© Readers “,Diges Jay Leno’s Best Laughs PAGE 114 13 Things Your Mother- In-Law Won’t Tell You PAGE 16 The new science of success PAGE 90 The Cancer Risk You Can Switch Off PAGE 75, 0 "748224 05> May 200 1 $3.99Ga. Oe sth et Hen a Nude tr a ideale” Wve had my str with eating right and being @ working mom lik lot of women out there, | tend to put myself last, todo something for me. Ive been doing this long enough to know what doesnt d those things. But @ it with each meal and since it works by blocking some of the fat in the food eat it helps althie helpful there's a community of people who offer support 100 28 a promis Kk Ve li works fo me mah hoices. The alli website has been really if you have @ question, o just n trying to be healthier, they can some encouragement, use it's FDA ring Im not willing to ke alli I's safe. Nt reason | chose alli was bec ‘ely the most imp< approved. | cant recorn mend that people take sor take myself | kad to be able to say, its okay t With the alll program, | feel bet energy, especially with my ki or. | have mec feel stronger and healt That's 2 huge difference in my life, | hope QA people will see my story and think. ‘f she can do it, | can do it ali(Oristat6omg) read and folow label instructors tlossad tor cverweightaduits al 009 GlaxcsmithKine:Readers D FEATURES 90 The Bounce Back Chronicles soe «its Sometimes life knocks you for a loop. But knowing how to approach failure can be the first step to success. 102 America’s Dumbest Lawsuits anoy simmons Have crybaby clients and lawyers led Lady Justice astray? é 106 Lost at Sea kennet miter The sailboat is gone. The night is dark. And there aren’t enough life jackets. ~ i 114 Say Goodnight, Jay vavio nociman Jay Leno leaves The Tonight Show for a new adventure. 118 Parent Alert: Teens and Porn. suoirs newman The latest Internet shocker—and how to fight back. 126 Room to Grow ter caricuiano With banks in lockdown mode, small companies can’t get the credit they need. Why Main Street innovators matter. 134 Four Ways of Looking at a Rope Cords, cables, lines, and lassos, from high above Manhattan to the waters off Japan. Money Tools to Bank On ser xosuiner These strategies will keep you financially sound, Extra Innings troop ritock After retiring, major-league catcher Dave Valle returned to the Dominican Republic to keep a promise\ Quick Study: Twister! warxs Understanding nature’s most violent storm. W BRUSSO; MAKEUP BY ANDREA CAMBRIDGE, ) KEVIN FOLEY/NBC PHOTO. 140 150 TOGRAPHED BY ETTY IMAGES; ( 160 164 Reckoning Time When his new son fell ill, Michael Lewis woke up to the meaning of fatherhood. readersdigest.com siosDEPARTMENTS 9 React Yourletters 13, The Digest Lists to love, words to hate, what your mother-in-law won't tell you 25 Around the World with One Question Do you want to live forever? 29 Laugh! our favorite jokes 33 Heroes A12-year-old operates a forklift to save his father’s life cHarLie scHRoever 4) Make It Matter One couple took kids to the beach ... and opened up their world petra cuctie.merTi MBS 46 Up Close one black man, one white man, same name—David Wilson—share a past and a bright future sarsara o'oain 50 Off Base Humorin uniform 53 Outrageous! The problem with Tae ee Wall Street’s watchdogs micHacL CROWLEY Socal 60 AskLaskas commonsense advice JEANNE MARIE LASKAS 67 Here’s the Deal our newcolumnist scouts the best bargains sanice LieseRMAN 70 @Work office humor 75 Health Headache help 177 Eater’s Digest Fresh takes on old standbys 184 Quotes Marital bliss 187 Word Power Test yourself 190 Puzzler The latest craze: KenKen NITYPHOTOGRAPHYINC.COM SON) PHOTOGRAPHED BY GINA LEVAY 192 Life Our readers’ funny truestories 196 Last Laugh “My Son the Man” by Sharon Olds 159AND HEARTBREAK. BAYER LOW DOSE. TAKEN REGULARLY, HELPS PREVENT 1 OUT OF 3 HEART ATTACKS, HELPS PREVENT RECURRENT STROKES, MORE BREAKTHROUGHS TO COME. EXPECT WONDERS: IAG =z 4 Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimenWhat’s Hot on ReadersDigest.com > 5 SMART MONEY MOVES 1. Find the best bargains with the help of our new columnist, the Today show’s Janice Lieberman, in her blog, “Here's the Deal.” 2. Erase your debt, save for a big-ticket item, and more by using our tools and calculators. 3. Get tips and tactics for growing your business. 4. Discover pain-free tricks for tightening your family budget. 5. Enter to win $30,000 in cash! Find all this and more at readers digest.com/money. Nopurchase necessaryto enter or win, ‘Sweepstakes closes9/29/09. Opento USrresidentsages:8 and over. For entryand official rules, goto readersdigest.comjboa/sweeps. Enter to win free groceries for a =, year. Five lucky winners , will each take home No purchase necessary to enter or win Total ARV $25,000 ($5,000 per prize) Sweepstakes cioses 9/7/09, 27 Opentos.residentsages i8and cover. For entry and offciarules,g0 toreadersdigest.comjgroceries. Celebrate Mom How does your mom inspire a $5,000 cash you? Show us by up- prize to slash loading a photo and sharing supermarket what you love about her. Plus, spending! Go to find gift ideas, send Mom readersdigest an e-card, and get recipes -com/groceries. for a brunch so spectacular, she'll think you spent hours in the kitchen (we won’t tell!). It’s all at readers digest.com/mothersday. readersdigest.com 5/09 THEO RUDNAK/STOCK ILLUSTRATION SOURCE/GETTY IMAGESHere’s toa world without bitterness. Today's Maxwell House gives you a full flavor without the bitterness. Which means you get our best cup of coffee ever. Now that’s something you can smile about. Good just got Great. ( aieHow to Reach Us Editor-in-Chief Peggy Northrop Executive Editors Barbara O'Dair, Tom Prince Creative Director Hannu Laakso Managing Editor Ann Powell Deputy Editors Andrea Barbalich, Lisa Davis Director, Reporting and Research Deirdre M. Casper ReadersDigest.com Executive Editor Beth Turner Features Editors Donna G. 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Brown Vice President, Global Customer Care Suzanne Ronner rector, Public Relations Andrca Kaplan Associate Director of Operations, U.S. Magazines Vicky Hills-Woblfarth Advertising Production Manager Leslie Kogan Senior Counselor Melvin R. Laird The Digest is published in 50 editions in 21 languages, in Braille, on cassette, in large print, and in a digital version. >> Customer Care Subscriptions, renewals, gifts, address changes, payments, account information, and inquiries: ™ readersdigest.com/help ™ 877-732-4438 = Reader’s Digest, Box 7825, Red Oak, lowa 51591-0825,New Claritin’ Liqui-Gels: PMR Mie RAL Do rem Claritin 2 PliguiGels] Get Claritin Clear® with the first and only Beda ke ie eer ae ta eke ten ia nis Pau aed Seer taRciuy PT Da ae a Sac) Dee ks Rae Ru a ena eS LIQUI-GELS is a registered trademark of Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc.Powerhouse THE DIFFERENCE ISINTHE . GF eave, to get lost in the delicious flavor and satisfying crunch of Fisher® Nuts. Since we select only the highest-quality nuts, you'll taste the difference in every bite. Take a unique approach to snacking with Fisher, the little nut that packs quite a punch. Beare l a)ISTVAN BANYAL ILLUSTRATED BY Getting Ahead Your job-hunting feature ar- rived in my home just when I needed a new idea in this tough economy (“Your Next Job”). I was a stay-at-home mom for years. Since my husband was laid off last fall, I've been try- ing to reenter my profession, but potential employers tell me Ineed to upgrade my skills. Titked your idea of volunteer Grocery stores are having a hard time work to gain experience. Sev- eral weeks ago, an employer finding meat cutters. Homeowners can’t offered me the chance to job find good plumbers. And a friend sold his shadow for a day. Afterward, _ concrete business because he couldn’t Itold the manager I wanted to get dependable help. There are jobs out work for her organization and a . there if people would just do them. that I'd even do the necessary PEOR ) training for free. A few days later, the manager called back. J.M., via Internet T'm now officially employed at spellings. Why can’t people figure a great company. J.G., viainternet_ Out when to use it’s versus its? I pity the poor, overworked apostrophe. Grammar Hawks Juay Henrichs, Wymore, Nebraska Jeff Deck and Benjamin Herson are men after my own heart (The Digest: I collect misspellings of the word “Righting Wrong Writing”). Ihave _ inconvenience. On vacation last long been known in our town asthe — summer, I saw asign at avery nice spell-check patrol. I actually keep a resort saying the hotel’s souvenir marker in my purse to correct mis- shop would be closed for three If we publish your letter—whether it’s to comment on our content, sing our praises, or take us to taskk—you’ll receive a free Reader’s Digest book or CD, courtesy of our Books and Music division, Send your submissions to letters@readersdigest.com.days: “Apologies for the inconvien- ance.” And so few people know how to spell hors d’oeuvre that they should probably write appetizer instead. Bonnie Home, San Jose, California Enough Is Enough For years, I have been pleading with my state’s representatives to demand an accounting of the taxpayer dol- lars sent to Iraq (Outrageous! “Bagh- dad Boondoggle”). It never made sense from the start to give billions every month to a country in chaos, with no experienced leadership and no accounting of how each penny would be spent. It is time that Iraq stopped playing us for fools. Barbara Stanley, Blairsville, Georgia American soldiers should not have to put their lives on the line to pro- tect a country that is bleeding us dry. Iraq should use its oil profits to reimburse America. It’s time to bring our men and women home and let Iraq fend for itself. The price of freedom shouldn’t be our soldiers’ lives. C. S., via Internet Examining Exams I don’t like standardized tests. The Quick Study on them reminded me of an IQ test I took in seventh grade. I was an average student until then. While examining the test booklet, I discovered the answers were tucked inside the test. I cheated but was careful not to answer all the ques- tions correctly. After I got a “near genius” score of 172, teachers treated 10 HOW YOU’RE HANDLING THE RECESSION ... THE READER’S DIGEST VERSION >> “Lam buying things made in the USA. to help people keep their jobs.” >> “Doing more