mother in Hospice. Her visit required me to complete 5 forms on her behalf. Using codes Z02.714,  Z02.797.2,  Z02.797.5,  Z02.891,  Z02.892, and Z02.893, I could provide her all she needs to have a) medical marijuana, b) access to reliable electricity for her CPAP, c) FMLA for her mom and d) van service, for her AND e) for her companion ferret. After all those, the visit was easily justified to reach a [visit or charge code] 99214, which would never have been allowed in our past system!"

His office coding team agreed. Mora Diss and Les Adatt explained."The truth is, if we were only allowed to charge for actual clinical care, we'd have to close our practice in a month."

Dr. Graff summed it up. "Sure we dress-up like doctors, but I really think we're mostly in the medical documentation business."

= -- = -- = -- 

Gary Greenberg, MD MPH

Sysop / Moderator Occ-Env-Med-L MailList
www.OccHealthNews.net
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health

= -- = -- = -- = -- = -- = -- = -- = -- 

Med. Director, Urban Ministries of Wake Co. Open Door Clinic

"Renewing lives, restoring hope"

www.OpenDoorDocs.org
www.UrbanMin.org

Gary's Passion for April Fools' hoaxes 

Every April 1st, Gary would send out an email to his Occ-Med listserve w a subtly incongruent yet clever and very realistic take on a real topical subject. He would wait a day or so before issuing "the big reveal".  

Proposed Mental Diagnoses include Eating Disorders, Sexual Addiction, and Lip Balm Habits

Nev York Tines, April 1, 2010

{See attached screen-shot}

By Sy Kernoodle

Published: April 1, 2010, 01:10, EDT

Leslie Mooch has a lip balm problem. The 55 year-old realtor buys several flavors at a time, and makes sure that there is a tube or stick in each purse, bathrobe pocket, car door-handle, desk drawer and on the coffee and bedside tables in every corner of her Indianapolis home. When none is available, her cravings are compelling, “stronger than when I smoked cigarettes nearly 30 years ago”. She has no hesitation acknowledging that this pattern of use is an addiction. Now she looks forward to seeing it incorporated into a psychiatrist’s responsibilities.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition

(DSM-IV) - Psychiatry’s “bible”- is currently under review. The influential publication by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) officially describes and encodes all disorders of a psychological or psychiatric nature. Its listings are the basis of insurance payments (both private and Medicaid/Medicare), drug licensure and forensic review throughout the world. The APA updates the Manual periodically (last in 1994) and current efforts are underway for DSM-5 to be published in May 2013. The change to Arabic numerals was announced on March 9.

Past versions have led to revolutionary changes in psychiatric and social awareness, including the 1974 cancellation of homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder and the 1987 evaluation but rejection of “premenstrual dysphoric disorder”. Recognizing the social impact of the Manual, draft contents have now been released for popular response and evaluation. Registered users have already filed thousands of comments at the website, DSM5.org (ref 1).

Controversies already reaching the public’s attention have included the disturbing predictive diagnosis of “psychosis risk syndrome” and the development of new relative measures of suicidal thought, including a separate scale for teenagers. Additionally, DSM-5 editors have questioned whether Substance Use Disorders or Addictions can be expanded to include “non-substance Addictions”. Behaviors such as “Binge Eating Disorder” has been criticized as too common in the public for a diagnostic category.

Compulsive promiscuity stemming from “Hypersexual Disorder” was widely discussed in the context of golf superstar Tiger Wood’s many alleged partners and his subsequent rehabilitation program. In the DSM-5, this diagnosis is carefully defined and sub-divided to include various categories of shared or solo sexual activity, of live or media-delivered stimulation and of paid or voluntary partners.

Habitual and intrusive use of lip balm (e.g. Chapstick, Blistex) has recently been added to the substance abuse category, though with controversy. Dr. Bea Swax, psychiatrist and director of the Society for Medical Addiction and Clinical Care Center at the University of Michigan, argues that the compulsion relates to the behavior and not to the material. “Functional MRI monitoring shows no dopamine spike like for sex and cocaine, so this is about an activity, not an addictive material”.

