Dosage

This is a great ad idea for Asics shoes. I don't know if it was an official ad, or just someone online making it. Either way, I think it's pretty brilliant and touches on something I've been thinking about for a while. All ads for drugs discuss the side effects of taking the drug. They even discuss rare and unlikely side effects. What they don't talk about is avoiding the drug.

I don't mean things like allergy or birth control, which are treating issues that are out of control of patients. I'm referring to drugs that are treating real diseases, but the diseases are a symptom of a larger issue. Treating diabetes doesn't solve the issue of excess weight, poor diet and lack of exercise. Treating erectile dysfunction doesn't solve the underlying heart issues that are most likely the cause.

I wish that the FDA would require a disclaimer about how lifestyle changes might eliminate the need for some drugs. It could be included before all the side effects. This wouldn't affect all medications, just ones where it's possible that actions by the patient could eliminate the need for taking a pill. Instead of saying, "Make sure you're healthy enough for sexual activity," the commercial could say, "Talk to your doctor to see what changes you can make to solve your ED."

I know that the pharmaceutical companies would hate this, but I'm sure they hate having to list all their side-effects, too. To me, it's just honest marketing. Yes, people should already know that they might be able to solve their problem instead of just treating it with pills, but it's possible they don't and that should be disclosed to them before asking for their money.

Paula Deen

I don't like agreeing with Anthony Bourdain, but in this case, he's right. He said of Deen's announcement, "you've been cheerfully selling this stuff knowing all along that you've got Type 2 diabetes ... it's in bad taste if nothing else."

Deen has known for three years that she has Type II Diabetes, but has not changed her cooking show at all. She is basically selling people the cause of her disease. Her defense is, "Honey, I'm your cook, not your doctor. I've always encouraged moderation."

I would love if someone could find me anytime where she suggested moderation. If she did, she wasn't listening to herself. The recipe for the item pictured below is called "The Lady's Brunch Burger." Even if you go with the "lighter" version using buns instead of glazed donuts, it's almost 800 calories per burger. That is not moderation.



I don't wish illness on anyone, and I hope she can get healthy and off the medication that she is being paid to endorse. I also hope that she changes her show so that her minions don't end up in the same boat as her.