shopping in fewer trips and cutting back on impulse buying” >> “We got rid of one car and bought anew furnace.” >> “| have always been frugal. | just don’t get teased about it anymore.” >> “I list my home on craigslist.org and rent out rooms to international students.” >> “We avoid negative media.” >> “Potluck dinners with family and friends.” >> “Perseverance.” >> “We are refinancing our house and consolidating all our bills into one loan.” >> “Buying less, reusing more.” >> “1 don’t listen to the doom and gloom of politicians.” >> “We learned the art of economiz- ing long ago when we were raising three children on one salary.” >> “Keeping a positive attitude.” >> “Getting back to the simpler things in life” Want your opinion heard? Join Our Connection, the Reader's Digest Reader Panel, and take part in short surveys. Sign up at rdconnection.com and register to win $30,000. readersdigest.com 5/09me differently; they expected the highest achievement. Soon my grades went from average to supe- rior. I graduated at the top of my class and now have my master’s de- gree. Teachers claim they don’t treat students according to their perceived level of intelligence, but I often won- der what my school career would have been like if I hadn’t cheated on that test. Jo Kelly, Conklin, Michigan Who’s at Fault? Your feature “7 Dumb Things We Do” states that over 7,000 people die each year from medication errors, many due to doctors’ sloppy handwriting. If the pharmacist can’t read the doctor’s writing, he or she should call the doctor for clarifica- tion. Fault lies with both parties. Dan McFadden, Bridgeport, West Virginia Editors’ Note In our March issue, we profiled Dr. Eugene Alford, who resumed his career as a surgeon after he was paralyzed in a tractor accident (“His Own Medicine”). Tragically, Dr. Alford’s son Charles, 16, was killed on February 13 in Carlsbad, Texas, when he lost control of the car he was driving. Charles’s mother, Mary, survived the crash with minor injuries. Memorial donations for youth mission trips may be sent to: First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77004. ADVERTISEMENT Win a Texas Vacation With so many ways to experience Texas, vacationing here is unforgettable. And now it's easy, too. We have all the information you need to create your perfect vacation. Find it all in your FREE Texas State Travel Guide. Call 1-800-8888-TEX, ext. 5054, or visit TravelTex.com. Enter to win a trip for two to Austin, Texas. Grand prize includes roundtrip airfare for two, a three-day/two-night hotel stay and dinner for two. Visit readersdigest.com/connections to enter Mts lhe whole ether country, ‘To-enter online and for other details see official rules at readersdigest.com/eonnections, No purchase or online entry is necessary. Purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes is open to legal residents, age 21 and olden of the U.S. its territories and postestions Swerpstakes closes on 5/31/09. Sweepstakes sponsored by Reader's Digest Association, Inc.The clean is just one reason to love it. Your family is the other. No unnecessary chemicals + No heavy fragrances Non- irritating dyes + No harmful residue left on dishes GQTigezaer Love it for all the things that aren't in it. } eseg - 4 SS © 2009 Colgate-Palmoive> Onetime Barbarian, former Terminator, and current governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger is the subject of one of 90 crisp, colorful portraits in Periodical Photographs by Dan Winters, out this month from Aperture ($49.95). digest.com sios= The Digest Multiyear studies at Harvard University and the University of Pitts- burgh show that the drug memantine may have a valuable role in treating the disease. According to the Wall Street Journal, a drug cocktail of memantine plus older drugs may be key in slowing the effects of Alzheimer’s. MONEY Vv The transparency of federal spending is catch ing on at the state level, Asite established to let Americans see where their federal money is going (usaspending.gov) is beginning to spawn state sites where tax- payers can monitor the money spent closer to home. % While politicians shore up the banking system, you can shore up your family finances. Start small: Buy up “for ever” stamps at 42 cents before they rise to 44 cents on May 11. Maxi- mize cell phone minutes and credit card rewards at billshrink.com. And see if your insurance company offers discounts for taking an online defensive-driving course. Our over-so tester spent $19.95 and four hours to discount her bill $480.60 over the next three years. Ready for a change? Consider brushing up on tech skills by visiting Microsoft’s new Elevate ‘America program, with online training that’s free or low-cost. Academic earth.org has free online video courses in 17 sub- jects (including entrepre- neurship) taught by top professors from Berkeley, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. readersdigest.com 5/09 ILLUSTRATED BY CHRISTOPH NIEMANNDEBORAH FEINGOLD Decisions, Decisions! | How to make up your mind without going mental anagement consultant Suzy M Welch remembers the moment 14 years ago when her life “imploded.” She was speaking to an audi- torium full of insurance executives in Hawaii when she saw the faces of two of her children, then six and five, pressed against the glass door. She had parked them in a dance class, but they’d sneaked out to find her. She wrapped up her remarks and aborted the Q&A. “I was trying to please everyone but pleasing no one,” she says. “I had to rethink the way | made my decisions.” Author of the best- selling Winning (written with husband Jack Welch, former head of GE), Suzy Welch, 49, has a new book, 10-10-10 Gcribner, $24), that details the strategy she created after that eureka moment. The mother of four explains: “When faced with a 7" vital decision, ask your MO ONE. self, How will my choice affect my life ten minutes from now? Ten months from now? Ten years from now? “Too often we decide something by avoiding the immediate ouch. But by looking at the middle and longer time frames as well as the short-term, we're accessing our real values. My business trip is an example. Had | applied the strategy to it back then, | would have declined it. | had other work travel coming up. | was needed at home. “Many people have found “10-10-10” galvanizing. An entrepreneur moved “1 was trying to please everyone but pleasing forward with a new business plan but without the girlfriend who didn’t share his goals. Amom of a troubled teen finally got him to a psychologist after putting it off, Often, in our most stressful moments, we make decisions by gut. Or we ask a friend for advice. Or we make no decision and suffer for it. We can live much more deliberately by taking control of choices and really understanding them. “Sure, there’s still room for spontaneity. But when you look at things from three distinct time frames and access the conse- quences, never again will you say, ‘I have no idea why I made this decision.” Astoldto Maureen Mackey g 4 B 4 1] io a Dp 5The Digest n U0 a a a B a fy By B Bi a) Be ... Your Mother-in-Law Won't Tell You I spent a couple of decades being the lead- ing lady; now [have a character role. It hurts to be downsized. more.” Yet look at me: | Pm about to send another | present. | guess that’s | howlam. We mothers say to our children, “I want you to be happy.” And we mean eee | that. What we don’t say is, TY ie | “But | would like to be confident about yourself, | as The littlest comment from { "PY too: me is taken as acriticism, ve bought and sold so 'm very careful what; 13 houses in my life. Why | say around you. | won’t you ask for my advice? | know he’s your husband now, but he’s still my son. Every year, send youa birthday present, butyou { When | visit you, I’m not never even pick up the | coming for a white-glove phone to thank me. This | year, | said, “That’s it.No { inspection. Pm just coming to see the family. When | really want to talk to my son privately, | don’t call your house. | call his | cell phone. P'm so happy that you allow my son—your husband— to visit me on Mother’s Day. It’s a long trip and a big expense. I'm truly appreciative. My dirty little secret: tm afraid that if | don’t get this right, you'll cut me off. Pm in competition with your mother. She takes you on vacations every year and buys things | can’t afford. All | can do is love you and babysit for you. | hope that’s enough and that it’s appreciated. Whenever | stay at your house, you always have my room ready, my tow- els, everything. You do all the right things. ’m lucky to have you! I cherish the refrigera- tor magnet you gave me: “nge and treachery will always overcome youth and skill” Sources: Susan Abel Lieberman, PhD (The Mother-in-Law’s Manual), Jane Angelch (What'sa Mother [in Law] to Do?), and norymous mothersin-law in four states Interviews by Maureen Mackey Find out more of what your mother-in-law isn’t { telling you at readersdigest.com s/esLooki ng for sugar? Look somewhere else.THE INFO The Digest 5 Lists You Can Learn From Make money, save money, drink well, speak better, . and be happier in every room of the house The 12 Commandments of Wealth 1, Seek money for money’s sake and ye shall not find. 2. Find your perfect pitch. (Know your strengths and weaknesses.) i 3. Be your own boss. 4 Get addicted to ambition. Wake up early. Be early. 6. Don’t set goals—execute or get executed. 7. Fail so you can succeed. |_ 8. Location doesn’t matter. Success can. take place anywhere. 9. Moor yourself to morals. 10. Say yes to sales. 11. Borrow from the best—and the worst. 