Other addiction experts disagree. Dr. Will Whistle teaches substance abuse disorders at University of Illinois, Chicago. He maintains this is a chemically mediated behavior. “Because users are cross-tolerant to the material’s several forms (stick, tube and jar), it seems to me that the chemical content explains the persistent use and forceful craving”, perhaps to menthol, camphor or even paraffin.

Several support groups have emerged, ready to salve the ragged lips of those seeking help. Lip Balm Anonymous (ref 2) is an online independent victim-support organization. A Facebook group called “Chapstick Addiction” now has nearly 25,000 members (ref 3), and another, named for the product itself, has more than 716,740 “fans”.

Parents have formed several activist groups aiming to “Ban the Balm”

or at least to require an age limit for purchase of multi-packs.

Proposed prohibitions on school campuses have also triggered heated debates in local districts.

Corporate suppliers of the product are aligning in opposition to the designation. As early as 1998 (ref 4), the makers of Carmex and Blistex were quoted about the affliction, minimizing its dangers.

Specific addictive adulterants (irritants, dessicants, even narcotics) have been discussed and routinely denied (ref 5). The Federal Food & Drug Administration has declined to enter the debate, given the regulatory situation for these products. “Cosmetics such as lip balm and toothpaste are not ‘food’ under 21 USC 321(f), because they are not consumed for their taste, aroma, or nutritive value.” (ref 6)

Proponents for the DSM-5 listing argue that only after Leslie Mooch’s affliction is officially endorsed will there be targeted treatment and rehabilitation.“Unregulated and undiagnosed misuse of this stuff is hurting families across the country” says LipBalmAnonymous.com host, Sylvia Pucker.

“We need to get attention to this danger before the problem spreads”

added Ms Mooch.

References:

1. http://www.DSM5.org

2. http://www.LipBalmAnonymous.com

3. Facebook Groups, “Chapstick”

http://www.facebook.com/search/?init=srp&sfxp&o=69&q=balm&s=10#!/search/?init=srp&sfxp=&o=69&q=chapstick

4. Straight Dope, 12/25/1998,

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1298/is-it-possible-to-be-addicted-to-chap-stick

5. Snopes.com, “People get ‘hooked’ on Carmex Lip Balm http://www.snopes.com/business/secret/carmex.asp

6. http://www.FDA.gov, "Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding Registration of Food Facilities (Edition 4); Final Guidance"

--

Gary Greenberg, MD MPHSysop / Moderator Occ-Env-Med-L MailList

Univ. N. Carolina School Public Health

Medical Directorhttp://www.UrbanMin.org Urban Ministries of Wake County Open Door Clinic http://www.OpenDoorDocs.org

GNGreenberg@gmail.comhttp://occhealthnews.net

Gary's Passion for April Fools' hoaxes - Toxic Molds Cause Memory Loss 2007

Every April 1st, Gary would send out an email to his Occ-Med listserve w a subtly incongruent yet clever and very realistic take on a real topical subject. He would wait a day or so before issuing "the big reveal".  Here are the last several years' worth.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P07-25
Sun 1 Apr 2007

Media Inquiries:
R. Mesnier , 301-827-6242
U.S. Fool and Drug Administration
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

FDA News ( online version)

Toxic Mold Causes Memory Loss, Judgment Effects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Inquiries: Roland Mesnier , 301-827-6242 Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

Memory, Judgment Problems Blamed On Mold-Related Neuro-Toxin

Increasingly frequent situations of evident brain and nervous system deterioration have reached news reports and political discussion boards.  Examples of recent political controversy regarding Administration officials' memories and recall include:

• Attorney General Gonzales' omission of staffing discussions with political advisors
• VP Chief of Staff Lewis Libby's confabulated details regarding press sources of classified origin
• VP Cheney's own repeatedly amnestic responses regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq and links between El-Quaeda and Saddam Hussain

After recognizing the situation to be a tight aggregation of uncommon effects, an evaluation of a potential outbreak was initiated by the Epidemiology Intelligence Service (EIS is CDC's non-covert investigation unit). Systematic assessment using routine public health measures of dietary and environmental exposures has revealed several potential toxicants, including well-recognized hazards with neurological toxidromes. Dietary histories evaluated for statistical association (retrospective case-control, chi-squared analysis) with those suffering neural / behavioral dysfunction revealed a high correlation to intake of a molded dessert containing gelatin, sour cream, canned fruit elements and Kool Whip® topping. (Use of trade names and commercial sources is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.)

