School + Drugs = ...

College Student Financial Facts

2011-05-19T20:07:00.005-05:00

One Small, Surprising Way to Ensure Your Kid Gets to College
by Sarah Lorge ButlerTuesday, May 17, 2011

Here's a fascinating bit of research that caught my eye: According to a new report by the College Savings Initiative, kids with a savings account in their own name are six times more likely to attend college than those without an account. Yep, you read that right: six times more likely.

This research examined what happens when kids have ownership, so they're the ones who can make deposits and withdrawals at a bank. (It's not looking at what happens when their parents open a 529 or Roth IRA for them with their education expenses in mind.) The amount in the kids' account doesn't matter. It's the fact of having it that does.

Here are some of the College Board college debt report findings:

1. Two-thirds of college students graduated with college debt.
2. Among student loan borrowers, 25% left school with at least $30,500 worth of college debt.
3. 10% of all college students borrowed $39,300 or more for their education.
4. 38% of students attending public universities graduated with no college debt.
5. 28% of students attending private, non-profit colleges graduated with no college debt.
6. Here is the ethnic breakdown of students who graduated with no student debt:
Asian 40%, White 36%, Hispanic 33%, Black 19%
7. 52% of students with parents making more than $100,000 a year graduated with no student debt
8. Student, attending private, non-profit colleges, borrowed an average of $16,900 in private student loans, which are the least desirable college loans.
9. Students, who attended public universities, borrowed an average $9,800 through private student loans.
10. Asian students were more likely than other students to rely on private loans.
11. Families with incomes above $100,000 were more likely to take out private college loans.
12. Students attending private, for-profit schools generated the worst debt. A whopping 53% of them graduated with college debt of $30,500 or more!

Finally Graduated!

2011-05-15T18:14:00.003-05:00

Finally I am a graduate!!

Doctor of Pharmacy
and Master of Business Administration

Six years in the making.

NOW WHAT?!?!?

Drake's Link to the Surgeon General

2011-05-11T13:56:00.006-05:00

I was apart of a medication campaign today called "Script your Future" that is being headed by the National Consumers League and the National Surgeon General. The kick off to the campaign happened today in DC with some pharmacy students, the funding associations/companies, and some pretty prominent people. I got to meet the National Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin, ("America's Docotor") and a well known researcher in the area of medication adherence from Harvard, William Shrank. It was a fun day in bright orange t-shirts and a fun way to end my last rotation!

Countdown...

2011-05-10T09:48:00.016-05:00

ONLY... 78 hours until my Hooding Ceremony!

ONLY... 4 days and 4 hours until my Graduation!

How do I feel about all this?

Excited, Sad, Nervous, Happy, Relieved, Sentimentel, Scared, Optimistic....

Happy and Sad

2011-05-09T07:58:00.004-05:00

Man Runs Out of Gas, Buys Lottery Ticket - Wins!
WYFF4.com

ABBEVILLE, S.C. — An Abbeville man is the newest lottery winner in the Upstate.

Lottery officials said the man was on his way to get a haircut, when he ran out of gas.

They said he ended up walking the rest of the way into town and on his way bought a lottery ticket.

The scratch-off ticket ended up being a winner, and the man won $200,000.

Lottery officials said the man bought the ticket at Rosenberg’s Spirits, which won $2,000 for selling the winning ticket.

The man told lottery officials the Cash Blowout winnings will make a great down payment on a farm.

Two top prizes of $200,000 remain in the Cash Blowout game. Odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 440,000.

Approximately 97 cents of every dollar spent by players on the South Carolina Education Lottery is returned to the state in the form of funding for education, prizes, retailer commissions and payment to contractors for goods and services.

TeenFights Mom Over Starbucks Coffee
By Todd Wright

One South Florida son's behavior toward his mom probably wouldn't be described as good to the last drop.

The Port St. Lucie resident is charged with battery for the incident earlier in the week, just days before Mother's Day.

Starbucks is delicious, but not "so good, it will make you wanna slap yo mama" delicious. That didn't stop Quintana from crying over spilled coffee.

Brandon Scott Quintana, 19, was taken to jail after he allegedly got physical with his mom because she drank his Starbucks iced coffee, TCPalm.com reported.

The spat started when Quintana's 43-year-old mom woke up from a nap with a parched throat. She saw her son's Starbucks in the refrigerator and probably thought it was safe to drink.

After all, she did give birth to the kid. Wrong.

When Quintana got home, he was looking for his chilled treat. When he couldn't find it, he threw a temper tantrum, police said.

Quintana allegedly told police he was "pissed off because he spent every cent on that coffee" and that what his mom did amounted to stealing.

Cops didn't quite see it that way.

Quintana's mom said she tried to solve the problem with her son by offering a 2-liter soda as a replacement for the Starbucks, but he pushed her into a computer chair.

I Should Eat My Chia Pet??

2011-05-04T10:25:00.004-05:00

RUMOR: Eating chia seeds is heart healthy.

TRUTH:
Chia seeds are well known for sprouting the fast-growing "hair" on little clay Chia Pets. Now people are eating the nutty-flavored grains in hopes of reducing their risk of heart disease.

Chia reportedly contains more omega-3 fatty acids than flaxseed, more fiber than bran, and more protein than soy. Preliminary data shows that type 2 diabetes patients who eat 37 grams/day of a variety of chia called Salba for 3 months will see drops in blood pressure, A1c, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

The chia craze is really taking off since its recent debut on Oprah. Some people take chia oil supplements...others eat the seeds whole or use them to make bread, muffins, drinks, and more. Chia can be a good alternative to replace other grains in a balanced diet. People with high triglycerides need to keep tabs on their lipid levels because Chia MIGHT increase triglyceride levels.

RUMOR: Echinacea cures the common cold.

TRUTH:
There’s no PROOF that echinacea prevents, cures, or decreases the severity of colds. But the data is inconsistent. Echinacea MIGHT modestly shorten the duration of cold symptoms and decrease their severity...but it doesn’t work for everybody.

They are unlikely to cause more harm than some mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Start echinacea as soon as cold symptoms start and continue it as long as symptoms continue. Products with the best evidence...Echinaforce or EchinaGuard.

Patients with ragweed allergies not to take echinacea...cross sensitivity may result in allergic reactions. Do not to expect too much from other “immune system boosters” for colds, either. Evidence is also conflicting for zinc lozenges and vitamin C.

'Hugs and Kisses' with 'Dinosaurs'

2011-05-01T19:22:00.005-05:00

The 'chocolate chip cookies', 'cocoa puffs' and 'candy sticks' are preferred over the 'cheese' 'sandwhich', 'caviar' and 'greens' because they are not 'snotty', 'foo foo stuff' or 'homegrown'.

Interestingly enough all of the words in 'quotes' in the above sentence are slang for a drug or drug combination.

SCARY...there is a whole different language out there that I should know as a future pharmacists. One good reference (may not look like it at first glance) for illegal/legal street drugs is EROWID.ORG.

SCARIER.....what child would not be interested in learning more about chocalate chip cookies or candy sticks?

SCARIEST...children probably came up with half of these words or are more familiar with them than me.

MTM...is that candy the pharmacy sells?

2011-04-26T13:19:00.002-05:00

What Is Medication Therapy Management(MTM)?

Medication therapy management, also referred to as MTM, is a term used to describe a broad range of health care services provided by pharmacists, the medication experts on the health care team.

As defined in a consensus definition adopted by the pharmacy profession in 2004, medication therapy management is a service or group of services that optimize therapeutic outcomes for individual patients. Medication therapy management services include medication therapy reviews, pharmacotherapy consults, anticoagulation management, immunizations, health and wellness programs and many other clinical services. Pharmacists provide medication therapy management to help patients get the best benefits from their medications by actively managing drug therapy and by identifying, preventing and resolving medication-related problems.

Why Is Medication Therapy Management Needed?

Medication-related problems and medication mismanagement are a massive public health problem in the United States. Experts estimate that 1.5 million preventable adverse events occur each year that result in $177 billion in injury and death.

Who Can Benefit From Medication Therapy Management?

Anyone who uses prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbals, or other dietary supplements may potentially benefit from medication therapy management services.

People who may benefit the most include those who use several medications, those who have several health conditions, those who have questions or problems with their medications, those who are taking medications that require close monitoring, those who have been hospitalized, and those who obtain their medications from more than one pharmacy.

This information and more is provided by http://www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?section=MTM

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T19:13:00.003-05:00

Drake Relays

2011-04-21T21:26:00.004-05:00

I MISS the RELAYS. All that I will be missing this year:

DRAKE RELAYS EVENTS SCHEDULE

Friday, April 15
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Street Painting - Drake Campus

Saturday, April 16
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. — Drake Relays Parade
(Route: Forest to 30th St. to University to 25th)

Monday, April 25
10:45 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. 32nd Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest
Sponsored by: Bankers Trust and Prairie Meadows
The 2011 bulldog contestants have been chosen.

The Drake Relays, Iowa's premier sporting event, will feature 115 events during the 102nd running of the track and field extravaganza April 27-30 at Drake Stadium.

The "Pole Vault in the Mall" at Jordan Creek Town Center returns this year after a one-year hiatus with a new format and a talent-rich roster featuring some of the best men's and women's pole vaulters in the world.

Living Green

2011-04-17T14:08:00.003-05:00

While in DC I have been living green by necessity and by choice. I have always been environmental conscience but have taken a few more steps while living in a city that prides itself on being healthy and green.

*I take public transportation to and from work everyday during the weekdays.

*I walk or bike to most site seeing places on the weekend as well as the grocery store once a week

*I have been using eco-friendly washer/dryer while air drying as much of my clothing as possible.

*I recycle about twice as much as I throw away

*I mowed the lawn with a push blade

*I visit the farmer's market regularly to purchase my produce

It all makes me feel good. Even pharmacists can preserve the envirnoment.

Housewarming Party Gift

2011-04-13T11:50:00.013-05:00

I have a housewarming party to go to this Saturday night. Since I am a young professional and most of my friends just graduated a few years ago, I have not had the chance to attend too many house warming parties. I went online to get some ideas for gifts.

Some of the more funny or interesting gifts;

fishbowls, a drink holster, a soap dispensing nose, a plate/drink combo, a liquid dispensing seat cushion and whiskey cubes.

The party I am attending is for a house of five friends. I may go with a pair of ear plugs and bottle of wine for each house resident. Any other suggestions?

Pharmacy Student in DC

2011-04-11T20:02:00.005-05:00

My parents were in DC for the weekend. It was busy but fun!

Took a tour of the Capital building.

We saw the Cherry Blossom Parade.

Got a once in a lifetime 'garden tour' of the White House lawn allowing us to get up close to the House and Mrs. Obama's garden.

Topped off the weekend with a moonlight tour of the national mall.

Government Shut-Down

2011-04-08T08:50:00.005-05:00

Why? The government cannot agree on a budget for the fiscal year (started in October, ends in September). We are half way through the fiscal year and still no budget?? That is like giving a young teen a credit card, letting them go on a spending spree and then trying to rein them in...how effective is a budget after the fact?

Cause? The government spends beyond its means. Sounds familiar. I wonder where half of those Americans that lost their homes and went into foreclosure learned overspending from??

How? The government will require that all 'non-essential' employees to take a furlough. A furlough may save some money. But there will be tons of money lost if tourism is shut down, to restart all government agencies (re-plan meetings, catch up with missed work, etc), and traditionally the employees have received back pay for the furlough (which seems ridiculous to pay employees for NOT working). So will this really save money? Probably Not.

Government Goals? The goal of congress is to agree on a budget. So will a furlough get the government to a budget decision quicker??...Probably Not.