12. Never retire. ADAPTED FROM THE RICHEST MAN IN TOWN BY W, RANDALL JONES (GRAND CENTRAL, $25.99) 18 10 of the Most Irritating Phrases in English Fairly unique At this moment in time Absolutely Shouldn’t of It’s not rocket science DAMP SQUID: THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LAID BARE 3Y JEREMY BUTTERFIELD (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, $19.95) ff(PAINT CAN) IAN MCKINNELL/PHOTOGRAPHER'S CHOICE/GETTY IMAGES What the Best-Mannered Doctors Are Saying Michael W. Kahn, MD, argued for “etiquette-based medicine” in the New York Times recently. His steps for handling a hospitalized patient: % “Ask permission to enter the room; wait for an answer.” % “Introduce yourself; show your ID badge” % “Shake hands.” % “Sit down. Smile if appropriate.” % “Explain your role.” % “Ask how the patient feels about beingin the hospital.” The Best Booze for the Buck What the experts have picked for recession tippling (prices approximate). Scotch: White Horse ($15 for 750 ml) Bourbon: Evan Williams Black Label ($12 for 750 ml), Elijah Craig 12 Year Old ($18), Old Forester ($19), Four Roses Yellow Label ($23) Gin: Gordon’s London ($15 for 1 liter) Vodka: Smirnoff ($12.99 for 750 ml) Rum: Brugal Afiejo ($14 for 750 ml) Beer: Hamm’s ($3.69 for a six-pack) Sources: David Wondrich in Esquire, James Rodewald in ‘Gourmet, Indianapolis Star, ABC News, New York Times 7 Can’t- Miss Paint Colors The go-to, goof- proof, by-the- ‘ gallon way to freshen up every room in the house, from home-decorating expert and Today show contrib- utor Elizabeth Mayhew. (All colors are Benjamin Moore.) Million Dollar Red (##2003-10): Good for dining rooms and family rooms. Potpourri Green (#2029-50): “Earthy and pale,” a neutral for kitchens and bathrooms. Wood Grain Brown (#2109- 30): Less red and more gray than Hershey’s Kiss brown, this is the color Mayhew used in her own dining room. Hawthorne Yellow (#HC-4): Good for rooms and hallways without much light. Gray Owl (#2137-60): Works in bedrooms or throughout the house. Birds Egg (#2051-60): A blue with a “clean gray tint,’ another all-purpose color for Mayhew. Early Morning Mist (#1528): “Somewhere between gray and beige” is this versatile neutral “greige.” SOURCE: FLIP! FOR DECORATING: ‘A PAGE-BY-PAGE, PIECE-BY-PIECE, ROOM-BY-ROOM GUIDE TO TRANSFORMING YOUR HOME 2Y ELIZABETH MAYHEW (BALLANTINE, $24) 19The former presidential candidate, the one who didn’t use computers or send e-mails, has vaulted toward the top of the tech food chain by Twittering to his followers (twitter .com/senjohnmccain). As Maureen Dowd putit, the Arizona senator is “twitter- ing up a twizzard to tweak his former rival.” Among the pork spending he has gone after: research into pig odor, catfish and grape genetics, and beaver management. The latest accessory for the lazy: a hammer you don’t have to swing. Put the $100 Craftsman NexTec Hammerhead Auto Hammer on top of the nail and it does the pounding for you. Electronic cigarettes. You get the red glow, puffs of fake smoke, and even nicotine. The imported device doesn’t violate no-smoking laws, reports New Scientist, but researchers are still trying to determine if it can help smokers quit. ARGUMENT STARTER John McCain on Twitter. oyo Plagiarism. =i Term paper writers, take note: mt VO Oo, search just about everything ever oa written and find copycats more < @O ticket sales, up 17.5 percent. With resources like turnitin.com and the new Plagiarism-Detector 8.0 from SkyLine, teachers can easily than ever. Empty movie theaters. Attendance is up 16 percent; “Americans, for the moment, just want to hide ina very dark place,” observed the New York Times. Sandwich thieves at the office. ‘Anew sandwich bag has been designed to look as if mold is growing on what- ever’s inside. Your tuna salad on rye may soon be safe from covetous, larcenous coworkers (thinkofthe.com, 25 for $10). “People started celebrating their birthdays by inviting friends out to dinner, | typically at a moderately fancy restaurant [then splitting the tab and paying for the guest of honor]. Seems like a nice idea, the birthday dinner. It is not. It is a tedious, wretched affair. It is also an extravagantly i 4 expensive one. In these wintry economic times, we need to scale back. | hereby 3 > propose that the birthday dinner go the way of the $4 cup of coffee, the @_liar’s mortgage, and the midsize banking institution.” readersdigest.com 5/09 John Swansburg, Slate | 6 (MCCAIN) JEFF RIEDEL/CWhat heals me? A beautiful afternoon. Time with friends. And, for acid reflux damage, My NEXIUM. Ask your doctor about NEXIUM, the Healing Purple Pill. It you suffer from persistent heartbum 2 or Talk to your doctor about your symptoms: More days a week, despite treatment and and find out if NEXIUM is right for you. changing your diet, it may be acid refiux disease. The rising stomach acid causing ee abearellcted sete, heartbum pain can, over tme, erode (wear zi away) the ining of the esophagus. ie 1in aoa pain. Symptom relief does not _— = 3 people with acid reflux disease may have tule out other serious stomach conditions. = this condition, known as erosive esophagitis, You are encouraged to report negative = which can only be diagnosed by your doctor. side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwaich, or call a One prescription NEXIUM pill a day, 1-800-FDA-1088. along with diet and lifestyle changes, i —s can provide 24-hour heartburn relief. Please read the important Product And for many, NEXIUM can help heal Information about NEXIUM on the adjacent erosions in the esophagus. Most erosions age and discuss it with your doctor. be. heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with Visit www.purplepill.com/heal NEXIUM may vary. or call 1-877-56-NEXIUM. b ‘you ae without prescripton coverage and can't ford your medication, neca may be able to hep, ANS Pe A ps 2758 (esomeprazole magnesium) x AstraZeneca 2 —0 Please read this summary carefully and then ask your doctor about NEXIUM. No advertisement can provide all the information needed to determine if a drug is right for you. This advertisement does not take the place of careful discussions with your doctor. Only your doctor has the training to weigh the risks and benefits of a prescription drug. WHAT IS NEXIUM? NEXIUM is a prescription medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). NEXIUM is used in adults: W to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). NEXIUM may also be prescribed to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (erosive esophagitis), and to help continue this healing. GERD is a chronic condition (lasts a long time) that occurs when acid from the stomach backs Up into the esophagus (food pipe) causing symptoms, such as heartburn, or damage to the lining of the esophagus. Common ‘symptoms include frequent heartburn that will and difficulty swallowing, to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in some people taking pain medicines called non- ‘steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Wi to treat a stomach infection (Helicobacter pylori), along with the antibiotics amoxicillin and clarithromycin. WW for the long-term treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a rare condition in which the stomach produces a more than normal amount of acid. For children and adolescents 1 to 17 years of age, NEXIUM may be prescribed for short-term treatment of GERD. NEXIUM has not been shown to be safe and effective in children under the age of 1. ‘Visit www, purplepill.com. Or, cal the Information Center ‘at AstraZeneca toll-tree at 1-800-236-9933, not go away, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE NEXIUM? Do not take NEXIUM if you: @ are allergic to any of the ingredients in NEXIUM. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in NEXIUM. @ are allergic to any other Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medicine. WHAT SHOULD | TELL MY DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING NEXIUM? Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you: @ have liver problems @ are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. i are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take NEXIUM. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements. NEXIUM may affect how other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how NEXIUM works. Especially tell your doctor if you take: mi warfarin (COUMADIN) @ ketoconazole (NIZORAL) W voriconazole (VFEND) @ atazanavir (REYATAZ) 1 products that contain iron 1 digoxin (LANOXIN, LANOXICAPS) continued Nexium: (esomeprazole magnesia) & AstraZeneca ——0 HOW SHOULD | TAKE NEXIUM? WW Take NEXIUM exactly as prescribed by your doctor. ‘Do not change your dose or stop NEXIUM without talking to your doctor. i Take NEXIUM at least 1 hour before a meal, ‘w Swallow NEXIUM capsules whole. Never chew or crush NEXIUM. if you have difficulty swallowing NEXIUM capsules, you may open the capsule and empty the contents into a tablespoon of applesauce. Be sure to swallow the applesauce right away. Do not store it for later use. If you forget to take a dose of NEXIUM, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose on time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you take too much NEXIUM, tell your doctor right away. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF NEXIUM? The most common side effects with NEXIUM ‘may include: @ Headache @ Diarrhea mi Nausea @ Gas W Abdominal pain Constipation Dry mouth Tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you or that do not go away. These are not all the possible side effects with NEXIUM. