Dick and I are both doing great.  Dick hit a milestone birthday this past February when he turned 75!  The fact that at 75 years old Dick is enjoying his life full of energy and vitality when in 2002 he was morbidly obese, on insulin, couldn't walk except for short distances, etc., I believe is a true testament to our program. 

I'd like to share just one of the many stories  -- Sharon Schneider's story.  Sharon gave us permission to use her name and her story.    

Sharon is amazing.  In the Spring of 2012, she was devastated because she lost her husband to diabetes.  Shortly after losing her husband, she was shocked to learn that she too has diabetes.  She saw the PSCD Parma Community Education Flyer and signed up for our classes of October 2012.  I remember that she cried often during those classes.  

In March of 2013 Sharon returned to our class and told us that she had lost 50 pounds and her fasting blood sugar numbers had dropped significantly.  She showed us her lab reports and pointed out where her doctor had written on the report: "Congratulations, Sharon.  Keep up the good work."

Sharon came back to our class in October of 2013 this time as our guest.  She spoke to that class about her experiences.  Sharon was kind enough to mention that if it had not been for Mary and Dick and these classes she would still be ill and possibly wind up like her beloved husband.  She reported that  at this point she's lost 70 pounds and her doctors are thrilled with her progress.  Her Cleveland Clinic doctor asked her how she did this and Sharon said that her reply was, "Have you ever heard of Mary, The Diabetes Lady?"  :)  

Sharon and all people like Sharon who are suffering the horrible effects of diabetes are why Dick and I present these classes. Our number one goal is for people to become "empowered patients who are proactive partners with their physicians in their own healthcare."

FAA Aviation Physician Dr. Unger Confirms Memory Deficits Caused by Statins

Sunday, March 16, 2013  on CNN's show "State of the Union", Candy Crowley interviewed Dr. Christopher Unger.  Dr. Unger is an FAA designated physician which means that he is chosen by the FAA as a physician qualified to examine pilots to see if they are qualified physically, mentally and emotionally to fly the huge jet airliners that carry hundreds of people.

Ms. Crowley asked Dr. Unger what constitutes passing an exam here and abroad.  She went on to question what could have happened to these pilots on the missing Malaysian Airliner because when their neighbors and friends were questioned they told investigators that these men were really nice guys who seemed to be in a really nice place, all of those sorts of things.  So how do we know that we have a pilot in trouble.  She mentioned that we've had pilots in the U.S. who when it was detected that they had some troubles, they were taken off the planes.

Dr. response was something I never expected.  His response confirmed so much of what I ve been saying about statins!  He said, "Candy let me give you two examples:
One example is medicines we use to lower cholesterol.  These may be among the most prescribed medicines in the world.  These medicines give rise to memory deficits, they give rise to transient global amnesia, and we're sort of naive of that especially when they might be mixed with something else.

This physician FAA approved physician is telling us that cholesterol lowering drugs give rise to amnesia and to transient global amnesia!!!!

http://cnn.it/1g18uAZ

Basic Cell Function Blocked by Statin Drugs!

Amazing!  Isn't it amazing how we are led to believe that cholesterol is soooo harmful and that we've got to bring down those numbers at all costs!  Even if it cost you your memory, your muscles, your life.

Cholesterol is all important building block of life.  The brain accounts for 2% of your body but it uses 25% of all cholesterol.

Statins block the cholesterol making enzyme of the body - HMG-CoA Reductase.  Look at the definition of statins from the Mayo Clinic web site:  "Statins are drugs that can lower your cholesterol.  They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol."  Let's look at that last line again:  "They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol."

That "substance" is HMG-CoA Reductase Enzyme. Yikes!  What they don't say is all the other vital enzymes and substances are cut off because of the statin there is little to no HMG-CoA Reductase Enzyme being created.  Little things...like CoQ10 a naturally produced antioxidant.

Let's check again with the Mayo Clinic's web site regarding CoQ10:  "Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is made in the human body.  CoQ10 is needed for basic cell function.  CoQ10 levels decrease with age and may be low in people with cancer, certain genetic disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, HIV/AIDS, muscular dystrophies and Parkinson's disease.  Some prescription drugs may also lower CoQ10 levels."  The "prescription drugs" are statin drugs!   They just don't mention the "statin" word.

If you have never had a heart attack and are not in danger of having a heart attack, you should check with your doctor especially if you are on statin drugs.  According to Dr. Bowden's book, "The Great Cholesterol Myth"  you should not be on a statin.  No woman should be on statins.  No children should be on statins.

Note: For you Dr. Oz fans The Great Cholesterol Myth was reviewed on Dr. Oz's show with both authors on the show of TGCM.  Dr. Oz changed his mind about cholesterol lowering drugs and agreed with Drs. Bowden and Sinatra.

Be an Empowered Patient!  Know what you're taking and why!  Statins make a ton of money for Big Pharma but they could mean a ton of trouble for you.

The information on this blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice or services.  Mary is not a physician, dietitian nor does she hold any medical degree or license.  The information we are sharing on this blog is based on our experience with type 2 diabetes.  This blog is intended as a wake up call.  It should be used only for education and information and as a basis for discussion with a doctor.  The information here is for patients to read and become more informed.  The information here is not intended nor should it be construed or used to diagnose or treat any illness or condition.  We strongly urge you to consult with your physician regarding any medical questions or concerns.  Always consult with a doctor before making any changes to  medication or lifestyle.