What It Means? The whole shut down situation is embarrassing for Americans everywhere. It shows us how many unresolved issues our government has. It proves to other nations that the US cannot run the country efficiently. For example, we had a conference call with health agencies in other countries the other day and they could not understand why or how a government could shut down, especially the American government.

Are we all supposed to just quit when we cannot get our way or come to an agreement with others? I sure hope not.

Politicians need to focus on the long term goals of the country rather than the short term re-election goal they have in mind. I would like to see some agreements made for the sake of all Americans not just federal employees. I know there were no furloughs when the Constitution or Bill of Rights were agreed upon so a one year budget should be do-able.

How to Conquer a Defeatist Attitude

2011-04-04T12:54:00.003-05:00

I need some help with my defeating attitude about my career (or lack of) right now. I seem to be getting frustrated with myself as more and more pharmacy students are talking about the residencies they have for the next year or the definite plans (more education or a job) they have made already. When it comes to my career after graduation, I feel like I am in an empty room with a blindfold on. I decided that I needed some help with my defeating attitude so I thought of some advice.

Conquer a Defeatist Attitude:

1. Belittle the worrisome idea or issue. To make the BIG issue seem smaller, ask "So what is the worst that will happen if ---- happens?"

2. Take action. What can you do today that will help you with the worrisome thoughts/ideas?

3. Make small goals that lead to larger goals that will allow you to conquer the defeating attitude.

4. Incorporate a positive attitude, even if you do not believe it today. Enough use of optimism can create a positive attitude eventually.

5. Spend more time thinking about how to conquer the defeated attitude rather than time about how you have failed.

Any other advice?

Unique Experiences In DC

2011-03-31T18:48:00.009-05:00

This past week I have been able to take advantage of a lot of unique experiences in DC that I may not have had the chance to do if I had not had a rotation with the FDA. Some pictures to recap my weekend/week.

I visited the USP, United States Pharmacoepia, which works with the FDA to form the standards and monographs (how to make these drugs) for all of the drug ingredients, supplements, injections, etc. Definitely an insiders perspective that was once in a lifetime. I got to tour the Pentagon, where I could not take pictures but it was definitely a great tour.

I visited the Supreme Court. Once again limited on the pictures but an experience everyone should take advantage of at least once.

I also visited the National Botanic Garden which is small but full of beautiful exhibits.

To Get a Pharmacists License

2011-03-27T15:12:00.008-05:00

I graduate in 55 days from pharmacy school. Besides finding a job there is much to do in order to practice as a pharmacist. No matter what kind of pharmacy that a person hopes to practice (hospital, retail, industry, residency, etc.), they have to get a diploma and then a pharmacy license.

To get a pharmacy license:

1. Show proof of graduation from an accredited college of pharmacy

2. Show proof of internship hours completed (each state determines how many internship hours you need ~1500 hours)
-If you work the intern hours out of state you have to get them 'officially' transfered by the state you worked in to the state you want to get licensed in.

3. Pass NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) with a certain score
-Tests your knowledge of the profession
-Must get scored transfered to individual states to get licensed in those states

4. Pass MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) with a certain score
-Tests your knowledge of pharmacy law in the particular state you want a license in.
-Must take a different exam for each state you want a license in

5. Pay for the exams and score transfers. Pay for the actual license in each state you hope to get licensed in.

I have got lots of work to do!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2011-03-24T12:12:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to everyone with a birthday today, especially my niece

EMILY who is turning TWO!

Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday to Emily (and everyone)

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Pharmacy Student Takes on DC

2011-03-20T13:25:00.014-05:00

I am trying to take advantage of my time on my rotation in DC. Here is what I was up to this weekend in DC:

Visited the National Museum of American History. Saw a lot of great things including one of President Lincoln's top hat, Julia Child's kitchen and the pair of ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz movie.

I saw the Lincoln Memorial

The World War II Memorial

The Vietnam War Veterans Memorial

The Korean War Veterans Memorial

The DC cupcakes shop from the TLC show.

Longest Commute Ever (or Yet...)

2011-03-18T08:13:00.003-05:00

Leave the house at 6:30am to walk to the metro.

Ride one metro for 20 min.

Transfer to a second metro. Ride the metro for 50 min due to a new electrical outage at the station I need to get off at.

Miss my shuttle. Get on a metro to a different station to get a shuttle. Ride the metro for 15 min.

Transfer to a different metro. Ride the metro for 35 min with some delays.

Get to my new destination to find out the shuttle has just left.

Wait 15 min. Get on a bus. Ride the bus for 30 min.

Wait 20 min. Get on a shuttle headed for the office. Ride the shuttle for 25 min.

Arrive at work at 10:30...

...Four hours later, exhausted, frustrated, and trying to forget what just happened.

Famous Pharmacists

2011-03-16T21:28:00.003-05:00

Dante Alighieri, The great Italian poet and author of “The Divine Comedy” who was an apothecary guild in the late 1200's

Sir Isaac Newton: The man who changed the world with his theory of gravity served as an apprentice apothecary

Benjamin Franklin; (inventor of electricity) Believe it or not, this Founding Father was a pharmacist before he was ever a printer or a statesman

Agatha Cristie was a pharmacy technician

John Pemberton(1831 - 1888), American inventor of the soft drink Coca-Cola
Charles Alderton (1857 - 1941), inventor the soft drink Dr Pepper
Caleb Bradham (1867-1934), American inventor of the soft drink Pepsi-cola

John Wayne's father.

Charles Walgreen: After losing part of a finger in an accident at the shoe factory where he worked, Walgreen with the sugession of his doctor decided to apprentice with a local druggist.

Hubert H. Humphrey: (Vice President of the United States under President Lyndon B. Johnson) The Minnesota democrat worked for a short time as a pharmacists in his father’s drugstore

O. Henry: The brilliant American writer – author of ‘The gift of Magi’ –He worked in his uncle’s drugstore as a teenager and became a pharmacist at 19.

George H. Ryan (1934-), Illinois Governor

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!

Pharmacy Student Touring DC

2011-03-13T19:07:00.014-05:00

My weekend in a nutshell:

Visited the Arlington Cemetery

Got to see the original Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights at the National Archives

Saw a great St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown DC

Visited the National Air and Space Museum

Saw the National Smithsonian Castle

Saw the White House

A Bulldog in DC

2011-03-10T18:15:00.019-06:00

I have not had the chance to really tour the capital yet but here is a taste of what I have been up to during my first week on the job.

Commuting to and from FDA headquarters in White Oak

Visiting the American Pharmacists Headquarters in downtown DC

Passed by the World Health Organization Headquarters, the Federal Reserve and the Albert Einstein memorial in downtown DC

Saw a protest in front of the Department of State

Got to visit and tour the National Institutes of Health (medical research headquarters of the USA)

Rain Drops Keep Falling on my Head

2011-03-10T14:15:00.004-06:00

Yuck, yuck, yuck.

This weather is only fit for a duck!

Raining for about 30 hours straight in DC. Yes the rain is wet :)
Want to either put on my rain boots and splash in the puddles or act scared like the politicians and stay home.

Lessons I Learned On My First Day At The FDA

2011-03-07T19:19:00.008-06:00

1. All seizure medications can cause rash.

2. Hair coming out of one's ears looks archaic.

3. Public transportation can be good but for some reason it hates me no matter where I go.

4. Bureaucracy is great. Bureaucracy is slow.

5. Change is never easy. But things that are easy rarely are worthwhile.

Welcome Washington DC

2011-03-06T15:22:00.004-06:00

Welcome Washington DC, my home for the next ten weeks!

Miss or Not

2011-03-03T07:58:00.013-06:00

What I will miss when I leave my rotation in Chicago for DC:

My family and friends

The use of a car

The amazing views from work

What I will NOT miss EVER!

Chicago Traffic

Chicago Potholes in Spring

Chicago Snow

The Government Shut Down Affects Drake Students

2011-02-28T21:28:00.004-06:00

I fly to Washington DC this week as my next rotation is in DC with the FDA. I am VERY excited but extremely nervous. I have been worrying about packing, about transportation and about finances while I am there. Now there is something new for me to worry about.

If the government ceased its operations next month because Congress failed to pass a spending bill to keep it running past March 4, hundreds of thousands of government contractors, including the FDA, who provide a host of essential services would share the burden.

The likely scenario is a hard shutdown, during which federal and contract workers are furloughed. In this scenario, security guards would block employees from entering their buildings. Workers would be prohibited from volunteering their services and would be advised not to continue working under the false assumption that the financial terms could be worked out later.

My preceptor at the FDA already emailed me: "If congress doesn't fund the government and we shut down your rotation will not start on March 7th but will start when the government re-opens. If it does shut down we will mostly likely only be delayed by a couple of days or a week at most"

I may get a few extra days to explore DC?

Better just keep my ears/eyes on the news.
http://www.federalnewsradio.com/?nid=15&sid=2288303

Public Opinion of Pharmacists

2011-02-24T12:17:00.002-06:00

"A study found the social skills of pharmacists to be more important to patients than was any technical expertise.

Positive interactions occurred when pharmacists provided information, recommended better treatment alternatives, and demonstrated product uses. Negative incidents tended to be those where patients had long waits for help."

"Some consumers are not sure what pharmacists actually do."

This is suprising but not surprising at the same time. Most people think pharmacists are just pill pushers and counters at your corner chain drug store.
NOT TRUE!

*Pharmacists are medication experts. They are under utilized for their medication knowledge.

*Pharmacists also check medication dosing. Everyone needs a second check, especially when it comes to dosing medications.

*Pharmacists are patient advocates with regards to the physician, to the insurance company and for health care changes. Pharmacists are NOT employed by the insurance companies so to them it does not matter when or how much medication you can have, those limits are set by the insurance company.

*Average interaction of a patient with their pharmacists: 90 seconds. Would you ever spend just 90 seconds with your doctor? You are paying for their professional help, and most times you can ask questions for free...so take advantage of it!

*Pharmacists check for interactions. This is most efficient if your keep all your drug records or if you visit one pharmacy for all your meds.

*Pharmacists give immunizations

*Pharmacists compound medications. Certain medicines that are not made by companies can be made by pharmacists.

GOOD NEWS:
"For the ninth consecutive year, America's pharmacists top Gallup's list of 26 occupations rated for their "honesty and ethical standards." Pharmacists are cited by 69% of Americans -- an all time high for any profession measured by Gallup -- for having "high" or "very high" standards."

Funny Public Signs

2011-02-20T21:33:00.004-06:00

Ever see some street, highway or building sign that just does not make sense or makes you laugh. My current favorite are the new "Speed Hump" signs. Who thought substituting 'hump' for 'bump' was a good idea?

What Would You Do?

2011-02-18T21:28:00.002-06:00

Have you ever seen ABCs "What Would You Do?" show? It is a hidden camera show that puts ordinary people in an ethical dilemma to make an ethical decision on the spot. I really like the show because it is real, the situations are real and the peoples' responses are real. Many people say they would always do the ethical thing but when a situation actually comes up, people do not always follow through. The situations brought up on the show really make you think about your own ethics and how you might handle the dilemmas.

Some of the topics they have covered and some of my ideas for topics to cover:

Teen/kid bullying

Kid/teens bullying the elderly

Underage kids asking strangers to buy them alcohol

Customer's stealing a tip

Waiter/waitress providing diet suggestions to overweight patrons

Witnessing AIDS discrimination

Sexual discrimination

Racial discrimination

Age discrimination

Grandmother stealing in store

See someone dine and dash

Another customer breaking something in a store

see a date slipping something into partner's drink

Breastfeeding in public

Help a stranger get medications

A stranger being verbal/physical abused

A store clerk gave incorrect change to a blind customer

What would you do?