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you nave any questions about side effects. HOW SHOULD | STORE NEXIUM? @ Store NEXIUM at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), i Keep the container of NEXIUM closed tightly. Keep NEXIUM and all medicines out of the reach of children. Vist woe purplepilcom. cl th Information Center ‘at AstraZeneca toll-tree at 1-800-236-9933, GENERAL ADVICE Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in the Patient information leaflet. Do not use NEXIUM for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give NEXIUM to other people, even if they have the same ‘symptoms you have. It may harm them. This Patient Information leaflet provides a summary of the most important information about NEXIUM. For more information, ask your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information, go to www.purplepill.com or call toll free 1-800-463-9486, WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN NEXIUM? Active ingredient: esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate Inactive ingredients in NEXIUM Delayed-Release Capsules (including the capsule shells): glyceryl monostearate 40-55, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer type C, polysorbate 80, sugar spheres, talc, triethyl citrate, gelatin, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40, D&C Red #28, titanium dioxide, shellac, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and D&C Yellow #10. Inactive granules in NEXIUM Delayed-Release Oral ‘Suspension: dextrose, xanthan gum, crospovidone, citric acid, iron oxide, and hydroxypropyl cellulose. NOTE: This summary provides important information about NEXIUM. For more infor- mation, please ask your health care professional or doctor about the full prescribing information and discuss it with him or her. [NEXIUM is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group ot companies. Other brand names are trademarks of their respective companies. ©2008 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. All rights reserved, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Wilmington, DE 19850 ev. 02/08 261436 Nexium: (esomeprazole magnesia) & AstraZeneca ——THE MONTHLY READER > THRILLER Harry was patient: He knew the Iranian agents were out there. They were angry and greedy and lonely and needy. This one had been disrespected by the Revolutionary Guard. That one hadn’t gotten the promotion he wanted. One man resented the corrupt officials who ran his program. Another man’s wife had cancer that could only be treated in the West ... Take your pick. They were out there. Harry knew it. He had lists of dozens of people his case officers would pitch, if they ever got close enough. THE INCREMENT SY DAVID IGNATIUS (NORTON, $26.95) recs My father dropped out of his English class, furious at the language that randomly distributed meaningless articles and insisted on having a subject in every stupid sentence. He made cold calls to Canadian companies and in unintelligible English described his life, which included being a diplomat in the world’s greatest cities, to perplexed receptionists who would simply put. him on indefinite hold. LOVE AND OBSTACLES BY ALEKSANDAR HEMON (RIVERHEAD, $25 95) ANON The applicants are angry because can’'tsee | 75 eat, he made water- how special they are ... The color sketches of a farm alumni are angry because they | from the fields, then gotin... but their brilliant kid | knocked on the farm- got denied. The faculty’s angry | house door and asked totrade the drawing because we took the athlete, fora: not the genius, ‘THE PROTEST SINGER: AN INTIMATE PORTRAIT OF PETE SEEGER BY ALECWILKINSON (ALFRED A, KNOPF, $22.95) ADMISSION EY J (GRAND CENTRAI ea22)M0N the cup [of water] had barely touched my lips when | felt a horrible pain in my back. Reflexively, my head whipped around ... and | saw a man wearing baseball cap and a vicious sneer ... His hands were clutching a long knife. He started to lunge at me again. GETTING A GRIP BY MONICA SELES (AVERY, $26) readersdigest.com s/es (SELES) JASON KEMPIN/WIREIMAGE/GETTY IMAGESILLUSTRATED BY CHRIS O'RILEY Around the WV. rld Do You Want to Live Forever? So much for eternal youth! Most respondents to our latest global survey are just fine with their limited shelf life here on earth. Not even the younger crowd consistently chooses immortality. In fact, more than 50 percent of those 45 and under in seven countries (including the United States) report that they don’t want to live forever. Brazilian youth buck the trend, with 74 percent preferring no expiration date. Two surprises: In the Philippines, everyone over 45 wants life everlasting; in China, not a single older survey- taker does, See the complete findings at readersdigest.com/worldquestions. Percentage who said yes LONGEVITY DESIRE-O-METER oe ©Ned. 47 p.m. Thos. 108 dum. Flp- flops or sAnddls? Flag in the dunes or wall on the beach? \ Make an easy decision én Texas. fi take this visit Travel Jixcomlinjgplanner. On far gour Guide and Jixas Map, go online or call © 2009 Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism, PKMYO9Outs 10:38 Am, Otay another dof on staf forever? vacation on plan fleur Onn Texas adventure, gost fove Texas State Travel Guide Heconmodations 2300-S8E-TEX (ext 504) Si like a whole othen country tagy] osTrouble Big Trouble e ONE FLEA ON YOUR PET CAN MEAN THOUSANDS ON YOUR BED...YOUR CARPET...EVERYWHERE. To stop an infestation, ask for FRONTLINE® Plus. One application kills fleas, their eggs, larvae — even ticks. it's waterproof. And just one dose lass all month tong: The last kind of trouble you or your pet needs is fled trouble. ind lasts. So ask for the vet's #1 choice" for dogs and cats, FRONTLINE Plus. Kills fleas and ticks fos “Vel-dispensed: MDI Data @FRONTLINE js a registered trademark of Merial ©2009 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved, FLEOQCNOBRESUBILLUSTRATED BY T, RUSSELL HARRIS. “After we came all this way.” guy walks into a bar and or- ders two beers. The bartender looks at him curiously. “One’s for me,” the man explains. “The other is for my poor, sickly brother back in the old country. He’s barely hanging on.” The bartender nods sympathetically and pours him two pints of beer. This goes on for most of the night and the next night, and the one after that. After about a week of drinking two beers at a time—one for him, one hearted and orders just one beer. “It’s your brother, isn’t it?” the barman says solemnly. “No, nothing wrong with him,” the man says, shrugging. “It’s me. T've given up drinking.” My sister just got Botox. She looks great. I love how I can’t see her judging me anymore. Comic Ophira Eisenberg Johnny’s mother stops to watch her son read the for his sickly brother— My friend told — Bible to their cat. “Isn’t the man comes into ae See Ee wa that sweet?” she says. the bar looking y ga But an hour later, particularly down- readersdigest.com sios with water. | thought, He means well. Submitted by Terry Sangster 29 she hears a terribleMAMMA MIA > There’s an old saying, “Neurotics build castles in the air, and psychotics live in them.” My mother cleans them. Rita Rudner > When my daughter was born, we videotaped the birth. Now when she makes me angry, | just hit Rewind and put her back in. comic Grace White > My mom calls me up and says, “You weren’t home last night—is something going on?” | said, “Yeah, 'm cheating on you with another mother.” racket. Running out the door, she finds Johnny stuffing the cat into a bucket of water. “Johnny, what are you doing?” “Tm baptizing Muffin,” he replies. “But cats don’t like to be in water.” “Well then, he shouldn’t have joined my church.” There’s always one teacher you had acrush on. For me, it’s my wife’s aerobics teacher. Comic Brian Kiley Harry asks his friend Larry to help him with something. “I think the blinker signal on my car is broken,” he says. “Stand behind the car. When I turn it on, tell me if the blinker’s working.” Larry situates himself behind the car while Harry gets in the driver’s seat and hits the blinker. “Is it working?” he yells back. “Yes!” says Larry. “No! Yes! No! Yes! No!” Alawyer dies and goes to heaven. “This must be a mistake,” he says to St. Peter at the golden gates. “I'm too young to die. I’m only 50.” 30 Comic Heidi Joyce “Fifty?” says St. Peter. “According to our calculations, you're 82.” “How'd you get that?” “We added up your billable hours.” “Pil Take ‘Moron’ for 200, Alex” The question for these game show contestants isn’t “How did you get through the game?” but rather “How did you get through life?” Presenter: Name a film starring Bob Hoskins that is also the name of a fa- mous painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Contestant: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Presenter: What happened in Dallas ‘on November 22, 1963? Contestant: | don’t know. | wasn’t watching it then. Presenter: Johnny Weissmuller died on this day. Which jungle-swinging character clad in only a loincloth did he play? Contestant: Jesus. @ Your favorite new joke, funny anecdote, =F or crazy news story might be worth $$$. See page 71 for details. readersdigest.com 5/09After surviving a stroke, some of the toughest challenges are the ones you can't see. MAJOR RISK OF INCREASED RISK OF A proven to help keep Recovering from a blood platelets stroke can be difficult and you've worked hard to from sticking make progress. If you've recently had a stroke, you L. together and should know PLAVIX can help protect against another forming dots, which helps keep your blood flowing stroke or even a heart attack. PLAVIX may be right for since clots are the leading cause of strokes and heart PLAVIX is you. Be sure to tak to your doctor to find out. attacks, PLAVIX helps you stay protected. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you have a stomach ulcer or other condition that causes bleeding, you You are encouraged to teport negative side effects of should not use PLAVIX. When taking PLAVIX alone or __ prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, with some other medicines including aspirin, the risk oF call 1-800-FDA-1088. of bleeding may increase, so tell your doctor before planning surgery. And, always talk to your doctor b before taking aspirin or other medicines with PLAVIX, i 5 espedally if you've had a stroke. if you develop fever, : unexplained weakness or confusion, tell your doctor promptly as these may be signs of a rare but potentially life-threatening condition called TTP, which has been reported rarely, sometimes in less than 2 weeks after starting therapy. Other rare but serious side effects may occur. Please see important product information for PLAVIX on the following page. sanofi aventis Bristol yers Squibb US(CLO.02.01.065rebruary2009 Printed in USA 264USORABS2306-02.09 sanofievenisUS.LLC © 2009 BrstolMyersSquibb/Sanof Pharmaceuticals PartnershipPlavnx<. {clopidogrel bisulfate) 75m. WHO Is PLAVIX FOR? PLAVIX is 2 prescription-only medicine that helps keep blood platelets from stickirg together and forming clots. PLAWIX is for patients who have: + had a recent hear attack ‘had a recent stroke, + poor circulation in their legs (Peripheral Artery Disease). PLAVKX in combination with aspirin is for patients hospitalized with: + heart-related chest pain (unstable angina), + heart attack Doctors may refer to these conditions as ACS (haute Coronary Syndrome). ‘lots an become dangerous when they form inside your arteries. These clots form when blood platelets stick together, forming a blockage within your arteries, restriding blood flow to your heart for brain, causing a heart attack or stroke. WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE