Editorial: Economic Correction May Be What We Need

No one likes to be corrected; however, it is a part of growing up and a part of maturing. Correction often leads to a more disciplined way of life. After all, we can't enjoy freedom without discipline.

How does our current economic situation relate to discipline and freedom? I believe it does for the following reasons:

It appears from news reports that many individuals are spending a little less on Christmas gifts this year, and they are choosing to pay with "cash" and not use "plastic." It takes discipline to be careful in one's purchases and not go overboard. If this discipline is carried on for a few more months (spending cash and not charging), before long the credit cards will be paid off and even more money will be available for spending or saving, depending upon the choice that is made.

With more "money in your pocket," there is a sense of "freedom," as you are not bound by your debts. This is a lesson millions are learning right now�today! Now, it is up to the large corporations to learn the same lesson so they can become more disciplined and have the freedom to develop innovative new products.

This is a lesson that also is sorely needed by the government. I heard one of the elected officials say on the news the other day that "we are now spending Obama's money" on the bailouts. Just one correction here�it is the "taxpayer's money" that is being spent�not money belonging to the President-Elect, the President, the senators, the representatives, etc. They are only the stewards of the money we have entrusted them with, and they have the responsibility to spend it wisely and in a disciplined manner�so the government will have more "freedom" in the future to do what it is that WE need them to do.


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

Researchers find almost 100 online pharmacy sites selling medicines to U.K. consumers.
BBC News reports on it's website (Dec 5, 2008), "U.K. experts have warned of the dangers of purchasing drugs online after a study showed wide availability of strong painkillers over the Internet." In a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, researchers "trawling for online pharmacy sites through Google and Yahoo search engines...found almost 100 selling medicines to U.K. consumers." Approximately "half of those sold prescription-only painkillers, but 76 percent did not require the customer to provide a valid prescription. Six asked for a prescription, but accepted a fax or email copy, which the researchers said could be forged or modified." These sites make available drugs including opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.
http://newsrss.bbc.co.uk/rss/newsonline_world_edition/health/rss.xml

FDA changes stand on cephalosporins for animals
The FDA stated that it would continue allowing the widespread use of the cephalosporin class of antibiotics in food-producing animals, making a last-minute reversal after calling the practice a public-health risk in July.

The agency's bid this summer to ban many uses of cephalosporin drugs in cows, swine, chickens, and other animals came under fire from the industry. Animal-drug makers, including Pfizer Inc., and agriculture groups said the antibiotics are needed to prevent many infectious diseases in animals.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122887467038993653.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

�that a lot of money is wasted in "unused" gift cards and coupons that are carelessly discarded? This can add up to a loss of hundreds of dollars or more per year.

Let There Be Light!
Use the remote on-off devices for Christmas decorations throughout the year in your pharmacy. They can be used for enhanced lighting and to turn on and off various devices. Lights, appropriately located and generally in the "off" position, can be remotely turned "on" when questionable activity is observed in an area of the pharmacy that is difficult to view. This often will deter shoplifters, etc.