I want to thank everyone who took the time to express their opinions on last week's column.  I'm lucky to have so many intelligent readers, not all of whom agree with me. I must address one comment made on Facebook, from someone who was very concerned  about  the dangers of corn syrup.  He or she  stated "It's the government's job to protect us." All  these drugs were approved and released by the FDA, a government agency tasked with "protecting us."  

The side effects are scarier than corn syrup! 

Thalidomide   A sleeping pill used in the 1960's. Caused catastrophic birth defects in  thousands of infants by deforming the fetal skeleton. Now used to treat leprosy and multiple myeloma. 

Cleocin   Prescribed in the '70s for acne, caused intestinal hemorrhaging. You bled to death but your skin was beautiful. Available as Clindamycin, it now also lists Clostridium Difficile as a known side effect. 

Vioxx    Prescribed for arthritis.  Caused internal bleeding and death by strokes and heart attacks.  Removed in 2004. 

Enbrel  Prescribed for plaque psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Cancer, lupus and multiple sclerosis. This drug has so many terrible side effects I can't list them all in this space. Still available. 

Zelnorm   Prescribed for  women with IBS with constipation.   Severe bleeding in the bowel, hypertension, and suicidal thoughts.  Removed in 2007.  Available for "Emergencies." So are prunes. 

HRT       A dreadful therapy forced on millions of women for  menopause. Removed when it was found to cause breast, ovarian  and uterine cancers.  My Gynecologist apologized for forcing it on me.  He was stunned that I never filled the prescription. 

Avandia   For severe diabetes. Currently restricted  and under review as a cause of heart attacks and strokes.  Banned in Europe. 

Meridia.  Removed only last week after many years on the market, this "diet drug" caused heart attacks and strokes.  

Your body and your health are your responsibility. Trusting the government to protect you is unwise.  You must perform your own due diligence. Government statistics show that one hundred thousand people a year are killed by medical mistakes and mis-prescribing.  It's your  life and your job to protect it. 

Announcing the first of many fun contests! Write a short essay on "Why I Believe in Natural Healing" 200 words or less. The three winners will receive $50.00, $30.00, and $20.00 gift certificates to Rita's Real Foods. All entries must be in before Nov. 15. Send them to my e-mail address and GOOD LUCK!