Hidden Treasure

Los Angeles can feel like it's a million miles from anything having to do with nature. It's rather frustrating at times. But there are little hidden treasures around. Bits of nature that are not over packed with people to the point there is no more room for animals to just be animals.
One such place is tucked away in the hills on the south side of Mullhulland Dr.. Franklin Cyn drive goes along two small lakes with micro-nature reserves along the way.
There are enough shady spots to keep you cool and more water than I would expect in this area. Also, you can find some interesting local inhabitants. Here are some of the locals we met last week on our micro-road trip to the upper lake (large pond) which is pretty close to my home.

The Tuttle family was very nice. They enjoyed sun bathing and eating veggies and insects. They weren't big talkers, though.

The Mallards were a busy lot. They liked to walk and swim and were constantly quacking at each other. Nice bunch, over all.

It was a very relaxing time. I enjoy watching these folks be themselves. Almost like watching the real thing on TV.

Antacid? Think again.

Copied from Science Daily.
Source: Indiana University
Date: August 3, 2007
More on:
Heartburn, Gastrointestinal Problems, Intelligence, Multiple Sclerosis Research, Dementia, Pharmacology
Cognitive Impairment Link Found In Older Adults Taking Popular Stomach Acid Medications

Science Daily — Long-term use of histamine2 receptor antagonists (H2A), one class of drugs that blocks stomach acid, may be associated with cognitive impairment in older African-American adults. According to an Indiana University School of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute study published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the risk for showing signs of cognitive impairment is 2.5 times greater for patients using these medications long-term.

These acid blockers, including ranitidine and famotidine, are among the most popular medications prescribed in the United States. More than 16 million prescriptions were dispensed in 2005 and several of these medications are also available over-the-counter. The drugs are sold under brand names such as Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac, and are used to treat ulcers, acid reflux and other gastrointestinal disorders.

The five-year observational study included 1,558 cognitively normal African-Americans aged 65 and older. After controlling for other possible factors, nearly 18 percent of H2A users studied exhibited signs of cognitive impairment.

"Taking these medications continuously appears to put older African-Americans at greater risk for the development of cognitive impairment," said Malaz Boustani, M.D., MPH, assistant professor of medicine at the IU School of Medicine and a Regenstrief research scientist. Dr. Boustani is lead author of the study. "We need to study this further to determine how acid blockers might be causing or creating this effect and if it occurs only in African-Americans."

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Indiana University.