Gelatin itself has been recognized as a potential toxic component of dessert and sauce elements in recent years. When the presence of gelatin was revealed in salad dressing for "vegetarian" salads, outcry was widespread among religious communities. More general alarm has been raised over this material when source animals are recognized as potential sources of prions or "Mad Cow Disease", associated with human risk for variant Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (vCJD). In the present situation, disease latency required identification of a more rapid cause (delay for vCJD is months-years; the White House cluster was characterized by only weeks after shared exposure). Mold effects have are an increasingly discussed hazard, and may provide an explanation.

Unlike most food items, molded gelatin is more likely to be served to a group and shared widely. Individual servings of gelatin salad or dessert are usually simple cubes, filled bowls or scooped servings. In celebratory communal settings however, gelatin molds are often created intentionally, combining decorative and culinary motives. These social situations for widespread gelatin consumption increase the molded desserts' hazards, yielding greater public health impact than ordinary individual intake.

Historically, molded gelatin dishes (often from family recipes) have frequently been served in White House gatherings. Still available recipes include:

• Mrs. Truman's Bing Cherry Mold (Salad)
• Mrs. Eisenhower's Frosted Mint Delight
• Clinton's family favorite Coca-Cola Jello Mold (with black glace cherries)
• Barbara Bush's grandmother's recipe for ring mold with horseradish, double cream, vegetables and mayonnaise

Recognizing that molding gelatin may increase the cumulative hazard to consumers, its increased popularity in conservative political circles has been evaluated. Apparently, the Eisenhower-like 1950's appeal resonates within the current Republican hierarchy, leading to expectations for similar trends of hula-hoops and poodle-skirts.

Specific protective interventions to reduce toxic effects from current recipes and serving instructions are still under development. Experts do agree that certain mold configurations are especially hazardous and capable of cerebral injury ( see & click on attached image).

References:

1. ProMED: 05-FEB-07 PRO/AH/EDR> CJD (new var.) update 2007 (03)

2. ProMED: 30-JAN-06 PRO/AH/EDR> Dioxin, animal feed - Belgium

3.ProMED: 19-JAN-03 PRO/AH> BSE - Japan

4. Mesnier R, Malard C, All the Presidents' Pastries: Twenty-Five Years in the White House, A Memoir, Flammarion (February, 2007, $16.47)

5. History of Jell-O; 'The History Of The Wiggle' www.kraftfoods.com/jello/explore/history/

--
Gary N. Greenberg, MD MPH    Sysop / Moderator Occ-Env-Med-L MailList
Univ. N. Carolina School Public Health
Medical Director   http://www.UrbanMin.org
Urban Ministries of Wake County Open Door Clinic http://www.OpenDoorDocs.org
GNGreenberg@gmail.com                       http://occhealthnews.net

Hi Julie,

It was so nice talking with you about Gary this morning. He had such a positive impact on our community through his work, volunteerism, advocacy, and philanthropy, and his legacy will live on through all the lives touched by his caring and generous nature.

My sincere condolences to you. I can’t imagine how much you miss your brother, and how much he is missed by Erica, his sons, his grandsons and all of his family and friends.

I listened to the attached audio file again just now. He recorded this in 2009, and we never stopped using it during our fund drives because his words were so eloquent. He not only beautifully expresses WUNC’s mission in this recording, but also his wonderful understanding of the importance of giving to any organization that one believes in.

With deep sympathy,

Jennifer

Jennifer Fusco

Principal Gifts Manager                                

919.445.9112 | 800.962.9862

91.5 Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill|91.9 Fayetteville|88.9 Manteo|90.9 Rocky Mount|91.1Welcome|90.5 Buxton 

https://vimeo.com/298220076

Thanks to Erica Rothman’s videoteam

Not sure why this popped into my head, but Gary was a big fan of Mike Pesca of the Gist.  Listen to his podcasts because he really resonated w Gary.

Stan

I remember Dr. Greenberg being a very caring and compassionate man. He went far and beyond to help his patients. I’ll never forget this wonderful man that always reminded me of Robin Williams, the actor... Rest in Paradise, dear Dr.......