PLAVIX? You should NOT take PLAVIX if you: + are allergic to clopidogrel (the active ingredient in PLAVIN, + have a stomach uler + have another condition that causes bleeding, + are pregnant or may become pregnant. + are breast feeding, WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING PLAVIX? Before taking PLAVIK, tell your doctor if you'te pregnant or are breait feeding or have any of the following: + gastrointestinal ulcer * stomach ulcers) + liver problems + kidney problems + a history of bleeding conditions WHAT IMPORTANT INFORMATION SHOULD | KNOW ABOUT PLAVIX? TIP: A very serious blood condition called TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) has been rarely reported in people taking PLAVIX. TTP isa potentially if-threatening condition that involves low blood platelet and red blood cell levels, and requires, urgent referral to 2 specialist for prompt treatment once a diagnosis is suspected. Warning signs of TTP may include fever, unexplained confusion or weakness (due to 2 low blood count, What doctors call anemia). To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will need to order blood tests. TP has been reported rarely, ‘sometimes in less than 2 weeks after starting therapy. Gastrointestinal Bleeding: There is a potential risk of gastrointestinal (stomach and intestine) bleeding when taking PLAVIX. PLAVIX should be used with caution in patients who have lesions that may bleed (such as ulcers), along with patients who take drugs that cause such lesions Bleeding: You may bleed more easily and it may take you longer than usual to stop bleeding when you take PLAVIK alone ot in combination with aspitin, Report any unusual bleeding to your doctor. Geriatrics: When taking aspirin with PLAVIX the rsk of serious bleeding increases with age in patients 65 and over. Stroke Patienis:f you have had a recent TIA also known as amini- slroke) or stroke taking aspirin with PLAVIX has not been shown to bbe more effective than Laking PLAVIX alone, but taking aspirin with PLAVIX has been shown to increase the risk of bleeding compared to taking PLAVIX alone, Surgery: Inform doctors and dentists well in advance of any surgery that you are taking PLAVIX so they can help you decide whether or rot to discontinue your PLAVIK treatment prior 10 surgery. WHAT SHOULD | KNOW ABOUT TAKING OTHER MEDICINES WITH PLAVDX? You should only take aspirin with PLAVIX when directed to do so by your doctor. Certain other medicines should not be taken with, PLAVIX. Be sure to tell your doctor about all of your current ‘medications, especialy if you are taking the following + aspirin + nonsteroidal ant-inflammatory drugs (NSNDs) + warfarin + heparin Be sure to tel your doctor if you are taking PLAVIX before starting any new medication. WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF PLAVIX? The most common side effects of PLAVIX include gastrointestinal events (bleeding, abdominal pain, indigestion, diarthea, and nausea) and rash. This is aot a complete list of side eects, associated with PLAVIX. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list. HOW SHOULD I TAKE PLAVIX? Only take PLAVIX exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking PLAVIX without talking to your doctor first PLAVIX should be taken around the same time every day, and i can be taken with or without food. If you miss a day. do not double up on your medication, Just continue your usual dese, If you have any questions about taking your medications, please consult your doctor. OVERDOSAGE ‘As with any prescription medicine, itis posible to overdase on PLAVIX. I you think you may have overdosed, immediately call your doctor or Poison Cortrol Center, or go to the nearest emergency oom, FOR MORE INFORMATION For more injormation on PLAVIX, call 1-800-633-1610 or visit www-PLAVIX.com, Neither of these resources, nor the information contained here, can take the place of talking to your doctor. Only ‘your doctor knows the specifics of your condition and how PLAVIX fits into your overall therapy. Iis therefore important to maintain an ongoing dialogue with your doctor concerning your condition dnd your treatment, Distributed by: Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership Bridgewater, Nj 08807 PLAVIN® isa registered trademark PLAOCIO7-BAC SANOFiaventis — & Brisiol Myers Squibb CompanyPHOTOGRAPHED BY ALLISON V. SMITH WL It was a close oa asc) DT Leute alot In the Nick of Time BY CHARLIE SCHROEDER ason Noorthoek Jr. didn’t ‘want to go outside. It was pitch-black, and he was afraid there might be coyotes “as big as pigs” roaming his parents’ Kent City, Michigan, property. But the 12-year- old didn’t have a choice. His mother, Brenda, was worried about his father and demanded he go. Every evening after he got home from work, Jason Noorthoek Sr. worked on cars in the driveway. The 32-year-old mechanic had supple- mented his income by selling parts readersdigest.com sios from salvaged cars for years, but on this night, he had to fix Brenda’s car, 1998 Buick Century that had been stalling for days. Usually, Brenda, 31, heard her hus- band come in and out of the house to gather his tools, but not tonight. She hadn’t heard a thing for at least an hour. “Go find him,” she told Jason and his sister, Jamie, 13. “Seriously.” It was a chilly October night—42 degrees at eight o’clock—and with just ten days left until Halloween, Jason and Jamie stepped outside their 33two-story house into the moonless night, afraid their dad was up to one of his old tricks, like jumping out from behind the shed, yelling, “Boo!” In the darkness, the two kids edged toward the Buick. Jason waved a tiny, anemic flashlight from side to side. “Dad? Dad?” he called into the shad- Unable to take a full breath, he shivered and drifted in and out of consciousness. ows. No reply. He and his sister walked a little closer. “Dad?” Jason called again. “Jason?” It was his father, but his voice sounded different. He talked slowly, in a way that Jason would later describe as “hurt.” “Ts this a joke?” Jason asked. arlier that evening, as the sun was just about to set, Noorthoek diagnosed the Buick’s problem: a faulty fuel pump. That meant he'd have to get under- neath the car. Normally, he'd use a jack to lift it, but it was getting dark and he wasn’t dressed warmly, so to speed things up, he used the forklift he’d recently bought for his salvage business. Noorthoek slid the forks under the Buick’s back bumper and then raised the car until its back end was two feet off the ground. After he crawled under the car, he saw that 34 the forklift had bent the exhaust pipe. Now he’d have to fix that too. He gave the pipe a kick to bend it back into shape. “I’m always the first one to preach safety,” he says, think- ing back on the one precaution he forgot to take. Noorthoek didn’t place blocks in front of the car’s front tires to keep it from rolling forward off the forks. Which is exactly what it did after he gave the exhaust pipe a couple more kicks. Jason saw his dad’s feet sticking out from underneath the car. By now, Noorthoek had been trapped for almost an hour, with the crooked exhaust pipe push- ing into his chest. Unable to take a full breath, he shivered in the cold and drifted in and out of conscious- ness. Jamie ran into the house and told her mother to call 911. Jason knew that his mother and sister couldn’t lift the four-door sedan, but that didn’t stop them from trying. When it didn’t budge, the two started to panic. Jamie screamed; Brenda cried. “Calm down. It'll be okay,” Jason said softly. The sixth grader had driven the forklift only once before, and he’d nearly smashed it into a parked car. At 90 pounds, he didn’t have the strength to depress the 10,000-pound vehicle’s brakes. Ever since, he’d been afraid to get back on. But now Jason couldn’t afford to be scared. He climbed on and started it up. “Every time he turned the ignition readersdigest.com 5/09key, it pushed the car forward onto me,” his father says. “I kept saying, ‘Neutral! Neutral!” Jason figured out the machine’s complicated gearshift and moved it into neutral as he slid the forks under the car. He pulled a lever, and the Buick started to rise. Finally, the tires were off the ground and Noor- thoek could breathe again—for a moment. Like his dad, Jason forgot to put blocks in front of the tires. As the back end of the car rose into the air, the car rolled forward again and crashed back onto Noorthoek. “I could hear my husband take a deep breath,” Brenda recalls, “and then stop.” Desperate now, Jason pulled the forklift’s lever once more. Again, the Buick started to come off the ground, but this time, for whatever reason, the front tires didn’t roll and the car remained suspended in the air. Minutes later, Kent City/Tyrone Township's fire chief, Mike Rexford, arrived. Noorthoek lay under the car, ashen but breathing. His inter- nal injuries were minor, but, accord- ing to Rexford, his situation was perilous. “The outcome’s never been this good,” he now says. “How long could he have lasted like that?” It wasn’t until his dad was loaded into an ambulance that the magni- tude of the night's events caught up with Jason. “I told him he probably saved his father,” says Rexford. Jason broke down and started to sob. His father was released from the hospital early the next morning. “I didn't stop shaking until I got home,” Noorthoek says. Jason says one happy change has come out of the accident: He gets to spend more time with his dad. Jason Sr., who hasn't touched a car since the Buick fell on him, often spends evenings with Jason playing video games. “We play Call of Duty and Ultimate Alliance, a game about superheroes,” his dad says. Then, as if this irony has just dawned on him, he takes a nice, healthy breath and laughs. ONE-ADAM-12, WE HAVE A TYPO IN PROGRESS From the Newport (Vermont) Daily Express district court proceedings: “Ryan Marcotte pled not guilty to felony unlawful trespass and mister meaner unlawful mischief” Submitted by Eugenia MacKellar From the Berlin (New Hampshire) Daily Sun police blotter: “A Champlain Street resident called to report someone is stealing her male” Submitted by Jeffrey LaBerge FILLERS ILLUSTRATED BY NIGEL BUCHANAN, 35.f il A ae eesPeople with COPD breathe better with SPIRIVA. Tf you have a history