Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Medications That Kill

 
Author James L. Marcum MD explores our nation's escalating problem of drug abuse, particularly prescription drug abuse .  Too many individuals are blinded by the fact that a drug can be fatal if it is prescribed by a physician.  Nothing is further from the truth as is outlined in this recent publication.  This book is a must read for everyone because drug abuse is so prevalant in society today and most everybody knows someone perplexed by this problem.  Dr. Marcum does a fine job in covering the following topics:  medications can kill, medications that do kill and medications have killed.  My only concern being that he tends to overlook the fact that there are people who do need specific medication and that this can safely be done if the patient follows as prescribed.  Ironically, I have been in a chronic pain clinic for six years and have a stellar specialist.  The pain that I live with daily causes my hypertension to skyrocket even with high blood pressure medication.  My doctor prescribes my medication to also keep my blood pressure at a reasonable rating.  The pain clinic I am a part of is very strict.  All patients must get all of their medications from one pharmacy location that keeps a record of everything you may have to take from all doctors, this way there is no duplication of  prescriptions.  Every client must have urine testing often and blood testing.  I have always known the seriousness of the medications that I am on and have always feared taking too much.  I am thankful for the safe enviroment provided by our Chronic Pain Clinic.  Not everyone is tempted too take to many or abuse drugs and likewise there are doctors who are concerned for their patients.  I was offered to read this book for the Tyndale Network in exchange for my review.  I do applaud Dr. Marcum for pointing out the dangers of drug abuse but I also know that it is of  utmost importance to follow your doctor's plan of care first.  No one should ever stop taking prescription drugs without your doctors consent as many medications require weaning.  This book tends to lean more towards individuals who use drugs for recreation or getting high.  Marcum list a number of alternative solutions to taking drugs, again check with your physician. 

Life Lessons From Pets & Wildlife

 
When Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging Group extended me the ability to review this fine book, "God of All Creation~Life Lessons From Pets & Wildlife" by James Robinson in exchange for my honest opinions I pounced on this.  I awaited in excitement and anticipation because of my personal experiences with our  cairn terrier which was given to our family as a gift.  My very first reaction when we were given 'Lincoln" was that the last thing we needed was a puppy in our brand new house and I put a struggle up during the first few weeks.  My patient spouse on the other hand was like a school boy voting for the dog and trying to get me to see his side.  Long story short, I became physically limited in the last few years and many days I am in dier pain and the one thing I can count on daily to lift my spirits is our pet, Lincoln.  He took a liking to me right away and would follow me like a little sheep and cry when I wasn't in sight for him.  I could never figure how he latched onto me, the only one who really didn't want him but Oh what love and loyalty.  It didn't take him too long to melt my heart and now he is constantly at my side and momma's boy.  Nobody can tell me that pets don't know when you are sick or down because they do...he is a constant source of joy and I can't imagine life without him.  James Robison compares our love of our pets to God's love for us in a very sweet way throughout the pages of the book.  The author goes on to say that '" If a dog can be trained to act according to it's purpose and not get sidetracked , how much more than should we learn to live the kind of life God designed for us?"'  This is the underlying thought throughout God of Creation and the author gives us numerous examples of how well each animal species obeys it's call.  l found delight reading and learning much about God's creation.  The illustrations are stellar.  Yes, I would highly recommend especially for pet lovers.


Recipe for Happyness~ Live Second

Author Doug Bender gives us the recipe for happyness in his recent daily reader "Live Second 365 ways to Make Jesus First".  His book describes this movement and the reader is also given tools online at http://www.iamsecond.com/join-the-movement/  to put these lessons into practice. 
This book is for anyone who is looking to enhance their relationship with God along with those who have reached the end of their rope and are tired of this world's misgivings.  If you are ready to give God control and be the type of character he intended us to be...Live Second is the answer.  Learning to lean on Jesus and fully submit our wills is difficult because it goes against our human nature but with God's Spirit we can overcome all obstacles.  There is no greater joy than living in the service of our King and our brothers and sisters.  Step by step and day by day Doug Bender gives us inspiration to continue on this sacred journey.   The writer supplies the student with plenty of support through online resources and websites.  We all can be the light that this dark world so badly needs, can you think of a higher calling?  This marvelous book is easy to read and understand and will be an uplift to the spirits of those who read it.  I am grateful to Booksneeze for the opportunity to review this book which is life-changing in exchange for my honest review.