2nd hour guest, NYU Medical Center's Dr. Phillip Tierno, the author of The Secret Life of Germs, discussed recent outbreaks of drug resistant bacteria. Specifically, he addressed "community acquired" MRSA staph infections that begin with a slight reddening of the skin, but can quickly escalate into pain, fever and a serious health risk.
Citing the overuse of antibiotics as leading to this situation, Tierno recommended that people practice good hygiene such as using antibacterial soap on any cuts before covering them with a bandage, and being vigilant about seeing a doctor if they suspect they have the infection.
Offering a different perspective on the MRSA threat, was Dr. Len Horowitz who appeared during the last two hours. He commented that Tierno's fearful message does a disservice to the public and that pharmaceutical companies conspire to mount fright campaigns in order to boost sales of their products. Horowitz believes consumers can fend off many illnesses by keeping their body chemistry in balance. This can be achieved through the right diet, using various health supplements & products and avoiding vaccines, he said.
Mad Cow Update
Activist Howard Lyman joined the show during the first hour to present an update on Mad Cow Disease. The illness, he said, is related to the feeding of cow remains to other animals including calfs themselves. Between 5 to 13% of Alzheimer cases are actually caused by the human form of Mad Cow, CJD, Lyman pointed out, as he advocated the testing of every animal over 20 months, that goes to slaughter.