of smoking and breathing problems, it could be COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both. Ask your doctor about SPIRIVA, because it: a Is the only once-daily, inhaled maintenance prescription treatment for both forms of COPD « Significantly improves lung function by keeping airways open « Helps you breathe better for a full 24 hours a Is not a steroid SPIRIVA does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms. Do not swallow the SPIRIVA capsule. The most common side effect of SPIRIVA is dry mouth. Others include constipation and problems passing urine. Tell your doctor about your medicines, including eye drops, and illnesses like glaucoma, urinary and prostate problems. These may worsen with SPIRIVA. Tf you have vision changes, eye pain, your breathing suddenly worsens, you get hives, or your throat or tongue swells, stop taking SPIRIVA and contact your doctor. For more information: 1.877.SPIRIVA or SPIRIVA.COM You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see brief summary of full Prescribing Information on reverse. SSPIRIVA HandiHaler” Make a habit of breathing better. A= (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder)Spiriva® HandiHaler® giotopium bromide inhalation powder) Brief Summary of Prescribing Information Do Not Swallow Spitiva Capsules For Use With HandiHaier Only. FOR ORAL INHALATION ONLY Rony INDICATIONS AND USAGE ‘SPIRIVA HandiMalor is indicated for th long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatmert of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Including chronie bronchitis end emohysema ‘CONTRAINDICATIONS SSPIRIVA Handiler is contraindicated in patients witha history of hypersensitity to aropine o its derivatives, including ipratropium, orto any ‘Component of tis produd. WARNINGS SPIRIVA HandiHaler ic itonded as a onco-delly maintenance trealment for COPD and ié not indicated fo: the ial treatment of acute epicodes of Bronchospasm, i. rescue therapy Immediate rypersensiiy reactions, including angloederra, may occur attr administration of SPIRIVA Handiale. I sucha reaction occurs, therapy with SPIRIVA Handihaler should be stopped at once and alienate ireainents should be considered Inhaled medicines, incucing SPIRIVA Hendiale, may cause paradoxical bronchospasm I this occurs, treatment with SPIRIVA HandiHaler should be stopped and other treatments considered PRECAUTIONS General ‘Asan anichlineric drug, SPIFIVA Hancialer may potently worsen symptoms and sigs associated wth rarow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia (tanec ebsucige and shout o ised wit auton Dal ayo tse cans ee ne ‘As prodominantly renaly excreted drug, pation with moderate to severe renal impairment (reatinne clearence of <80 min) treated wth SPIRIVA HandHaeer should be montored closely (se CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics, Special Populations, Renalyimpaired Patent). Information for Patients itis impertant. for pallens to understand how to correctly administer SPIRIVA capsules using the HandiHaler inhalation device (see Patient's Instructions for Use). SPIRIVA capsules shoul onl be administered via the Hania! device and tne Hanstlaler device should nt be used fot a3ministring other medications. The contents of SPIRIVA capsules are for oral inhalation only and must not be swallowed. ‘Capsules should always te stored in sealed bisters. emave only one capsule immedselybelore use, or ils etfectiveness may be reduced, Adtional Capsules ha ae exposed toa (6. not ended fr mediate use) should be discarded Eye painor ciscomior, bred vision, visual halos or colored images in association with redeyes trom conjunctival congestion and corneal edema may be signs of acute narow-angle glaucoma Should ary of these signs and symptoms develep, consul a physician immediately. Mioic eye dops alone are nol considered 1 be affective treatment {Garo mutt bo taken not to allow tho povidor to ontrinto the cyos as this may cauco blurrrg of viclon and pupil dation, SPIRIVA Haniel once-daily maintenance bronchediator and sll ol be used forimmedae rl of breathing problems, Le, asa rescue Drug Interactions SSPIRIVA Handinaler has been used concomitantly with other drugs commonly used in COPD without increases in adverse drug reactions. These include stortacing and long-acting sympathomimetic (ela-agonsis) bronchodilators, methyixanthines, and oral and inhaled steroids. However, the ¢o-admirsralion of SPIIVA with cher anlcholinergic-contaning drugs (eg, oralropium) has not been stughed and is theelore rot recommended Drug/aboratory Tet interactions lane known, Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility No evidence of tumorigenicity was observed in a 104-week inhalation study in rts at otropium doses up to 0.059 mg/kg/day, in an 83-wook inhalation study in female mice et doses Upto .146 mglkgday, and in a101-week inhalation study in male ice al doses up 19 0.002 mglklday. These doses corespond to 25,35, and 05 mes the Recommended Human Daly Dose (AHDD} on a mgim= bass, respectively. These dose mulipies may be overestimated due fo iicules in measuring deposited doses in animal inhalation stues, Tiros bromide demonstrated no evidence of mutagenily or clastogeriaty inthe folowing assays: the bacterial gene mutation assay. the V79 Chinese namster cel mutagenesss assay, fhe chromosomal aberration assays In human jynphoeytes in vitro and mouse mecrenucieus formation n vivo, ‘and the unscheduled DNA synthesis in onary rat hepatocytes n vitro assay Ina, decreases in he ruber ol corpora llea an he percerago of plants were reed anal Sapam doses of 0.078 malady or {geae @pproxiraaly SS imesh RHODon amg bags No such elds ware observa 009 maga (approxataly# tas han hg HOO ‘na mgine basis). The teliy index, however, was nol afected al inhalaion doses Up fo 1.689 malkgtday (approximately 760 times the RHDD on a Ing basis). These dose mises may bo crer-esrated det cuties measuring epee doses arma nalain studos, reanancy Pregnancy Category C. No evidence of structural alterations was observed in rats and rabbits a inhalation titrpium doses of up to 1.471 and 0.007 malkoday respectively. These. doses correspond fo approximately 660 and 6 times the recommended human daly dose (ADD) on a magi basis However in rats, etl resorption, iter los, decreases in the number of ive pups at birh and the mean pup weighs, and, delay in pup sexual maturation were observed a inhalation flroplum doses of 20.078 mag (approximatoy 35 times the FHOD on a mgin® basis In rabbits, an increase in post-implantaion loss was observed at an inheaton dose of 04 ma)ka/day (aporoximately 360times the HDD on a mgim? basis). Such stiets wore rat obsowed at Inhalation ses, of 0.008 and up fo 0.08e makglay in vals end rabbi. respecvely These, doses orrespond to approximately 4 and 80 imes the AHDD on amgime basis, respectively. These dose muliples may te over-estimated due to Siicutes in measuring deposited doses n ania inhalaton studies. ‘There are.no adequate and well-contoied studies in pregnant women. SPIRIVA HendiHaler shoulé be used dutig pregnancy only if the potential benef justifies the potential riskIo the fetus Use in Labor and Delive ‘The sale and etecivenes Nursing Mothers lineal data trom nursing women exposed ototroplum are nt avaliable. Based on lactating rodent studies, totropium fs excreted into breast mik. I is not krown whether toropium is excreted in human mk, bul because many drugs are excreted in huran mik and gen these findings in ras, Calton shouldbe exercised it SPIRIVA HanlHalers adinislered fo a nursing women. Pediatric Use SPIRIVA HandiHaler is approved for use in the mairlenance treatment of bronchospasm associaled with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chroné bronchitis and emphysema, Tis disease does not normaly occur in children, The safety and efeciveness of SPIAIVA HandHaer in pediatric patents have not been established Geriatric Use rhe tol number of paionts who received SPIRIVA in te 1-year cial als, 426 were <65 years, 375 were 65-74 years and 105 were 275 years ‘lage, Within each age subgroup, there were no dferences between the proportion of pallens with adverse events in the SPIRIVA HandHaler and the ‘Somparase groups for mast events. Dry mouth increased wih age m the Spira® HanaHaler® (tropium bromide inhalation ponder) group (alerences ry ‘ol SPIRIVA HandiHaler has not been studied during labor and delivery,trom placebo wee 0%, 17,14 and 162%: hesorementgne age subonns) A higher requency of constpaon and urinary tect ifectons wh ners: ing age was observed in he SPIRIVA Handraler group in the placebo-contrlled studies. The dflerences trom placebo for constipation were O%, 1.8%, and 78s for each of the age groups, The diferences trom placebo for urinary ect infections were ~ 0.6%, 46% and 4.5%. No overal dileences in cfiectvensss were observed among these roups. Based on available data, no adjustment of SPIRIVA Handialer dosage in geratic patents is warante. ADVERSE REACTIONS ‘Ofte 2.683 patienis in the four 1-year and two & month controled cSnical als, 1908 were treated with SPIRIVA Handlaler at the recommended dose of 18 meg ‘onoe a day Patents wih narow angle daucoma, or synplomalc prosaic typertonty or badder ole obstruction were excluded fromthese Was. ‘The mosi commonly reported adverse drug reaction was cry mouth. Dry mouth was usually mild and often resolved during continued treatment. ther reactions reported in indvidual palients and consistent wit possible antictolinerg effects included constipation, increased heart rale,blured vision, ‘laucoma, urinary difficulty and urinary retention Four mulicenter, 1-year, controled studies evaluated SPIRIVA HandiHaler in patients with COPD. Table 1 shows all adverse events that occured with a lnequency of 23% in the SPIRIVA Handialer group in the ‘-year placebo-controled tials where te rates in the SFIAIVA HandiMaer group ‘exceeded placebo by 21% The frequency cl corresponding evens in the jpraotum-control tas is included for comparison. Table 1 Adverse Experience Incidence (% Patients) in One-Year-COPD Clinical Trials Body System (Event) Placebo-Controlled Trials Ipratropium-Controlled Tals SPIRIVA Placebo SPIRIVA Ipratropium [n= 550), [n= 371) [n= 356) [n= 479) Body as.a Whole ‘Accidents, 13 4 5 8 ‘Chest Pain (non-speciic) 7 5. 