Editorial: Who do you want to be today? Makeovers!

Well, another year is ending and we have a new one starting. It appears that the "rave" today is to have a "makeover" done so you will present to others in a way that is more acceptable and popular.

We are accustomed to makeovers in movie stars in the roles they play but should this be done in "real life"? I don't think so. Granted, some movie stars have publicity firms that manipulate press coverage as we have seen (in excess) this past year. I'm not referring to the use of makeup, cosmetics, and the appropriate use of products to make one more"presentable", but am referring to a makeover of values, standards and the appearance of being something or standing for something when, in fact, you may not be.

Why do individuals spend time and money to present what is sometimes a false impression? More often than not, they hope to achieve a certain goal, such as popularity, political office, etc.

It is common practice to desire to put your best foot forward, but changing feet is a different story when it is done in a deceitful way. How do we know what an individual stands for if they continue getting "makeovers"? This applies to our profession, friends, as well as to local, state and national politicians.

As we begin a New Year and if you prepare New Year's Resolutions, who do you want to be in 2008?

"To thine own self be true". Most of us are familiar with this quote taken from Shakespeare's Hamlet, but how many of us know this verse: "And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou can not then be false to any man." Unless we can be true to ourselves first, we cannot be true to others.


Loyd V. Allen, Jr., PhD, RPh
Editor-in-Chief

Making Medicines
Edited by Stuart Anderson
Grayslake, IL: Pharmaceutical Press; 2005

There are three reasons introduced by the contributors of this book about why there is another book about the history of pharmacy; re-interpretation by each generation in light of new research and further insight into the field of pharmacy, to update history's developments since the publication to present day, and to update language, style, and presentation to make it fully accessible and applicable to the contemporary reader.

Making Medicines begins with the nature of the history of pharmacy and what it encompasses. With a collaborative effort from a wide range of individuals, the story is told for pharmacists, pharmacy students, healthcare practitioners, and medical historians. Outlined by Making Medicines are subjects such as how the history of pharmacy applies to today, the approaches to the history of pharmacy, uses of the history of pharmacy, and sources of previous history.

From the Egyptians to present-day, the reader will find a chronological discussion about the discovery and uses of medicines to treat illness. There are two sections that illustrate how pharmacy has developed and evolved over the years. Edited by Stuart Anderson, this book will appeal to a large audience and deliver unique content to you, the reader.

Take time for quiet!
Ever notice how we tend to fill every minute with some activity or "noise" in our lives. As we begin the New Year, set aside 5 or 10 minutes a day to be alone and with no distractions (television, radio, etc.) and just THINK. Something amazing may happen over time!