Typical Day at the Pharmacy

2011-02-15T12:11:00.008-06:00

DISCLAIMER: This video does NOT visually portray what happens daily at a pharmacy but it does portray verbally what MAY go on daily at a pharmacy. It is not an always or everywhere situation but it happens. There is some rude language at times. Neither I nor Drake endorse the verbal exchange.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T12:27:00.003-06:00

Some fun trivia and stories about Valentine's Day:

73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine's Day are men

15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day

Teachers will receive the most Valentine's Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets.

Approximately one billion Valentines are sent out worldwide each year according to estimates by the U.S. Greeting Card Association. That's second only to Christmas.

Women purchase approximately 85 percent of all Valentines.

Q: Who sends a thousand valentines cards signed', guess who' ?
A: A divorce lawyer.

Read All About It:

Every Valentine’s Day our campus newspaper has a section for student messages. Last year my roommate surprised his girlfriend with roses and dinner at a fancy restaurant. When they returned from their date, she leafed through the paper to see if he had written a note to her.

Near the bottom of one page she found: “Bonnie — What are you looking here for? Aren’t dinner and flowers enough? Love, Scott.”

What the Sluggish Economy Means for Recent College Graduates

2011-02-12T20:41:00.005-06:00

- More time at home with the "rents" (CLEAN YOUR ROOM!!)

- Less employers returning phone calls/e-mails about job inquiries (maybe they lost your number or never got the email...)

- The increasing probability of landing a job where you do not need a higher education, a job that requires a different major or a job no one else wants instead of using your $60,000+ college education (that at one time seemed like a magic "get a job" card)

- If you're single... the dating scene is really not as fun (but actually more awkward) when you're 24+ and still live with your parents

- If you're already dating someone... it's hard for the lack of money and unclear life path to NOT affect the relationship

- A lot of working for free hoping somebody will appreciate the work you do and decide to pay you (after a while of working for free, the idea of this leading to a 'payday' seems more and more like finding water in the Sahara desert)

- You're actually told that you are "overqualified" to perform a job or they won't hire you because they thought you would get bored too easily

- Remaining overly cautious as you do not have the healthy coverage or money to visit the ER, doctor or dentist

- Searching for a job now is your job

Funny But True

2011-02-06T14:09:00.003-06:00

Doctor Speech
A doctor is giving a speech at a local awards ceremony, but when he looks down at the notes he'd jotted down, he can't understand what they say. Frantic, the doctor calls out, "Is there a pharmacist in the house?"

Miracle Drug
A miracle drug is one that is now the same price as it was last year.

Light Bulbs
How many pharmacists does it take to change a light bulb?
Just one, but he has to do it three times a day for 10 days.

SHORT HISTORY OF MEDICINE: "Medicine for an ear ache"
2000 B.C. - "Here, eat this root."
1000 B.C. - "That root is heathen, say this prayer."
1850 A.D. - "That prayer is superstition, drink this potion."
1940 A.D. - "That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill."
1985 A.D. - "That pill is ineffective, take this antibiotic."
2000 A.D. - "That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root!"

SNOW DAY!!

2011-02-02T16:07:00.008-06:00

It was officially a snow day for everyone in my house and for almost the entire city of Chicago!

It took my sister and me 2 hours and 40 minutes to drive home after work yesterday due to the winds, blowing snow and traffic (a drive that is usually about 45 minutes).

One main road in Chicago was shut down after hundreds of cars got stranded on the road. Firefighters used snowmobiles to get the people off that road (some had been sitting in their cars for over 8 hours).

Around my house we got about 20 inches of snow but some snow drifts got as high as 5 feet tall. I have never seen this much snow all at once

Of course the snowblower was working last night but today when we tried it, it was broken. So it took four adults three hours to clear our entire driveway and another hour to clear the sidewalk.

The city called to tell people to stay home, they closed most buildings, closed most transportation (including both major airports), and closed most hospitals.

The sun came out today...as always the sunshine after the storm. But over the next few days Chicago is to get some of the coldest weather in over 20 years. Fiji isle here I come!

Stop #8 on my Rotation Tour!

2011-01-31T21:22:00.002-06:00

Diamond Headache Clinic, Chicago, IL

"Diamond Headache Clinic is the oldest and largest private headache center dedicated solely to the diagnosis and management of headache pain."

I am working in the inpatient unit with patients that suffer from severely debilitating headaches and migraines. Just from the first day, I know I will learn a lot from this rotation.

How lucky am I? On the second day of my rotation I have to drive through downtown Chicago with 18-24 inches of snow expected. Chicago weather and traffic....I am thinking small town Arizona right about now!

Sad To Leave

2011-01-28T16:43:00.002-06:00

I HATE saying goodbye. Whether it is just leaving a party, finishing a phone conversation or seeing someone off at the airport, I absolutely dread saying goodbye. It makes me sad as if I may never see that person/people again. I would rather just leave or sneak out without saying anything because then it does not feel so permanent or sad.

So now comes the time, I have to say goodbye to Des Moines. My last rotation in Des Moines is complete and now I am off to Chicago for my next rotation. I have sold all my furniture, packed up my apartment and will be spending my last night in my apartment.

This is not to say I will never return to Des Moines (considering I have graduation in May), but leaving the place that I have been for the past six years brings a tear to my eye. I know I will miss my apartment, miss the lack of traffic and miss the low cost of living.

I will not say goodbye, since I cannot bring myself to do it. Instead, I will say "Until Next Time, Des Moines."

Folk Remedies

2011-01-24T12:43:00.003-06:00

I started to feel sick last Friday and still feel crappy today. I have the runny nose, watery eyes, cough, sneezing, stuffy head and fatigue. I HATE being sick, as does everyone else. And NO, just because I am in pharmacy school does not mean I do not get sick or have a pill to take to magically get myself better.

I told a women that I was not feeling well and she told me to rub Vick's vapor rub on my feet which would help with my cough. Hard to believe that would cure my cough; however, it has been proven that the sole of the foot absorbs topicals very well.

So I looked up some other folk remedies and found some interesting treatments:

To get rid of freckles, rub a live frog on your face.

Passing a child under the belly of a horse three times can cure a child's cough.

To cure insomnia one should rub their temple with cat fat or eat chicken cooked with milkweed. Another cure for insomnia was to smoke a mixture of black tobacco, toad powder, and honey.

To treat mosquito bites, at one point or another all of these cures were popular; rub the bites with vinegar, oil, butter, onion, garlic, or lemon peel and the blow on them.

Drinking red pepper tea or using dried pepper in your stockings will cure the chills.

To cure an earache several cures were fashionable including plugging the ears with s shelled snail or a slice of warmed bacon. Other popular cures included pouring pig's milk, warm oil, or the sap of a male ash tree on or in the ear.

To cure a sore throat the afflicted was supposed to rub the soles of their feet with an ointment made with garlic cooked in lard.

Pierced ears were believed to ward off ear troubles.

Put earwax in your mouth to dull the pain of a toothache or burn.

Biology Majors Career Paths?

2011-01-20T12:24:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine is a recent biology major and she is having a difficult time deciding on what she wants to do for the rest of her life (imagine that). She repeatedly asks me for ideas of what I believe she is good at and what a biology major can do with their degree. She likes math, science, planning and interacting with people.

Initially, I thought of the health care field...mostly because I am around it daily. She is not interested in that.

So I started to look for other options for biology majors and came up with some of the following:

Medical Field (various)

Zoology

Environmental Consultant

Food, Fragrance, Personal Care Scientist

Biology or Math Teacher

Chemical/Drug development

Forensic Scientist

Science Journalism

Marine Tourist worker

Human or Animal Behaviorist

Dietitian

Genetic Counselor

Mortician

Statistician

Taxidermist

Brew master

Food and Drug Inspector

Meteorologist

Any ideas of what a biology major could do?

Moving and Selling!

2011-01-16T17:51:00.002-06:00

Since this is the last month in my current apartment in the Drake Neighborhood, I have some stuff to sell. I would rather not haul it back with me. Here is a list of items that are available. If you need something or know someone who may need some of the following let me know. I will let you know how much the stuff is and where you can pick it up!

Air Condition Window Unit

Futon

Over sized Comfy Chair

20" Panasonic TV

Black Wood TV Stand

Small Standing Fan

Street Sign

Old Fashion Glass Candy Jar

Two modern lamps

Lots of Pharmacy Books!

I can send pictures of the items and guarantee that they are all in good condition!

Top 10 Best-Selling Prescription Drugs in America

2011-01-12T20:12:00.002-06:00

Lipitor, the cholesterol-lowering treatment, remains the best-selling drug in America. But Pfizer, the drug's maker, is facing renewed competition from biotechs like Amgen that were hardly on the map a decade ago-- and renewed threats from cheap generic drugs.

1.
LIPITOR - Treats: High cholesterol - Pfizer - $8.4 billion
2.
ZOCOR - Treats: High cholesterol - Merck - $4.4 billion (2005 sales)
3.
NEXIUM - Treats: Heartburn - AstraZeneca - $4.4 billion
4.
PREVACID - Treats: Heartburn - Abbott & Takeda - $3.8 billion
5.
ADVAIR DISKUS - Treats: Asthma - GlaxoSmithKline - $3.6 billion
6.
PLAVIX - Treats: Heart disease - Bristol-Myers Squibb & Sanofi-Aventis - $3.5 billion
7.
ZOLOFT - Treats: Depression - Pfizer - $3.1 billion
8.
EPOGEN - Treats: Anemia - Amgen - $3.0 billion
9.
PROCRIT - Treats: Anemia - Johnson & Johnson - $3.0 billion
10.
ARANESP - Treats: Anemia - Amgen - $2.8 billion

This list does not necessarily reflect the most used, most effective or most highly rated drugs but just the best selling drugs in the past few years.

Rumor Vs. Truth #2

2011-01-07T21:53:00.002-06:00

RUMOR: Taking aspirin at bedtime LOWERS blood pressure.

TRUTH: Patients who take aspirin 100 mg at bedtime can see a drop of about 6/4 points in systolic/diastolic blood pressure. But taking the same dose in the morning does NOT give this same benefit. This may seem counter intuitive since we associate NSAIDs with decreased renal function, edema, and increased blood pressure. Aspirin inhibits the powerful vasoconstrictor angiotensin II...which is most active at night. This might explain the dip in BP.

Some experts suggest that nighttime aspirin may even delay the progression of pre-hypertension to hypertension. It's too soon to say that the same blood pressure lowering effects will be seen in patients taking just 81 mg aspirin daily. There's not enough evidence aspirin at bedtime is more beneficial at preventing outcomes that matter...stroke, heart attacks, etc.

RUMOR: Vick's Vaporub can be used to treat nail fungus.

TRUTH: Many people with nail fungus say that applying Vicks VapoRub seems to help. There may be something to it.

Vicks VapoRub contains a mixture of menthol, eucalyptus oil, camphor, and thymol. These ingredients are active against several fungal organisms that cause onychomycosis.

One observational study suggests that applying Vicks VapoRub to the infected toenail daily until it grows out appears to clear the infection in some patients. This isn't enough proof to say that it works. But given the high cost and risk of side effects with systemic therapy, it may be worth a try in mild cases.

Tea tree oil is another natural treatment that's sometimes tried by patients; however, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend its use for nail fungus.

Topical treatments have to be used faithfully for at least 6 months. This is because topicals work by inhibiting new fungal growth and it takes at least that long for new nail to grow in.