5 2 Edema, Dependent 5 4 3 5 Gastrointestinal System Disorders ‘Abdorrinal Pain 5 3 6 6 Constipation 4 2 i 1 Dry Mouth 16 3 12 6 Dyspepsia 6 5 1 1 Vomiting 4 2 1 2 Musculoskeletal System Myaigia 4 3 4 3 Rocletance Mechanicm Dicordore Infection 4 3 1 3 Monilasis| 4 2 3 2 Respiratory System (upper) Epistaxis 4 2 1 1 Pharyngitis 8 7. 7 3 hints 6 5 3 2 Sinusits m a 3 2 Upper Respiratory ‘Tract Infection 4 37 43 35 ‘Skin and Appendage Disorders Rash 4 2 2 2 Urinary System Urinary Tract Infection 7 5 4 2 ‘Arthritis, coughing, and influenza-like symptoms occurred at arale of 23% in the SPIRIVA HandiHaler treatment group, but were <1% in excess of the placebo group. ‘Other events that occurred in the SPIRIVA HandiHaler growo ala frequency of 1-3% in the placebo-controled trials where the rates exceeded hatin the placebo group incude: Body as @ Whole: allergic reaction, leg pain, Central and Penaheral Nervous System: dysphonia, paresthesia, Gastrointestinal System Disorders: gastrointestinal dsorder not otherwise specitied (NOS), gastroesophageal retux, stomatiis (ncluding Ulcerative slomatits); Metabolic and Nutrtional Disorders: hypercholestelemia, hyperglycemia: Musculcskeletal System Disorders: skeelal pai; Cardiac Events: angina petiole ncusing aguavaed) angina pedotis), Pejchianc. Disorder. depression, infactions. heroes, zoster Respiratory System Disorder (Upper): lrynails, Vision Disorder: cataract. In addition, ariong the adverse events observed inthe clinical als with an incidence of <1°% were aril fibtllatio, supraventricular tachycardia, angioedema, and urinary retention. inthe ‘-year tials, he incence of dry mouth, constipation, and urinary tactinfection increased with age (see PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use). “Two muttcenter, &-month, controlled studies evaluated SPRIVA HandiHaler in patients with COPD. The adverse events andthe Incidence rales wore similar othose seen in the 1-year controlled tals. The following adverse reactions have been identilied during worldwice post-approval use of SPIRIVA HandiHaler: application site iitation (glossits, mouth ulceration, and pnaryngclaryngeal pain), dizziness, dysphagia, epistaxis, iarseness, intestinal obstruction including Weus paralytic, intraocular pressure increased, oral candidiasis, palpitations, pruritus, tachycardia, that iritalion, and urticaria, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ‘SPIRIVA capsules must not be swallowed as the intended effects on the lungs will not be obtained. The contents of the capsules are ‘only for oral inhalation and should only be used with the HandiHlaler inhalation device (see OVERDOSAGE se ‘The recommended dosage of SPIRIVA HandiHaler is the inhalation of the contents of one SPIRIVA capsule, once-dally, with the HandiFaler inhalation device (s0e Patient's Instructions for Use). No dosage adjustment is required for geriatric, hepalicaly-Ampaired, or renally-Impaired patients. However, patients with moderate to severe renal impairment given SPIRIVA HandiFialer should be monitored closely (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics, Special Populations and PRECAUTIONS) ow suepLieo ‘ro lowns peso a ais aren cataring€SPIANA cape (1 nit ose lst card) and 1 Hara nalaon deve (NDC 1557007575) — Seren corte 30 SPIWA capsules (Sun oasis care) and fanoaentloon deves (NDC 09970076 a1) mane See ee SPA eee Gtr aes He ace| and | ETariser neon eS NDS OSS SCTEA, age OOS Boehringer w treenematresestinraeeeetin, | CCAY) permet cl) Ingethetn ‘at S0849 NOW (88477-0010 go mapa) Prescription Assistance Cop ©2008, Bonsiner gas Phumscauscae, he: Aig etened. 08) SPUD0ASS svsi724When pain gets in the way of doing the things you enjoy, try Aleve. Only Aleve" has the strength to stop body, joint, back and arthritis paint all day with just two pills. It would take twice as many Advil or four times as many Tylenol to do that. For all day pain-free movement, nothing helps you move your body better than Aleve. yaa es NEVER STOP Molar Use as directed for minor arthritis pain, 7 Comparison to Advil and Extra Strongth Tylenol ( based on minum el ong or Pars ( Y Bayer HealthCare ©2008 Bayer HealthCareMake It Matter Cetsatta ce Snehee tees felt sand between their toes, inspected a seashell, or e: ee ebatertarrcormte) ey’ve never pastel Peter Tel Coser Winer eed Bena Bree ear Pe eesYet their summers more likely in- volve city recreation centers, steamy blacktop, or a splash in a public pool ora fire hydrant turned fountain. Vince and Jeanie Hubach always wanted to share the sandier side of life with others. The couple, who grew up in small towns outside Philly and spent their childhood summers on Jersey Shore beaches, founded and run a nonprofit called Angels on the Atlantic (angelson theatlantic.org) that makes it easy— and free—for local city kids to visit the beach. The idea for the organization began to germinate 16 years ago. Vince, who buys and sells restaurant equipment, was setting up pizzerias and delis in poorer sections of cities like Camden, Philadelphia, and Trenton. “Kids would be hanging around while I was working,” he recalls. “I'd say, ‘Why don’t you go to the beach?’ They just looked at me like, ‘The beach?” Vince shared those stories with Jeanie. “Without children of our own, we wanted to do something for these kids, but in our own way,” Vince says. In 2004, they bought a two-acre beachfront property in Ocean City, New Jersey. It came with a restaurant, which they ran as a breakfast and lunch spot, putting profits toward getting their nonprofit on its feet. (It was their first attempt at running a restaurant, but a localmagazine named it one of the best places for breakfast.) Within two years, they had generated enough cash and lined up enough volunteers to start inviting urban community organizations to bring kids to their swath of public beach for a day. At first, the groups that Jeanie called were skeptical. Two strangers would provide beach tags, bathing suits and sunscreen, T-shirts and towels, shade tents, and all the hot dogs, hamburgers, and Popsicles the kids could consume? All they had to do was get there? Vince recalls that first group of 40 kids: “They were running into the ocean, screaming and having the time of their lives. We knew at that moment that no matter what it took, we were going to build this thing.” Over the years, the Hubachs have played host to over 4,800 kids, mostly 6- to 14-year- olds. This summer alone, they're expecting 5,000. Vince, 41, lives at the shore from. June to September to run the pro- gram full-time, and Jeanie, 43, joins him on weekends. During the week, she coordinates the group visits and works as a personal assistant to a business executive. Next on the agenda: raising money to build a 6,000-square-foot beachside pavilion to house the Angels program as well as allow physically challenged local residents easier access to the beach. While some neighbors have had Cleaning made simple. With Pledge” Multi-Surface, you can clean more, faster. That's the beauty of Pledge? How!CleanNow.com i aCe) Surfage @ Cidzoning and overcrowding concerns, community support, overall, has been tremendous. Brownie troops have run swimsuit drives, schools have collected loose change, and scientists from GlaxoSmithKline have developed Science by the Sea, a hands-on class involving sand, seashells, and microscopes. Ultimately, the kids are happy tossing a ball, building sand castles— and letting their guard down. Vince recalls the day he overheard one boy say to another, “I don’t think we're gonna hear any gunshots today.” Not surprisingly, the kids often tell the Hubachs that they’ve had the best day of their lives. That’s the thing, says Jeanie: “This program helps them see that there’s a whole big world out there to explore and that they're welcome in it.” Tell us how you or someone you know is making it matter, and your story may appear here. Go to readersdigest.com/ makeitmatter. Loving the Leftovers Nalani Lavedure merely wanted to put to use the unsold items from her church’s garage sale. But once she’d unloaded them at the refugee services program of the Minnesota Council of Churches, she had a brilliant idea: Why not help more families by rounding up all the other unsold items from all the other sales in the area? Lavedure, 58, an inveter- ate volunteer, had found yet another cause to sup- port. She now regularly visits garage sales and church bazaars—“the biggest gold mine”—and hands out flyers asking people to donate any left- covers. She sells less essen- tial items, like waffle irons, 44 ‘on eBay and uses the cash to buy necessities, like detergent, at the dollar store. When she noticed a bank was offering the use of a moving truck to new clients, she arranged to borrow it during off-hours to move furniture. She’s hired refugees to help with the moving to gain work experience, and she’s taken them to thrift stores to buy interview clothes. “The store offered a sen- ior discount, so they won- dered if everyone gets a discount on Tuesdays” Lavedure also helped with the welcome kits MCC provides to each family. She reorganized its supply room, standing couches on end to free up space, folding £ and stacking towels and blankets, and putting together dish sets. Staffers were busy assisting some 1,500 people who had fled persecution in countries like Myanmar, Iraq, Ethio- pia, and Sudan and had no time to worry about the state of the donations or the increasing need for more. “I started doing this so the caseworkers could spend more time with the clients” she says. Lavedure, who worked as a machinist for 27 years, says, “I get such a joy high from this work.” She recalls the time she and a refugee had just moved a family, and he said to her, “Last night this family had nothing. Yh, Now they / have beds.” i readersdigest.com 5/09Wish that article on “How to Spend Less” was referring to time running to the bathroom? It could be Overactive Bladder. a = It's a real medical condition, with options for treatment. Find out how you can do more than just cope. See your doctor and go toUpClose Tangled Roots When the black David Wilson met the white David Wilson, they discovered a shared past and a bright future. The good news about race in modern America. sy sarsara ovpair ou hope for a surprise or two when you map your