Editorial: Travel Tips: It's that time of the year

As we approach the holiday season, it may be a good time to review some travel tips that may make your travel safer and more enjoyable. These are not all inclusive, but are provided by many organizations and travel agencies:

1. Use credit cards to minimize the amount of cash you carry. Keep the credit cards and/or traveler's checks in a separate place from your billfold or purse.
2. Keep your billfold in a front pocket if possible.
3. Keep your available cash in different places. Keep the cash used for "tips" separate from the bulk of the cash you carry so others cannot see how much you carry.
4. Prepay for as much of your trip as you can, including airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars, etc.
5. Keep your purse and/or computer case close to you and preferably in front of your body at all times, especially in crowds.
6. Wear minimum jewelry and inexpensive watches, pens, etc.
7. When walking in an unfamiliar area, look straight ahead and don't make eye contact, unless appropriate, especially at night or when alone.
8. When walking outside your hotel, etc., walk in groups (especially at night and in parking lots). Do not use "shortcuts" and "walkways" between buildings and try to not be out alone after dark.
9. If "bumped" or asked a question, be aware that thieves often work in pairs with one stealing something while you are distracted with the other.
10. Know where your belongings are at all times.
11. When renting a car, also rent a GPS system and set it for the most use of freeways, not the shortest route (which may take you through some undesirable parts of town).
12. When checking into a hotel, get the minimum number of keys required.
13. Never reveal your hotel room number to strangers; if they want to drop something off at your room, ask them to leave it at the front desk and you will pick it up.
14. Upon entering your room, check that all locks are working and familiarize yourself with fire safety procedures and the nearest exit/stairway.
15. At night, place your key close to your bed and in the same place all the time so it will be convenient in the event of an emergency.
16. If maintenance workers request to enter your room and you did not call for them, call the front desk and confirm their legitimacy.
17. Train your children to not answer questions from strangers about your family.
18. Arrive at the airport at least an hour before departure for flights within the country and two hours for international flights. Security lines are unpredictable and many flights have been missed while standing in lines or trying to find a parking place.
19. Check the airline requirements regarding carry-on items and adhere to the rules.
20. If you travel frequently, try parking in the same general area each time at the airport, as it is sometimes difficult to remember where you parked.
21. If reasonable on short trips, use a roll-aboard and keep it with you when outbound to ensure you get there with your luggage. On the inbound flight, check it with baggage as you are going home and it is not as big an issue if it is delayed.
22. If you have a window seat or will be going through stormy weather, don't drink a 44-ounce soft drink immediately before boarding.
23. Traveling is one of the best times to read a good book. Always have one with you as you will probably have plenty of time to read it.
24. If you travel a lot, try to use one airline and group your miles together to get better status as a frequent flyer�it is well worth the effort. If at the end of the year, you only need a flight or two to achieve the next status level, schedule a flight or two for a day-trip.
25. At airports, get a taxi from a taxi-starter and one with a meter or posted flat-rates. Otherwise, you may end up paying very high rates.
26. Many hotels today have courtesy shuttles that will take you or your group to destinations that are nearby. Schedule these in advance and it will save money.
27. When traveling with family, use hotels that also serve "complimentary" breakfasts�it can save money.
28. If attending a convention, do not wear name badges outside the convention meeting areas.
29. Carry-on luggage is more difficult to find room for on a plane in the winter months, as compared to the summer months.
30. Last, don't forget the kids!

Correction Notice for the Teddy Bear Book
There are three new, important corrections to monographs in Pediatric Injectable Drugs, Ninth Edition published by ASHP, also known as the Teddy Bear Book. If you own a copy, please go to the posted notice below for important information.
http://www.ashp.org/import/news/HealthSystemPharmacyNews/newsarticle.aspx?id=3425

U.S. Says Genes Should Not Be Eligible for Patents
Reversing a longstanding policy, the federal government now says that human and other genes should not be eligible for patents because they are part of nature. This new, changed position could have a huge impact on medicine and on the biotechnology industry.

A friend-of-the-court brief detailed this new position filed by the Department of Justice in a case involving two human genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer. The Brief stated that "We acknowledge that this conclusion is contrary to the longstanding practice of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as well as the practice of the National Institutes of Health and other government agencies that have in the past sought and obtained patents for isolated genomic DNA".

It is not clear if the position in the legal brief will be put into effect by the USPTO. If it is, it is likely to draw protests from some biotechnology companies that say such patents are vital to the development of diagnostic tests, drugs, and the emerging field of personalized medicine, in which drugs are tailored for individual patients based on their genes.

This issue has been a controversial and emotional one where opponents say that genes are products of nature, not inventions, and should be the common heritage of mankind. Proponents say genes isolated from the body are chemicals that are different from those found in the body and, therefore, are eligible for patents.

The USPTO has issued thousands of patents on genes of various organisms, including on an estimated 20 percent of human genes. The government says it now believes that the mere isolation of a gene, without further alteration or manipulation, does not change its nature.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/30/business/30drug.html?_r=1

�that NCPA has named a new CEO? Kathleen Jaeger has assumed her duties as Executive Vice President and CEO of the organization. She has extensive legislative experience and extensive experience in leading national organizations.

Reserve Your Savings
Regarding traveling, make plane reservations very early as one can easily save up to a $1000 per ticket by early booking. Also, if it becomes necessary to change a return trip, it may be less expensive to book a new ticket for the return and let the old one lapse.