Stop #7 On My Rotation Tour

2011-01-04T18:21:00.003-06:00

My first stop of the new year is back in good ole Des Moines. I am completing my acute care rotation at the Des Moines County Hospital, Broadlawns Hospital.

An acute care rotation is a portion of the hospital where treatment of a disease is for only a short period of time in which a patient is treated for a brief but severe episode of illness. Serious illnesses such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, diabetic ketoacidosis, meningitis, etc are treated in these areas with the help of doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Most of the patients are in the ICU or main medical floors.

I am completing the rotation with two other students from Drake and the preceptor is a Drake professor and alum. It is only my second day but the preceptor, my fellow rotation students, the nurses, the medical fellows and the doctors all seem welcoming and interested in helping students learn. The preceptor so far is a great teacher and I think I will like the rotation.

I know that my long break, which seemed as long as an eye blink, did not help my memory or education but it was deserved. I now need to get back into the groove of studying and learning. This rotation will definitely teach me a lot but only after some very hard work on my part....

Here we GO!

My Horoscope for 2011

2010-12-30T19:29:00.002-06:00

Get ready to rock it in 2011, Scorpio! You've got so much going for you in nearly every life arena you won't know where to focus first. For starters, you'll have more work opportunities than you'll know what to do with. In fact, with so many alluring offers crossing your desk, the whole picking and choosing fiasco could easily lead to typical Scorpio overkill. Extreme by nature, the idea of having too much to handle sounds like a total joyride until the reality of having zero time for anything (like eating and sleeping) kicks into your stubborn consciousness.

You thrive under intensity, so that aspect of your ridiculously busy life won't be a problem. It's just that Saturn bearing down in your sector of sleep, dreams and retreat will feel like an ongoing thorn in your side should you neglect taking enough time out for yourself to re-balance and shut out the demands of the big bad world.

Balance is never easy for a Scorpio. You're like a moth to a flame when it comes to amping up the drama in your life. By the time your half-birthday arrives in May, you'll be under the extreme influence of six planets lining up in your work sector in the Cardinal sign of new beginnings: Aries. And yes, that could literally mean you'll be working on at least six different projects simultaneously. Just watch that your health doesn't suffer as a result. Double up on the supplements and be sure to get enough rest to see you through this exciting but demanding time.

Check out yours at:http://shine.yahoo.com/page/2011-horoscope

What I Got For Christmas

2010-12-27T17:35:00.003-06:00

For the Holiday, I got everything I asked for and more.

I needed an external hard drive to backup the contents on my laptop and got one. Last year my 5 year old laptop just stopped working one day and I could not retrieve the contents on it. I was pretty bummed for a while but got over it. I HIGHLY suggest everyone to use an external hard drive or jump drives to back up important or desired information.

I also needed and received new dress shoes for work. On rotations we have to dress like professionals which includes business casual. I have a few shoes to wear but was in need of some more comfortable shoes for all day use. HIGHLY recommend getting comfortable shoes for any job, internship or rotation that is all day on your feet otherwise you are compromising foot health for fashion.

I also received some vacuum style packing bags. I need them for when I travel from rotation to rotation in order to minimize the luggage I am taking. As we know, transportation is getting more expensive due to luggage fees. I have not tried the bags out yet but from what they advertise they should be some miracle workers.

I also received a gift card to Starbucks. I am not always in the mood for coffee but I enjoy meeting up with people for coffee or tea at Starbucks to talk or study.

I got some highly desired cash. As a student, cash has always been on any gift list. School costs (especially when you are working for free or actually paying to work), transportation costs, living costs, etc.

I got to spend over 4 days with my whole family including my niece which is above all the most desired thing on my gift list. It was a great time since my family is very close and we really do enjoy spending time together.

Finally, I got my last present this morning, the stomach flu. I have been sick all morning and just now am feeling slightly better. I am not sure where I got it but my mom also has it. It is no fun and I feel extremely lazy. I have done practically nothing today because every time I move from my bed I feel nauseated and my head kills due to my dehydration.

Overall Christmas was WONDERFUL except for the the "extra present" that I got this morning that was not on my list!

Why do college students get such long winter vacations?

2010-12-20T15:02:00.002-06:00

By Noreen Malone

Many college students have already landed at home for a long winter's nap, taking back their old bedrooms and vying for control of the remote. In 2009, the Explainer answered why college students get such long breaks. The column is reprinted below.

Why do students get so much time off?Most working adults don't get much official time off during the holidays—the Explainer, for instance, is only released into the wild on Christmas and New Year's Day. But students get tons of vacation time—some college breaks last as long as six weeks. How'd these kids get so lucky?

They can thank the stagflation and energy crisis of the Carter era, mostly. American colleges originally based their academic calendars around the agricultural cycle, commencing the semester after the harvest—much later than the August start that's typical today. They also once hewed to a standard two-week break around Christmas, with exams scheduled for after the holiday.

But in the 1970s, when many academic institutions found themselves in dire fiscal straits (one national task force predicted that more than one-quarter might be forced to close their doors), administrators realized that if they altered the calendar, they could reduce spending. By starting the term during late summer and by shutting their doors for a month or more over the winter holidays, they saved significantly on heating costs at a time when oil prices where cripplingly high. Serendipitously, this cost-cutting measure coincided with a broader movement inside academia toward experimental pedagogy, like study abroad, mini-classes, and internship programs that could be completed over a slightly longer break.

The shift toward a longer winter break actually represents a move back to an earlier tradition. Britain's Oxford and Cambridge Universities, upon which many of the oldest American colleges modeled themselves, settled into standardized terms in the mid-13th century. Students enjoyed a winter break of nearly a month between the Michelmas and Hilary terms at Oxford, and between Michelmas and Lent at Cambridge. As the term names suggest, the demands of the Christian religious calendar helped dictate the timing and length of the break. The difficulty of travel in the pre-internal-combustion era and the cost of heat and light during coldest days of the year may also have played a part.

Public elementary and secondary schools usually have a holiday break of just a week, as they must comply with state-mandated hour requirements for in-school instruction. Private schools historically have slightly longer breaks. Students at the boarding school Phillips Exeter Academy, for instance, had a two-week break at the holidays in 1850 and will get 18 days off this year.

With many academic institutions once again under financial duress, and with ever-growing attention paid to sustainability, colleges are seeking to make the most of their resources over the winter break. Some have begun renting out facilities for conferences over the holidays or furloughing some of their maintenance and support staff.

Makes Sense to Some People

2010-12-16T17:39:00.003-06:00

Calvin Hoover of Salem, Oregon, who last year repeatedly called 911 to report that someone had stolen an ounce of marijuana from his truck, an act of foolishness that turned him from victim to criminal in a matter of hours.

Sterling F. Wolfname, a murder suspect on the run from police in Billings, Montana, who was caught by police when they spotted a man who had "Wolfname" tattooed on the side of his head.

Douglas Gardner of Vermont, who picked up his eighth DUI just days after spending 20 years in prison for killing a man in the course of committing his seventh DUI.

Frank Singleton, 21, was released from jail. However, when he realized that he didn't have a ride home, he walked straight into the prison parking lot and attempted to carjack a woman. He was foiled when he realized that he couldn't drive a car with a stick shift.

Demetrius Robinson, 28, wanted to rob a Golden Pantry store late one night, but he needed to pass the time as naturally as possible until he and the clerk were alone, so he decided to fill out a job application. Not a bad idea, except he left his real name on the application, along with his uncle's phone number. After he robbed the store, it didn't take long for police to track him down. He didn't get the job.

Spent the Day Downtown

2010-12-13T22:26:00.008-06:00

My aunt, my mother and I braved the blustery cold Chicago weather today and spent the day downtown.

We shopped at the Germany Christmas market,

we saw the gigantic Christmas tree,

we walked around Macy's,

we toured the "Marshall Field's" Christmas windows,
we had afternoon tea at the Walnut Room, we did some downtown shopping,

we saw the Art Institute's wreathed lions

and we saw a group of firemen singing Christmas carols.

All in all it was a very fun day but I would not expect anything less from Chicago style Holidays.

Thanks Ladies!

Facts About December

2010-12-10T23:53:00.003-06:00

December comes from the Latin word decem which means ten. It was originally the tenth month of the year in the Roman calendar which began with March. When January and February were added to the Roman calendar, December became the twelfth month of the Gregorian calendar. It is one of the seven months that has thirty one days.

Until 46 B.C., December only had 29 days. But the Roman statesman Julius Caesar added two days to December, which made it 31 days.

Illinois admitted to the Union, December 3,1818.

Amendment 21 to the United States Constitution, repealing prohibition, proclaimed, December 5, 1933.

People in several European countries celebrate December 6 as the Feast of Saint Nicholas.

Mississippi admitted to the Union, December 10, 1817.

The first Ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution (The Bill of Rights) were ratified on December 15, 1791.

Boston Tea Party, December 16, 1773.

Amendment 13 to the U.S. Constitution, ending slavery, proclaimed, December 18, 1865.

In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice or shortest day of the year occurs and winter begins. This takes place on December 21 or 22.

The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Mass., December 21, 1620.

December 28th is regarded by many superstitious people as the most unlucky day of the year.

Texas admitted to the Union, December 29, 1845.

Meth Use...What is going on?

2010-12-08T10:38:00.002-06:00

Meth use is become a more prevalent problem as people have found easier ways of obtaining the materials and methods of making the drug at home. It is scary to know how these people 'cook' the meth because it is extremely dangerous. The meth labs include:

◦Cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine
◦Lithium batteries
◦Rock salt
◦Lye
◦Iodine
◦Paint thinner
◦Drain cleaner
◦Heet gasoline additives
◦Aluminum foil
◦Matchbooks (red phosphorus)

Through my previous rotation at a psych ward, it is devastating to see how meth use can ruin a person's life and relationships. Since meth is a stimulant drug, it stimulates the body with a euphoric high. People feel happy during that high. But the high does not last forever and coming down is pretty rough. A person detoxing on meth has to just crash because there is no antidote or treatment. So they will crash and then go through withdrawal because the body wants that high but is no longer getting it. Meth addictions are one of the hardest drug addictions to overcome and sadly many never recover. The seeking behavior that addicts use to find their next high turns into a lot of time and money spent which starts to affect the addicts ability to keep relationships with family, friends, etc.

Some people argue that requiring prescriptions for any medication that has pseudoephedrine in it, as the state of Oregon does, would decrease the meth use. I think that pseudoephedrine products should be available for people to use correctly as they work very well for flu and allergy relief. I believe that it is not the psuedoephedrine that is killing people but people are sadly killing themselves.

Rumor Vs. Truth

2010-12-03T14:54:00.002-06:00

I would like to start a section on my blog called "Rumor Vs. Truth." This column is from a pharmacy newsletter I read called the "Pharmacist's Letter." In each issue, the authors expose about a dozen rumors facing a variety of medications. I will share just a few that I think pertain to over the counter drugs for a broader set of patients.

RUMOR: Colon cleansing and other "detoxification" methods leads to better general health.

TRUTH: This is based on a theory that over time the body accumulates harmful toxins such as metals and pesticides. Proponents believe special treatments including herbals or supplements given orally or as enemas, or special diets are needed to remove these toxins from the body.

But there is NO proof to support any of these theories...or that any special product or method will rid the body of toxins. The kidneys and liver are very efficient at filtering and eliminating toxins from the body.

Detoxification programs often include laxatives. These can cause significant diarrhea resulting in fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. Some laxatives can even worsen heart failure or cause kidney failure in people at high risk. Enemas or colonics can also cause electrolyte imbalances or a perforated rectum. Extreme changes in the diet can lead to fatigue, diarrhea, or constipation. Long-term fasting can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies and protein deficiency.
Advise patients to stick to standard measures...a good diet, regular exercise, using bulking agents (psyllium, etc) to stay regular if needed, etc.

