DadTalk

Anti-Depressants, New Cholesterol Drugs May not Be All That Great

When it comes to health, I’ve been very fortunate: most of my problems have been limited to colds, occasional stomach bugs and stubbed toes. I say fortunate, because the few times I’ve ever run to the medicine cabinet, I’ve experienced nasty side effects.

Aspirin hurts my stomach. Painkillers dehydrate me. Penicillin causes my shoulders and neck to break out in a rash.

So I rarely take drugs. I even avoid vitamins. Still, it’s good to know that modern science provides a slew of options should I need them. Insulin for diabetes and antibiotics really work.

Because of this, most of us believe that antidepressants and anti-cholesterol drugs work as well.  Perhaps we are mistaken.

It turns out that pharmaceutical companies never bothered to publish the full story about antidepressants, reports The New York Times:

My New Business: Baseball Trading Cards (on Steroids)

I’m not a close follower of sports, but it’s been hard to miss what’s been going on with the baseball drug and steroid scandal, which is summed up in The New York Times. The scandal confirms my belief that there are few compelling reasons to turn my kids into sports fans.

In fact, I consider it payback for all the times newspaper sports editors told me: “Bicycling isn’t a real sport. Only baseball, football and basketball are.” There was some debate about whether hockey constitutes a real sport.

On the other hand, I think there may be a way to profit off this ugly mess: My very own line of “Sports Trading Cards (on Steroids.)” I offer two samples here. The backsides would include a complete breakdo wn of steroid use each season. Since I doubt athletes will publish their true drug-use numbers, I will ask fans what and how much they think each player was using and then average the results.

If you want your very own Sports Trading Cards on Steroids, let me know in the comments section.

I Learn of My Failings in The New York Times

I can be pretty dense, especially when it comes to people’s needs. I simply fail to hear what is being said to me.

Case in point is a story called “A Bundle of Joy Isn’t Enough?” by The New York Times.

It’s all about how wonderful dads happily buy deserving moms fantastic baubles as a thank you for carrying and delivering each child. Linda Murray, executive editor of BabyCenter.com explains to The Times:

“It’s more and more an expectation of moms these days that they deserve something for bearing the burden for nine months, getting sick, ruining their body. The guilt really gets piled on.”

Adds Sandra Miller of Arlington, Mass:

“Women can and do expect a thoughtful token of appreciation. It’s a way to honor a mother giving her emotions, body and hormones over to a baby for nine months, culminating in an experience which, when done naturally, redefines the meaning of pain. And when not done naturally, it’s still an act of sacrifice.”

After writing a particularly clever post, I asked my wife what she thought about this budding tradition. Boy, did I get an earful on this one.

Can You Give Up Underarm Deodorant?

Every now and then Seth asks me what I’m sliding onto my underarms. I try to explain, but for some reason he always gives me a blank stare.

Over the years, I’ve tried to go without underarm deodorants or use those that do not contain aluminum, but they just don’t work. Truth be told, I start to stink pretty strongly within a few days, no matter how much I shower or scrub my underarms.

That is not the case for most of us, reports The New York Times. They claim that most Americans, though obsessed with how we smell, can get through the day by washing our underarms once or twice a day.

Although the Cancer and Alzheimer’s societies claim that the aluminum in deodorant does not cause those diseases, I would love to stop using the stuff.

If I did, though, I am positive of a lonely existence. My scent is just too strong. Perhaps Seth will luck out when he hits puberty, but I doubt it.

I Am Dad

See All the ‘I Am Dad’ Comics by Clicking Here
By William Mastin

I Am Dad

See All the ‘I Am Dad’ Comics by Clicking Here
By William Mastin

I Am Dad

See All the ‘I Am Dad’ Comics by Clicking Here
By William Mastin

I Am Dad

See All the ‘I Am Dad’ Comics by Clicking Here
By William Mastin

I Am Dad

See All the ‘I Am Dad’ Comics by Clicking Here
By William Mastin

I Am Dad

See All the ‘I Am Dad’ Comics by Clicking Here
By William Mastin