A Couple Of Thoughts On Spring

Spring has sprung, the grass has riz
I wonder where the birdies is
The birds upon the wing I heard
I thought the wing was 0n the bird!

Now that the warm weather has arrived, even somewhat sporadically, the smell of BBQ is in the air. AHHH! Smoked ribs and a cold ale, after the first mowing of the lawn. If you should happen to have a tendency to over-indulge in liquid refreshment of the alcolic persuasion, and I certainly hope you do not, here's a couple of tips to lessen the next day's pain and suffering. Alternate a non-alcoholic drink with every alcoholic drink. Eating a meal before drinking alcohol slows absorption, and drinking plenty of water before bedtime will re-hydrate your body and reduce that yucky feeling the next day. PLEASE, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.

Pharmacy notes from a local pharmacist

When a drug company chooses a name for a new drug, it has to be careful how the name translates into different languages. Usually the letters, H,J,K, and W are not used in order to make the translation easier. Also, the new name shouldn't be too similar to those already in use. An example in Canada is Losec and Lasix, which, however, was allowed.

It's important to include sufficient fibre in our diet each day. The recommended amount is 30 grams. Here's how you can do this. Eat one apple with the skin, 4 grams; 1/2 a cup of peas, 5 grams; 6 asparagus spears, 2 grams; 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat pasta, 9 grams; 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 6 grams; 1 cup of oatmeal, 4 grams. Total, 30 grams.

Can tonic water help alleviate leg cramps? An 8 oz. (250ml.) glass of tonic contains 41mg. of quinine, a drug used to combat malaria and occassionally to treat leg cramps, but in much higher doses. Some people say it works. No proof it works for everyone, but it may be worth a try.