RUMOR: Alka-Seltzer can cure a urinary tract infection (UTI).

TRUTH: One very popular home remedy is to use Alka-Seltzer tabs. It's proposed that by alkalinizing the urine, the sodium bicarbonate in Alka-Seltzer will inhibit some types of bacteria from growing in the bladder. But there is no good evidence that alkalinizing the urine helps to relieve symptoms of dysuria...whether due to infection or not. Studies have failed to show any benefit of sodium bicarbonate for treatment of UTIs.

Patients should see a doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms suggestive of a UTI...urgency, frequency, or pain when urinating. An improperly treated UTI can progress to a more serious kidney infection.

RUMOR: Vicks Vaporub applied to the feet can stop a cough.

TRUTH: This has been perpetuated by websites claiming a Canadian study proves that this works. But that’s where the trail turns cold. The group that supposedly published the study denies any knowledge of its existence.

The web is filled with glowing testimonials that this works. And many parents welcome it as an alternative to drugs in children. There’s no proof that this home remedy works. If you still want to try it, wear socks so the oils won’t stain the sheets. Do not dab Vicks in the nose hoping this will work better. The petrolatum in the product can cause a form of pneumonia if aspirated into the lungs.

Thank Goodness and How Ridiculous?

2010-11-29T20:00:00.006-06:00

This first article appeared in the Des Moines newspaper on Nov. 23 and of course I freaked out because I live very near this area.

A Drake University student was robbed and then kidnapped as he walked to his car near his residence early today.

Michael Thaden, 21, was approached by a man in the 2900 block of Brattleboro Avenue about 1:15 a.m. Police said the man opened his heavy coat and displayed a silver handgun. He ordered Thaden to get in the vehicle.

After robbing him of $50, the gunman climbed in the passenger side and ordered him to drive. Police said the man did not say much, just barked orders, like, “Turn here,” and “Turn right.” They ended up near Valley West Mall. The gunman told Thaden to wait. He said a friend would be joining them.

When the gunman got out of the car, Thaden drove away. He called police shortly thereafter.
No arrests have been reported, and police have not identified a suspect.

Then this article appeared on Nov. 24 and became relieved but also dumfounded by why would someone do this?

Detectives on Wednesday determined that another reported kidnapping was a lie.

Drake University junior Michael Thaden, 21, told police he was kidnapped and robbed as he walked to his car near his residence early Tuesday. Wednesday, Polk County prosecutors charged and arrested Thaden with making a false police report. No motive for the alleged crime was given...

In a press release Police Sgt. Jeff Edwards said, “In the subsequent investigation follow-up, it has been determined that the kidnapping and robbery reported in this case did not occur.”
Thaden was charged with making a false police report.

"Significant time is put into every case that is made," Sgt. Jeff Edwards, Des Moines police spokesman, said in a news release. Police encourage people to report possible crimes, but Edwards emphasized that deliberately making a false report is a crime.

Got nothing better to do with your time??

Encouraging to know that the police keep the Drake area safe, too bad they cannot protect us from everything!

Comparing Prices Over the Years

2010-11-26T20:28:00.002-06:00

Although today was Black Friday, I did not do any shopping. I have gone out before for 'black Friday deals' only to leave the store without the product I wanted (because they only had 5 models), with some product I never knew I needed but bought because it was on sale and frustrated at all humans because of the amount of people shopping or complaining all at the same stores.

This year Black Friday made me think about how prices of products have changed over the years as well as the variety of products available. For example, I remember paying about $150 for a printer which now can be bought for about $40. Also, my mom always remembers how she paid $480 for her first VHS player which now cannot even be bought in stores. Other fun cost comparisons:

Gallon of Gas:
1930 10 cents , 1960 25 cents , 1990 $1.34 , 2010 $2.80

Cost of a New Car:
1930 $600.00 , 1960 $2,600.00 , 1990 $16,950.00 , 2010 $28,958

Cost of a New House:
1930 $3,845.00 , 1960 $12,700.00 , 1990 $123,000.00 , 2008 $238,880

My First Discman:
1996: $60.00, 2010: People do not know what a disc man is anymore

Who Knew a Turkey Could Be So Funny?

2010-11-22T13:13:00.004-06:00

While I was shopping this morning, I not only found a Christmas gift for my niece but I also got some good laughs in.

I was standing behind a sweet old lady waiting to get my purchases rung up. The lady began telling the cashier how she wanted to pick up a frozen turkey at the store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family.

She asked the boy at the register, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?"
The cashier replied, "No ma'am, they're dead."

I burst out laughing as did the old lady. The young cashier then realized what the old lady meant, turned red and also started laughing.

Just a funny story to start off your Thanksgiving week with some fun!

T-Shirts, T-Shirts Everywhere!

2010-11-18T18:59:00.003-06:00

I know I am not the only person who has an overwhelming collection of t-shirts as I have seen the t-shirt quilts ideas on the Internet and have seen my mom make one from my sister's collection.
After sorting through the over 100 t-shirts that I have, I began to ask myself....Where did they all come from?

Sports, band, organizations, clubs, fundraisers, groups, committees, conferences....being way too involved!

Upon remembering the source of most of the shirts, I began to get very nostalgic about all that I did with memories flowing back immediately as if I had pictures in front of me. There is no way I can wear all of these shirts even in an entire year. So what to do with all these memories?

Ask my mom to make me a t-shirt quilt! Thanks MOM!

Free Beer Tour...WHERE?

2010-11-12T18:46:00.008-06:00

While in St. Louis visiting, my family makes it a point to visit the Anheuser Busch plant and take the Budweiser Tour. Today, I went on my sixth or seventh tour or the facility and feel like I could almost give the tour myself. The whole beer making process is explained and you get to see the facilities were all the beer is made, fermented and packed. The Clydesdale horses and dalmatian are also on site to visit. The tour is fascinating, fun, interesting, historical and great with samples at the end!

Vacation Block, Here I Am!

2010-11-11T22:20:00.006-06:00

Finally....Enjoying my one and only vacation time for the year!

Wish I could say that I was going on an adventurous trip across the world. Instead I have interviews, presentations and job searches filling up my few weeks. I have to start all this planning in order to potentially have a job in May after graduation.

However, this weekend I am doing something almost as fun as a world adventure...I am visiting my sister, brother in law and my cutest, most favorite niece in St. Louis!

Pharmacy Residencies and Fellowships

2010-11-08T19:51:00.003-06:00

So what does all this verbage about residencies, fellowships, PhD work, that you may hear pharmacy students talking really mean?

The purpose of the residency (general or specialized) is to further develop you expertise as a clinician. The PGY1 is a more broader focus and the PGY2 has evolved into specialty practice to further develop skills to specialize in a particular field (i.e. psych, neuro, critical care, cardiovascular, etc).

A fellowship is meant to develop the skills of the individual as a researcher. Typically they market the capacity of developing you into a skill set necessary to be a principal investigator. Fellowships provide specialized training and experience within the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries while enhancing the role of pharmacists within industry.

Otherwise the PhD route gives you time to develop that skill set over the 1st 2 yrs and you have the remaining 2-3yrs to continue development and apply your work.

Iowa Pharmacy Board Says Marijuana is Medicine

2010-11-02T21:33:00.003-05:00

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy Tuesday declared that marijuana is a drug with medicinal purposes. In doing so, it agreed to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule II under Iowa law.

The board found that while marijuana has a high potential for abuse, it is now considered to have accepted medical uses. Schedule I drugs are those that have no proven or accepted medical use.

But the board denied a request from petitioner Carl Olson of Des Moines that it promulgate rules on the medical use of marijuana. That is beyond the scope of the board's authority, chairman Vernon Benjamin said.

While the board can regulate drugs and pharmacists, it is up to the legislature to approve the medicinal use of marijuana, he said."We can't set any penalties. We can't set any guidelines on how marijuana's going to be produced, what standards are going to be. And I think all those kind of things are things the legislature's going to have the ultimate say-so about anyway," said Benjamin in remarks reported by local media.

The ball is now in the hands of the legislature, which so far has failed to act to pass a medical marijuana bill.

(by Phillip Smith, November 02, 2010)

GOOD or BAD?

-As a human, I could care less if people want to harm their own bodies as long as they are not harming me.

-As a pharmacist, this adds to the liability, regulation and monitoring responsibilities of our job.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T23:31:00.001-05:00

Happy HALLOWEEN!

Hope it is 'spooktacular'!

I miss trick-or-treating.

If I could dress up in any costume, it would be...Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz since I have never been 'myself' before.

Congratulations!!

2010-10-24T20:52:00.003-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS

Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez!!

You mean so much to me as you do to so many other people. I am not loosing a sister but gaining an invaluable brother in law! Thanks for making me apart of your wedding and for being apart of my life.

I LOVE you both so much.

Yes, the Pharmacy Market is Saturated!

2010-10-21T19:44:00.003-05:00

So let me dispel the misconception that getting a pharmacy degree ensures your job safety for the rest of your life

Many people tell me, "Oh you are lucky you are getting a pharmacy degree because there will always be demand for pharmacists."

YES and NO

Yes, health care professionals will always be needed.

No, the pharmacists market is currently saturated so getting a pharmacy job is just as difficult and competitive as any other job.

After attending a pharmacy career night tonight, I learned how saturated the market really is and that many companies are not hiring in certain areas or hiring at all. Also, there are more pharmacy schools popping up around the country making jobs more competitive.

Attending 6 years of school and getting a pharmacy degree does not guarantee ANYTHING especially in this economy or the current market and it especially does not guarantee "luck" as many people tell me.

October is American Pharmacists Month!

2010-10-17T16:39:00.004-05:00

In the last quarter century, pharmacy has expanded its role within the health care delivery system from a profession focusing on preparation and dispensing of medications to patients to one in which pharmacists provide a range of patient-oriented services to maximize the medicine's effectiveness.

Pharmacy is practiced in a wide range of settings: community pharmacies, hospitals, long term care facilities, the pharmaceutical industry, mail service, managed care, and government (Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Service, Public Health Service). A survey identified 112,000 pharmacists in community pharmacy (66,000 in chain pharmacies; 46,000 in independent pharmacies), 40,000 in hospitals, and 21,000 in consulting, government, academic, industry and other settings.

Educational requirements for pharmacists currently include: a six-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). This extensive training makes the pharmacist the most knowledgeable health care professional when it comes to medicines and their use.

The pharmacist is on of the most accessible and most trusted health professional. In 1998 -- for the 10th consecutive year -- America’s pharmacists topped the Gallup Poll list of businessmen and professionals for their "honesty and ethical standards."

Medicines today have great power to heal and to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. But medicines also may do serious harm if not taken correctly. This is where the role of the pharmacist is most important. You should choose your pharmacist as carefully as you choose a physician. It is best to use only one pharmacy so all medication records are at one location. This way there will be less risk of duplicating medicine or having one prescription interact harmfully with another.

Pharmacists who know their patients and have their medication profiles on file will be aware of possible harmful drug interactions or allergies to certain drugs. The pharmacist also will be able to discuss possible side effects; what foods, drinks, or activities that should be avoided while on a medication; what to do if you miss a dose; and a wide range of other helpful information.

The pharmacist is a key health care professional in helping people achieve the best results from their medications. Americans should choose a pharmacist they trust and build a partnership for good health.

Halloween Costume Ideas

2010-10-13T21:56:00.004-05:00

Tic Tac Toe - Glue a container of Tic Tacs to the toe of your shoe.

Paper Shredder - Get some sheets of paper or old bills and envelopes and punch a hole in them. Then put a ribbon or rope through the hole and tie it around your neck. When someone asks what you are, shred some paper!

Quarter Pounder - Carry around some quarters and a hammer. When someone asks you what you are, pound a quarter.

Devil's Advocate - Carry a sign that says, "Vote for the Devil."

Quarterback - Wear a black shirt and tape a quarter to your back.

Cereal Killer - Dress in black and glue mini cereal boxes to your shirt. Stick plastic knives into the boxes and add some ketchup for "blood."

Black-Eyed Pea - Paint black circle around your eye and wear a white T-shirt with a large letter "P" on it.

Zebra - Wear a bra on the outside of your shirt and paint the letter "Z" on it.

Buccaneer - Hang a dollar from each ear.

CD Burner - Wear a blank CD around a neck and carry a pack of matches or a lighter.

God's Gift to Women - Gift wrap a large box and cut holes in the top and sides for your head and arms. Add a gift tag that says "To: Women" and "From: God."

Babysitter - Strap a doll to your rear-end and sit on it.

Peter Pan - Put a pan on your head with a name tag on it that says, "Hello, I'm Peter."

Dr. Pepper - Wear medical scrubs and attach peppers to your shirt.

Identity Crisis - Wear any color shirt and stick name tags, each with a different name, on the shirt.

What Psychiatric Patients Can Teach the World

2010-10-10T19:57:00.005-05:00

1. Every person is an human being so treat them as you would want to be treated.

2. Judging other people makes you ignorant and makes you miss out on a lot of extraordinary opportunities

3. The problems that I worry about on a day to day basis are insignificant in comparison to the problems that psychiatric patients deal with.

4. Everyday, be grateful for the mental, physical and emotional health that you have, as these are the most important things in life.

5. Everyday, be grateful for the upbringing you had (you may not have gotten a new car at 16, but you were not abused, beat down, abandoned, exposed to drugs, pressured into theft, etc)

6. Psychosis DOES NOT equal dumb. Psychotic people have unique talents and skills just like all other humans.

More lessons to be learned...

Stop #5 on My Rotation Tour!

2010-10-07T12:28:00.003-05:00

I am now back on some more familiar ground in Des Moines; however, I do miss good old Emmetsburg.

I am completing my fifth rotation at a county hospital, focusing mainly on the psychiatric patients that come in. I am working with a professor from Drake at the site who is phenomenal. Since most students really enjoy the professor and learn a lot from the professor in class and at the site, this particular rotation site becomes highly sought after.

The rotation gets me up early in the morning but keeps me going all day so there is little time to get bored or even look at the clock. Since a Drake faculty member is the preceptor, the rotation is very organized, scheduled and BUSY (with projects, presentations, questions and assisting in teaching a course). No day is the same but I like it that way. I am already learning a lot in just the first few days. The patients not only teach me about their mental illnesses but about life lessons, how to treat others, being nonjudmental and the good in life. I can only imagine how fulfilling this rotation will be in the end!

Congratulations!

2010-10-03T17:42:00.003-05:00

Congratulations the newlyweds,

Mr. and Mrs. Hollis!!

I had the honor of being apart of this very special couple's wedding this weekend. The bride I have known since kindergarten and the groom for over 7 years. The ceremony was beautiful and the reception in downtown Chicago was unforgettable. I wish them only the BEST!

Buy A Flu Shot, Get a Blind Date Free!

2010-09-26T15:46:00.004-05:00

I was at a pharmacy working and providing flu shots. Over 22 people showed up to get a flu shot. Most patients were older individuals while there were a few young adults.

There was a middle aged man who needed a flu shot. I started talking to the man as I do most patients in order to distract them from the shot I am about to give. We discuss his errands for the day, his grandchildren and my future pharmacy career.

As I finish the shot and the paperwork, the man asks if I am married. Then he asks if I have a boyfriend. I say no to both, as I am traveling too much with school. He then asks if he can have my phone number for his son. He goes on telling me how successful his son is and that he is a great man.

I insist that I will be traveling in Illinois and Iowa for the next few months so things might not work out. The man insists that things would work because his son works in Des Moines but travels to Chicago often and so on. I continue to avoid the blind date by saying I do not live in the area and will be leaving for Des Moines next month. The man says that is perfect as his son lives there and they will be having a birthday party for him next month. The man continues to invite me to the birthday party for his son.

The man tells me he will go get his wife from the car so she can meet me.

I run behind the pharmacy counter in hopes that if they couple cannot find me, they might just forget the whole idea. No luck! The man finds me and asks me to meet his now embarrassed wife.

We all begin small talk about what we do, my last name, my traveling plans, my pharmacy and business education, etc. The couple insists that their son is a great guy. The man gives me his business card and insists that he does not do this to all woman he meets and in fact he has never done this for his son before. The wife says she thinks her husband was crazy for bringing her into the store but now thinks her son and I would get along well. I continually insist that I will just be traveling around to have a relationship. She says she could give the son my name and phone number if I am comfortable with the idea and that we could all mutually meet at the birthday celebration. After trying to avoid this for 30 minutes I give in, the couple leave after I provide them with a name and phone number.

Such persistence to make a date at a flu clinic, of all places?!?!
I could not make up this story even if I had tried!

No, I am not seeking a blind date at the flu clinics!

No, I will NOT be giving out my phone number to be hooked up with your single sons!

You Know You Are On Rotations In a Small Town When...

2010-09-22T19:05:00.003-05:00

The following story reminds me that I am on rotations in a small town because this sort of story would never happen anywhere else.

"Billy Joe" walks into Subway during his lunch break to buy one sandwich to eat at the restaurant and one to take to his wife. The cashier recognizes "Billy Joe" as most everyone knows most everyone else in town. "Billy Joe" gets his first sandwich and enjoys it at the restaurant. "Billy Joe" leaves Subway forgetting to take the second sandwich that he ordered for his wife.

The cashier realizes that "Billy Joe" forgot the second sandwich but knows she is too late to catch him as he drives away. She immediately calls "Billy Joe's" place of employment to let him know he forgot his food because of course she knows where he works. The cashier is informed that "Billy Joe" has not made it back to work yet. The cashier then assumes that "Billy Joe" stopped at home because she knows his home is on the way to his work.

Then, the cashier recognizes the next customer, as "Billy Joe's" neighbor. The cashier knows how good of friends the neighbor is with "Billy Joe" and that she can trust this neighbor, so she asks the neighbor to take "Billy Joe" his forgotten sandwich.

As "Billy Joe" is leaving his driveway, his neighbor stops him to give him his forgotten sandwich. Before "Billy Joe" even gets back to work he has the sandwich he was supposed to give to his wife.

NEVER would this story actually play out like this in an urban area. Restaurant workers would never know every customer that walks into the restaurant, nor would they know where their customer's work, nor would they know where their customer's live, nor would they trust other people so much, nor would they put so much effort forth to get a customer something the customer forgot.

ONLY in a small town could you get such service! Emmetsburg is teaching me the importance and benefits of providing others with service that goes above and beyond as I grow as a pharmacy professional.

Who Knew I Could 'Stamp'!

2010-09-19T18:40:00.010-05:00

This is the result of my hard work from my first ever, Stamping Class.

During the 2 hour class, I made 5 cards with various colored paper, ink stamps and cutouts. The patterns, colors and ideas were very unique.

It really made me think outside the box, use my fine motor skills and problem solve since my ideas never went as planned. I made a few mistakes but used creative thinking to make the mistakes look intentional.

I do not think I would have ever taken the time to take a class like this anywhere else but in Emmetsburg. Thanks Barb!!

Weirdest College Majors

2010-09-17T19:38:00.003-05:00

I thought I had seen all the majors possible...not so. Think about graduating with a major like:

Bowling Industry Management

Winemaking

Sports Ministry

Boilermaking

Golf Course Management

Bakery Science

Comic Book Art

Motorsport Science and Engineering

Master Ranching

Astrobiology

Professional Nanny

Retail Floristry

Fishing Sciences and Management

Sexuality Studies

Wig and Makeup Design

As weird as some of these majors sound, they are all offered at one or more colleges in the US. Just think of how small the competition for a job would be after graduation!

Move Over Pharmacy...Here I Come Radio!

2010-09-12T17:56:00.003-05:00

The pharmacy, where I am completing my current rotation, co-sponsor the weekday weather report on the county radio station, KICD, which streams online and on the radio. For that sponsorship, the pharmacy puts on a 60 second radio commercial spot on the radio station. Each month the pharmacy changes the commercial to include a relevant health topic and information about the pharmacy.

This month, my preceptor at the pharmacy asked me to write a commercial spot about avoiding colds and head lice as school starts which also included information about the pharmacy. My preceptor then asked me to record the commercial spot, which I did.

With my tremendous radio voice, I can see it now....I am the next big radio personality! Everyone wanting my autograph, pictures and paying me to hang out with the A list celebrities. I become famous due to my start on the Palo Alto Radio Station!

Or, it was just fun to record a radio commercial. An opportunity I do not think I would ever get again. My debut starts this week and I am not looking for fame just a commercial that does not sound like an amateur attempting radio spots.

The experiences pharmacy rotations expose students to are endless!! THANKS!

What Am I Missing?

2010-09-07T13:45:00.004-05:00

Customer: “I’m picking up a prescription for [name].”

Pharmacist: “Okay. Just one moment.”

(I check the for the prescription and can’t find it.)

Pharmacist: “When did you order it?”

Customer: “Well, I saw the doctor on Monday.”

Pharmacist: “So you came in on Monday?”

Customer: “No, I went to the doctor’s on Monday.”

Pharmacist: “Okay, so when did you drop your prescription off?”

Customer: “What do you mean? I went to the doctor.”

Pharmacist: “And did he give you a piece of paper that said what drugs you needed?”

Customer: “Yeah.”

Pharmacist: “That’s a prescription. You need to bring it here so that we know what you need.”

Customer: “But I saw the doctor on Monday! Why didn’t he do it?”

Pharmacist: “That’s not his job.”

Customer: “So what, he’s a doctor but he’s not a pharmacist? Look, I saw him on Monday so he probably just did it then. You’re just not looking hard enough. Look for the things done on Monday!”

Definitions and Learning Points For All

2010-09-05T13:22:00.003-05:00

First Amendment:

Freedom of Religion and Expression; Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Expression of Opinion
1. judgment or belief not founded on certainty or proof
2. the prevailing or popular feeling or view: public opinion
3. evaluation, impression, or estimation of the value or worth of a person or thing
4. an evaluation or judgment given by an expert: a medical opinion
5. the advice given by a barrister or counsel on a case submitted to him or her for a view on the legal points involved
6. a matter of opinion a point open to question
7. be of the opinion that to believe that

Uncensored:
(of a publication, film, letter, etc) not having been banned or edited ; unedited; not having had objectionable content removed

Hypocrisy:
the practice of professing standards, beliefs, etc, contrary to one's real character or actual behaviour, esp the pretence of virtue and piety; Hypocrisy involves the deception of others and is thus a kind of lie.

**Take home lesson:

Express your opinions in a respectful way. People may choose to listen or may knock you down. But, continue to stand up for yourself, your beliefs and the good that people can do.

It's Football Night! We Know Where Everyone in Town Will Be!

2010-09-03T16:28:00.006-05:00

In Emmetsburg, it seems as though the most important parts of life include sports, especially football. With tonight being a Friday night football game, the ENTIRE town is getting ready for the high school game. There is tailgates, tons of fans in lots of game clothes and hoopla spoken all day about the game.

It reminds me exactly of "Friday Night Lights". The whole town is way too into the local high school sports program but it makes the games fun and brings the community together. Plus it is one of the only things to do on a Friday night in a small town.

When in Rome, do as the Romans....Go E-HAWKS!

Rotation Stop #4...Emmetsburg Iowa!

2010-08-30T18:51:00.006-05:00

Where is Emmetsburg???? That what I thought when I found out I was going to this town for a rotation. It is in northwest Iowa, near Lake Okoboji, Algona and only 30 minutes from Minnesota!

I knew I was going to a small town, but how small I did not really know. I know that many people live in small towns throughout the US that may be much smaller than Emmetsburg but I come from a suburb of Chicago so the smallest town I have ever been in for an extended period of time has been about 60,000 residents.

So Emmetsburg is a shock to the system.

*Population: ~5,000 (about 1/3 elderly)
*Only 2 stop lights in the whole town
*Two small food stores in the town
*One very small home goods store (like a Kmart)
*About 8 different antique shops
*Two bars in town
*Lots of old men in overalls or plaid shirts
*More pick up trucks than families
*EVERYONE waves 'hi' to EVERYONE they see. If you do not wave...you are considered a jerk and they know you are from out of town.
*EVERYONE knows everyone's name and personal business
*Most people have lived in the town or near the town most of their life
*No common stores (walmart, starbucks, walgreens, etc.)...but there is one McDonald's

Well there is one really great redeeming factor: Five Island Lake. It is beautiful and I do not have one of these near the town I grew up in, so it is a special piece of the town.

So, I am not sure what I will do with myself for the next five weeks but I think I will make lots of friends, get into the lake a few times, visit the casino (of all things, this small town has one nearby), find some small town things to do and just catch up on my blogging!

My Hard Work on Rotations!

2010-08-24T21:21:00.005-05:00

Independent Pharmcy Vs Chain Pharmacy

2010-08-23T10:26:00.005-05:00

How my independent pharmacy experience differs from my chain pharmacy experiences.

*Consistently fully staffed to meet ALL patient needs at an independent pharmacy.
*Specialized products (vet, hormone, child, doses, etc) available at an independent pharmacy.
*Stronger community connection at an independent pharmacy.
*More time to provide information and care at an independent pharmacy.
*Better trusted resource for drug information among physicians and patients at an independent pharmacy.
*Stronger patient/pharmacist relationships with more patients at an independent pharmacy.
*Ability to make own decisions and choices about patient care or business ongoings at an independent pharmacy.
*Stronger focus of patient well being at an independent pharmacy.
*Stronger family and welcoming atmosphere at an independent pharmacy.

-More resources at a chain pharmacy.
-Better employee benefits from a chain pharmacy.
-Stronger name recognition with a chain pharmacy.
-More service options at a chain pharmacy.
-More flexible location placement for employees and more locations for patients at a chain pharmacy.
-More patients to contact at a chain pharmacy.

What NOT to Bring to College

2010-08-18T20:06:00.004-05:00

There are more than enough places and people that give you suggestions on what to bring to college, that students could fill an 18 wheel semi-truck if they actually listened to all the advice. So I want to offer some different advice. Too many students bring too many things to college that they do not need, that end up costing too much, going to waste, taking up room or being stolen. So here is my list of what not to bring to college:

1. An expensive stereo, tv, jewelry, heirloom, or lots of money etc...you get the point. Other people are not afraid to snag something if they think it looks nice. Things get ruined easily when your not looking.

2. An extra LARGE tv. In your dorm room, you might end up sleeping on top of it or under your roommates bed if there is no room left.

3. An expensive laptop. A laptop is a very useful tool in college but you will use and abuse it so much that you will eventually need a new one, so do not spend thousands.

4. Cable tv. Nowadays you can watch tv shows streaming online, download entire seasons of your favorite show or easily download a movie/Redbox it for cheap.

5. Lots of decorations. You and your roommate will have to agree on how the room looks and it may not always be exactly what you invision when you bought all your decor.

6. A car. Especially your first year or so. A car just gets in the way, costs more money and will be used by your friends more than you. You can gain a lot of friends this way but for the wrong reasons as they use up all your gas. You really can walk, bike or blade to many more places than you think...plus it is an extra way to keep off the pounds!

7. Lots of shoes, clothes or teddy bears. You will just not have enough room for as much as you kept at your house unless you are moving into your own house on campus.

8. New text books. It is a waste of money to get new books because used books or older editions of the book are exactly the same at half the price. Or you could borrow or buy books from students older than you who would give you a great deal!

9. A printer. Most schools charge you as apart of your tuition to print in the library so take advantage of what you paid for. If they did not charge you, it usually ends up costing less to just print in the library than always getting ink every month after everyone on your hall will use it up.

10. A pet. You have barely enough time to worry about yourself let alone another living thing. You are trying to learn about yourself in college, I promise you will not miss your goldfish too much.

How to Avoid the Freshman 15

2010-08-15T21:40:00.002-05:00

It is not always easy to pass up the ice cream bar in the dinning hall when you get to college and could have pizza and ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So instead of repeating every other website's advice and common knowledge for healthy lifestyles including "eating nutritiously", "avoiding excessively fatty foods" and "portion control" I would like to offer some other easy to incorporate tips that may help you stay healthy at your new home away from home.

1. Get in some extra steps each day
----Walk to and from class
----Walk around while on the phone with friends and family from home
----Take the stairs rather than the elevator
----Take walks around town with friends to get to know the area
----Walk to anything that is close enough (ex. the store, the post office, the redbox, the bar, etc)
----Use a pedometer if you need an extra incentive

2. Work out once in while
----Find friends that may want to work out with you a few days a week
----Find some fun fitness classes on your campus
----Get someone to teach you a new activity such as racket ball, golf, bowling, etc

3. Join an intramural sport for some extra movement or start a new intramural league with your favorite activity

4. Use a yoga ball as a desk chair (if you have a stable back) for better posture and a tighter midsection

5. Go out dancing on a Friday night before or after the extra beers

6. Plan fun outdoor activities for the weekends such as hiking, bike rides, swimming, boating, etc.

Any other ideas???

Shh...Don't tell the Northsiders

2010-08-12T20:30:00.003-05:00

I am a:

WHITE SOX FAN!!

I got to see them last night with the family.

Of course, they WON!!

6-1 against the Twins! So sorry Minnesota, that is what you get for coming to Chicago!

Thanks guys...keep it up, another World Series is around the corner!

Advice From My Preceptor

2010-08-06T21:32:00.004-05:00

My preceptor who happens to own the independent pharmacy that I am at right now gave me this advice two days after getting to know me.

*Keep your bubbly personality because it is infectious

*Keep your 'go getter' attitude as it will get you more than you bargain for

*Keep up your passion for learning as you will always have more to learn

*Continue to never rest on your lorals and always seek improvement

*Stay light hearted as work should never get too serious

*Keep your top notch people skills as they will not only help you at work but in life

*Continue to be open, honest and loud as the only wheel that gets fixed is the squeeky wheel!

What a FUN Night!

2010-08-01T21:12:00.006-05:00

Thanks to all the girls who joined me last night to celebrate one of my Best Friends last few weeks as a single lady. The bachlorette party was fun, frisky and fabulous thanks to all of the friends and moms that attended or helped out! The pole dancing class was a great workout and novel experience for us all. The gifts and games were funny and scandolous. The bars were outrageous and exciting. You girls rock!

Thanks:

Micaela
Gina
Barb S.

Barb H.

Sarah

Jenna

Ellen

Taylor

Eliza

Jessie

Katie

Rachel

The Bride to Be: Laura!

Our Knights in Shinning Armor: Andrew and Dan

Chesse and Bacon Flavored Medicine

2010-07-27T21:39:00.003-05:00

My new rotation is at an independent pharmacy that specializes in compounding medicines. Which means it makes medicines from scratch including syrups, powders, capsules, creams, gels, etc. They use standardized formulas to make different strengths of forms of medicines that may not be made by pharmaceutical companies. It is very unique in that most pharmacies do not have the equipment of know how to compound medicines. The pharmacy makes a lot of medicines for children who cannot take the adult dose medicine, for pets who also cannot usually take drugs that are made for humans and specialty hormone drugs.

Today I got to make bacon and cheese flavored paste for a dog in order to prevent the dog from having a seizure. I never would have thought I would ever make a bacon and cheese tasting medicine...let alone any medicine for a dog! I also got to see the pharmacist make hormone lozenges for women going through menopause in order to prevent hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. It is like working in a laboratory making weird concoctions for people to use! HOW FUN!!

Stop #3 On my Year Long Adventure!

2010-07-25T18:35:00.002-05:00

I have left the internal medicine clinic in Des Moines, IA and am now in Mt. Prospect, IL ready to start working at an independent pharmacy. It is nice to be in my hometown where I will be with family and friends for the next five weeks. A crazy five weeks at that as I have something going on each weekend with a full work week in between! Bridal showers, birthday parties, bachlorette parties, annual blueberry pick and so much more!

I am nervous for my first day tomorrow as I have and will be for the start of every rotation. I am the new kid on the block who does not know the ropes yet. I am excited to jump in and know that once tomorrow begins I will be on a speeding train to the end of August. Wish me luck!

Insomnia...Do We all Suffer at Some Point?

2010-07-21T19:07:00.004-05:00

Today I gave a presentation to four physicians and one pharmacist about insomnia and sleep medications. I think it was well received. I talked about the 'non medical' ways to improve sleep, the over the counter drugs people use and the the prescription medications for sleep problems.

There are a LOT of drugs out there used for sleep problems that people use all the time. The funny thing is that most of the medications work by changing the way people sleep and not always .in a good way The medications increase sleep but not necessarily the restorative type of sleep that is the best for people. The drugs increase the 'light sleep' which is why people have weird dreams or may even sleepwalk, sleepdrive, etc while on these meds because their bodies are still "up". Plus most meds should be maxed out at 2 weeks. Many times people start the sleep meds and do not get sleep without them or never learn how to get good restorative sleep. I do not truly believe that sleep medications are the best but instead believe that the placebo effect they provide is what really makes them great.

The ironic thing with all this is that I myself get poor sleep and wish there was some magic potion out there that could help. Well I may just have to invent one....or just work harder at good sleep hygiene (but that takes too much work....darn)!

College Truth or Myth

2010-07-19T20:00:00.002-05:00

Myth: My teen can make a good living without a college education.
Reality: There is no doubt that some people have done well without a college degree. However, a college graduate will earn on average about a million dollars more than a high school graduate in his/her lifetime. For most people, college pays.

Myth - I need to decide on my career before I can choose a college.
College is your time to explore. Except in a few specific situations, you can choose a major in your sophomore year and still complete the degree in four years. A surprising number of students discover their ideal field while taking a course they didn’t expect to like. If you're not ready, don’t let well-meaning friends pressure you into deciding on a major field or a career before you choose a college. Take your time.

Myth: Anyone can get into a public university, but it’s hard to get into a private college.
Reality: Some public universities are among the most competitive to get into, while other public universities are required to take nearly all applicants. It’s true that some private colleges are very selective, but others take students who wouldn’t even be admitted to a home state public university. Check with the colleges you are considering to learn more about the average academic credentials of its students and its admission policies.

Myth - If I haven’t heard of a college or university, it can’t be very good.
You may not hear about many of the nation’s finest colleges until you are well into your adult life. Athletics on television is how most colleges get to be known, but many great colleges do not get that kind of exposure. Some of the nation's finest colleges don’t play big-time athletics. Judge a college on its own merits. Don’t let name recognition determine a good or bad college.

Myth: The college with the lowest price will be the most affordable.
Reality: Not necessarily! Some of the colleges with a high “sticker price” have raised significant amounts of money for scholarships from their graduates and friends. As a result, they have more money to give to students in the form of scholarships, which reduces the “sticker price.” After taking financial aid into consideration, a seemingly more expensive college may be more affordable than a college with a lower list price. Tip: Find out what kinds of scholarship options are available at the colleges you are considering.

Myth: There isn’t a lot of financial aid available, and what is available only goes to a few of the very best students.
Reality: During the 2002-03 academic year, more than $105 billion dollars in financial aid was awarded. The vast majority of this money was doled out by the federal government through grant, loan and work-study programs, while colleges’ own grants and scholarships accounted for almost 20 percent of all financial aid. States helped too by contributing more than $5.5 billion to the pot. That’s a lot of money for a lot of students. In fact, more than 70 percent of students nationally receive some kind of financial aid.

Summer in Des Moines

2010-07-15T21:00:00.008-05:00

Iowa Cubs:

Downtown Farmer's Market:

Des Moines Arts Festival:

Movies in the Park:

Fireworks on the Fourth:

80/35 Music Festival:

Graduating to Be a Monkey

2010-07-12T20:00:00.003-05:00

Funny stories not only happen to me when I am working at the pharmacy but also when I am visiting the pharmacy as a patient. For example last night as I waited in line to pick up my prescriptions I overheard the patient in front of me:

Customer: “Why isn’t my prescription ready yet?”

Pharmacist: “We are trying to get in contact with your doctor because of a problem with the prescription. You’re profile says you’re allergic to penicillin. Is that correct?”

Customer: “Oh yeah, that stuff is real bad for me!”

Pharmacist: “The medication your doctor prescribed has penicillin in it, so we’re trying to get a hold of him to find out what he wants you to take.”

Customer: “Oh, well, he wants me to take the penicillin. That’s what he wrote down, right?”

Pharmacist: “Yes, but you said you were allergic to it.”

Customer: “But he’s a doctor, so he knows what’s best. If that’s what he wrote, then just give me that.”

Pharmacist: “Well, we’ll check with him first to make sure that it’s safe for you.”

Customer: “Of course it’s safe for me or the doctor wouldn’t have prescribed it!"

The customer turns away angry. As he walks away he tells me: "Those damn pharmacists. All they got to do is count pills like a monkey but instead they just make life harder."

Obviously the customer had no idea I was going to school to study to be a Monkey (Pharmacist)!

Why A Pharmacy Career Can Be Rewarding

2010-07-09T19:50:00.002-05:00

Some of my experiences at the clinic that remind me why I chose a health care profession.

1. Helping an older women understand how to use her diabetes meter after two other individuals tried but could not help

2. Realize and administer a pneumonia vaccine to a patient at high risk for getting the infection

3. Train a patient in self administration of insulin while helping the patient get over the fear of injections and stigma of diabetes

4. Finding cheaper alternative medications for elderly patients on a tight budget

5. Realizing that a patient's blood thinning medication dose was too low and requesting the physician change it accordingly

6. Find the only pharmacy in town that had the diabetic supplies that make a patient feel comfortable with themselves

Horoscopes...Believe it or Not?

2010-07-05T15:15:00.002-05:00

My horoscope (scorpio) for the month of July:

"Flowers. Poems. Songs. Love songs. Chocolate souffle. Oysters. Oh my! It looks like the 1st and 2nd are going to be pretty romantic days for you! Enjoy this flurry of lovey-dovey activity."

Wrong so far. No relationship, no love, no flowers, not even any lovey-dovey activity.

"The 5th, 6th and 7th, on the other hand, are going to be days devoted to figuring out the nuts and bolts of the relationship. Compromise, compatibility, goals: You'll have to go over all these, and more. Be sure to be honest."

Still wrong, considering I did not have that relationship in the first week. So I still do not have any lovey-dovey activity to figure out or be honest with.

"Work is taking top priority on the 12th and 13th. Give it your full attention. A piece of really good career-related news comes your way on the 18th and 19th. Just in time! But do you think it might be time to step off this work-related roller coaster? Can you think of any way to change things fundamentally in the future?"

Work probably will be a priority in these weeks because my rotation will be wrapping up and I will have two presentations associated with that. I thought I would not have homework after I finished school but that is not true as I have presentations to take care of. I hope my future "changes Fundamentally" for the better!

"Make a deal and sign all the paperwork on the 24th. By the 29th, you're ready to tap your hidden talents."

I hope it is a really good deal! Like a job, or a lottery winner or a free car!

"End the month with a really good workout on the 31st. Physical exercise is just the ticket for working off frustration and getting into a really good space, physically and mentally."

This will be true as I celebrate at a bachelorette party with my friends and bride to be best friend!

Ambulatory Care: Internal Medicine Rotation

2010-06-27T14:17:00.002-05:00

So my first week at the internal medicine clinic has flown by. It felt weird to return to Des Moines because it did not feel like home. After the first week, I am back into things here.

I have started my ambulatory care rotation at a physician's clinic in Des Moines with a pharmacist, one of the Drake faculty members. Ambulatory care means that the site has to focus on outpatient service. So at this rotation site I help the staff pharmacist monitor, assess and modify patients' warfarin therapy. Warfarin is a potent anti-coagulant, a medicine that thins blood. Many people have to be on it if they have underlying heart valve problems, history of clots or problems with circulation. The medication is very effective but it has to be kept in a certain range so that the blood is not too thin or too thick, hence the aggressive monitoring. Some patients come in every two weeks while others once a month. The pharmacist and now me are in charge of following these patients and their progress.

Also at the clinic I work with the physicians and most of their diabetic patients. I will review a patient's history, complaints and glucose readings before they come in for appointments and discuss with the physician what I think the patient may need help with. With these patients I also provide them with diabetes education including how to use glucose meters, what glucose numbers mean, how to take their medications and non medication strategies to help improve their life.

I really enjoy the clinic because I get to talk to patients throughout the day. I get time to talk to the patient and the physicians and make choices that can help improve people's lives. I feel like I am making a difference even if it is small.

"Wicked" was Wicked!

2010-06-24T21:08:00.003-05:00

While in St. Louis I got to see the musical Wicked with my sister. It was an outstanding performance with great music and a wonderful cast. It was my first time seeing it and I thought it was easily one of the better musicals I had ever seen. I also got to see it in one of the most beautiful theatres, the Fox Theatre, in St. Louis. It is a very old theatre that has been renovated and now looks like a million bucks. Thanks for the great show!

One of the Coolest Experiences Ever (Cont.)

2010-06-21T20:38:00.002-05:00

For all of you that could not keep your pants on long enough to find out the rest of the story. Here is "The Rest Of the Story"

Patient Brunno came into the hospital for a routine cardiology catheter exam which is similar to an x-rays in motion that show the anatomy and flow of major arteries and veins including the coronary arteries (the hearts source of blood and energy). Patient Brunno needed two heart valves replaced so was getting the scans done in order to see what needed to be done for surgery.

Patient Brunno looked healthy and happy before the scan. The patient was put into conscience sedation (the patient will not remember the events but is awake enough to follow commands). The incisions in the leg are made to put the catheter and dye into the arteries so the scans can be made. Some of the pictures (xrays in motion) are taken. The rotation student asks why the images have a small bleep in the arteries. The cardiologist looks at the images and cannot understand what is going on. He asks two other cardiologists for their opinions. The surgeons then decide that the women's arteries have a tare in them and it is getting worse (like a tare in pantie hose that gets worse and worse).

Patient Brunno was supposed to have two heart valves replaced the next day but in this condition would never survive the surgery. The cardiologist decides he has to keep the arteries open as best as possible. The cardiologist gets other specialists opinions on the matter. Wires and stents are started to be placed to keep the arteries open so the heart will not die. The patient begins to deteriorate. The patient goes into Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat) 4 different times and needs to be shocked back. The entire time the patient is still awake and in excruciating pain due to the screaming and attempts to unhook all the monitors and drugs. The room fills with nurses, technicians and doctors as they try to keep the patient calm and finish up the stent placement.

Multiple doctors comment that the patient will die if the stents are not placed but the patient will die if they try to perform the valve replacements. "If she survives this, it will be a miracle" is repeated a few times by the chief of surgery as he watches in grief while ordering one of the operations rooms to be prepared just in case. One hour later the anesthesiologist shows up and is able to sedate the patient and place a tube into their lungs to provide mechanical oxygen.

Two hours later all the stents are placed, the patient is stable and the pharmacy rotation student is staring in shock with all the other surgeons and nurses. Patient Brunno is moved to the ICU where the patient is monitored like a hawk. The patient goes into irregular heart beats once again during the night and is shocked back bringing the total to 5 shocks.

Five days later the patient is stable and recovering. The patient is scheduled to return home in a few days and undergo surgery in 4-6 weeks.

I was shocked, sad, happy, hopeful, praying, helping and all enthralled in the situation as it was happening. I felt as if I was on a nail biting episode of Grey's Anatomy. The adrenaline was great, as I think I could do that everyday and the story is even better knowing that the patient survived.

My First Cardinals Game!

2010-06-15T20:42:00.011-05:00

I had a WONDERFUL time at one of the best Cardinals game last night! It was my first Cardinals game and they definitely put on a show with 3 home-runs, a 9-3 win, and fireworks at the end! Thanks for the great time to all those involved (you know who you are)!

One of the Coolest Experiences Ever!

2010-06-15T15:55:00.003-05:00

I had one of the most heart pounding, exciting, full involving, Grey's Anatomy type experiences today in the Cardiology Catheter Lab this afternoon!!

1 patient, 12 nurses, 5 technicians, 3 surgeons, 3 cardiologists, 1 anesthesiologists, 1 respiratory specialist and 1 pharmacy intern and......

I will follow up with the details later.

At The Hospital

2010-06-13T19:21:00.002-05:00

What I been up to with the pharmacy hospital experience:

I was able to observe and learn about the new pathology, microbiology and general specimen lab housed within the hospital. The lab is two years old and seems to be one of the most technologically advanced labs in the nation. The lab is about 80% automated with analysis machines and tracks doing much of the work. The lab took care of the hospital's specimens as well as specimens from hospitals and institutions from around the area. The specimens go through the analysis process with bar codes determining their route and final record. The microbiology is slightly less automated as the microbiologist do more of the testing and analysis of pathogen susceptibility. The lab is very efficient with results available within hours rather than the days that other hospitals may experience.

Physicians ordering antibiotics such as aminoglycosides or vancomycin can request that the pharmacy initiate and monitor the antibiotics through pharmacokinetic protocol dosing. The pharmacist entering new orders for antibiotics with special dosing requirements can call the clinical pharmacist to dose the medication. I was in charge of PKS dosing for a portion of the day with some assistance from the residents or pharmacists. I initiated antibiotics that required additional PKS consideration for 4 patients. I had to look into patient profiles for pertinent information such as weight, height, SrCr, age and health status. I also referenced the patient's chart for microbiological labs, any additional scans and physician notes to determine why the patient was requiring certain antibiotics as well as appropriate doses. For certain medications such as Zosyn the severity of the infection was critical, while for medications such as vancomycin or the aminoglycosides the patients SrCr and weight were more critical to take into account.

Reminders of the Weekend

2010-06-09T17:02:00.004-05:00

Saturday morning fun at the Soulard Farmer's Market (oldest farmer's market west of the Mississippi River):

What do you get with a pharmacy student, an engineer and a transportation situation on a Saturday afternoon?

After Sunday, I will NEVER again miss a spot with the sunblock! Porky the Pig Pink! OUCH!!

A Beautiful Trip to The Botannical Gardens!

2010-06-06T18:21:00.006-05:00