genealogy: an exiled count, perhaps, or a plank-walking pirate. But when journalist David Wilson, 32, began to trace his roots six years ago, what he found was even more intriguing. As his project moved backward from Newark, New Jersey, to North Carolina and Virginia and finally to Ghana, where his ancestors were put ona slave ship bound for America, he discovered not only his family’s slave master but also their modern-day descendants. And one of them, he learned, was a 62-year- old white man who owns barbecue joints in North Carolina. The man’s name? David Wilson. At least three generations of the African American David Wilson’s family had worked the tobacco fields of the Wilson estate in Caswell County, North Carolina; among the last was Reuben Wilson Sr., his 46 great-grandfather. More curious than ever now, David Wilson decided to seek out the other David Wilson and make a video chronicle of his trip down South. What could the older’ man share? What would they say to each other? Meeting David Wilson made a splash when it premiered on MSNBC last spring. The film is now a regular rerun and is available on DVD. Wil- son spoke to Reader’s Digest about his poignant story—and the per- spective it brings now that the United States has its first African American president. “grew up the seventh of ten kids in a rough part of Newark. During certain summers, we heard gunshots every night. My parents did their best to insulate us, raising us in the Pentecostal church. My father made sure that we read the paper and watched the news every day. He readersdigest.com sles PHOTOGRAPHED BY GINA LEVAY4 ; DETER Leaks New York City took a ry RRs gn) Preeeuol etal A « ks bs]The two David Wilsons in Central Park last year. “I was surprised by our friendship,” says young David Wilson. worked with chemical engineers at pharmaceutical companies, and he taught us to solve problems, such as how to get a device to operate more efficiently. He motivated us by say- ing, T'll give you X amount of money if you solve this.’ My mother was more of a free spirit. She'd say, ‘Don’t worry about your bills; they'll always be there.’ She taught me to be flexible and take risks. “lwant to be part of the continuum of strong black men in my family, from my great-great-great-grand- father, who was taken from Africa, to my great-great-grandpa, who was 48 separated from his son when he was sold into slavery. As a young adult, my great-grandpa learned to read and write, bought part of the land that his father had been enslaved on, and started what is now the oldest black church in North Carolina. My grandfather moved to New York at the turn of the last century; his first job was laying cobblestone. He learned four languages and managed a chemical plant. And my father originated several patents and raised us to be inventive and strong. “in the film, the other David Wilson asks me where I think I'd be if my ancestors hadn’t been brought to America as slaves. I respond this way: America would have been a far different country had it not been for readersdigest.com 5/09the contributions of African Ameri- cans. And who knows? That America may not have been one that any of us would want to live in. The ques- tion can have a false premise, imply- ing that America was a gift to African Americans. America was never a gift. Everything we received in this country, we had to fight for. “A Chinese friend once asked why some people think that blacks are lazy. I said, ‘Isn’t it ironic that those who came here as slaves and fought for freedom get the lazy label?" In fact, slave owners used that stereo- type to make blacks work harder. If someone else thinks that I can’t do something because I’m black, ’'m not going to be upset. I’m going to do that thing because I’m black. Remember, we’re descendants of victors, not victims. If they could overcome adversity, so can we. I’ve accomplished a lot, but I still have insecurities about being black. Even now, when I walk into a room and start to talk with a white business- man, I feel conscious of my race. Thope this changes. “4f you want to have a conversation with white Americans about race, the most important thing is openness. I pick up fear from a lot of white people about having an honest discussion; they don’t want to be labeled racist. Some black people are also afraid to seem paranoid. You don’t want to be considered the angry black person. But we all have some anger. “From the beginning, African Americans wanted to be a part of America. We get teary-eyed at ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and are proud to recite the Pledge of Alle- giance. Someone said there’s a love- hate relationship between African Americans and our country. I see it more as a love-hurt relationship. We love this country and we've been hurt by it. So we do question some ways of thinking. America isn’t per- fect, but it is the best that we have. That’s in no small part because of our struggle to help perfect it. “One of the most touching e-mails T received after my documentary aired was from a woman in Utah. She said that she and her husband and kids came upon the film when they were channel surfing and that its message had changed her life. For a white woman in Utah to be so affected by me—a black kid from Newark—made me feel that my purpose had been accomplished. “The other David Wilson and I are now good friends. He's one of the most considerate people I've ever met. He and his wife always send cards at the holidays. He brought his grandson to New York to meet me. “We're all human. We have the same desire to love. We have the same desire for happiness. And we have the same desire for freedom.” Learn more about David Wilson and about tracing your roots at readers digest.com/roots. 49hile my husband was remodeling his unit’s office, his chisel slipped into a 220-volt outlet, giving him an electric shock that knocked him out cold. When he came to, his commanding officer was leaning over him. “T sure am happy you're alive,” said the relieved officer. “You wouldn’t believe the paperwork I'd have to complete if you'd died.” Tanya Albritton + Somehow, | got the hiccups while standing in line to call home from our base in the desert. When I got on the phone with my wife, I said, “Thave the hiccups—scare me.” She said, “I'm pregnant.” Keith Brocato It was Super Bowl Sunday and our house was filled with rowdy friends watching the game. In the third quarter, my brother-in-law, a Marine, called all the way from Okinawa, where he’s stationed. As he spoke with my wife, I told my pals, “He’s 14 hours ahead of us. It’s already Monday there.” 50 “I don’t know about you, but I’ve been on tougher obstacle courses.” One of our guests had a brilliant suggestion: “Ask him who won the Super Bowl.” Brian Howard My husband and J aren’t military people, so when we visited our son Willy at New Mexico Military Institute, it was all new to us. At one point, we passed through a lounge where a cadet was fast asleep on a sofa. “Why is his uniform different from yours?” I asked Willy. “Because he’s on guard duty,” he replied. Nancy Shumar ex favorite new joke, funny anecdote, Y or crazy news story might be worth $$$. See page 71 for details. readersdigest.com s/o9 ILLUSTRATED BY JOHN CALDWELLDO: lemon iL = Stay free. Play free. Eatfree. Cae Rk aT TMC Go to VisitOrlando.com today and print out your free fol CC SUAS an eo Ree sR oa VisitOrlando.com Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.”up at night and not be able to fall back to sleep: “I was tossing and turning all night long. Thoughts would run Waking up at night made me miserable and tired! _—_— — \ \ Melissa - Inter fects through my head, stressing me and keeping me awake. Very seldom would | wake up feeling truly refreshed.” | found a solution! “At my doctor's office, T read an article about a sleeping product called Melissa™. It was a new product from Sweden containing natural plant extracts, which help you relax, fall a sleep and sleep through the night. I went right to my local pharmacy and bought a package. I had nothing to lose” Melissa is the botanical name for Lemon Balm, an herb that has been used for centuries in monaste- ries across Europe, to induce trancelike rela- xation and deep sleep. Today, its effectiveness has been shown in scien- tific studies. Happy again “Melissa™ really worked for me! I now sleep like a dream and finally wake up rested. I have not slept this well since I was a child! After a week with the Melissa™ tablets it dawned on me, just how important a good night's sleep is for my wellbeing and joy of life.” Why is Melissa™ so popular? Melissa™ is a natural product from Sweden, based on the newest Studies of how plant extracts can be used to calm your mind and body. The product combines herbs, vitamins, minerals and specific extracts, used for centuries in Scandinavia. The natural tablets promote a deep relaxation that relieves stress and gently makes you feel sleepy. There are no side effects, no waking up drowsy and no dependency. It is simply nature doing its work. Melissa™ is now available at CVS pharmacies (in the vitamin section), and online at wwwrevs.com. For more information please visit www.newnordic.us. CVS/pharmacy’PHOTOGRAPHED BY KAREN BALLARD/REDUX ILLUSTRATED BY THE HEADS OF STATE mm. Vv Outrage@us MICHAEL CROWLEY Watchdog Windfall Why did banking overseers ignore the Wall Street mess? They were too busy angling for jobs there. ver since the news broke that Bernie Madoff had bilked investors out of as much as $50 billion, Washington lawmakers have been demanding answers from Wall Street's watch- dogs. How could they have missed the biggest con in history? After all, one reason Con- gress created the Secu- rities and Exchange Commission in the 1930s was to pro- tect investors. In January, the SEC’s inspector general offered one possible expla- nation: He told Congress that “social and professional relation- ships” with the longtime Wall Street figure may have clouded investigators’ judgment. No kidding. Madoff himself once Michael Crowley is a senior editor at the New Republic. readersdigest.com sios boasted that he was “very close” to regulators. “In fact,” he added, “my niece even married one.” A far more common phenomenon is the revolving door that has these regulators switching roles from overseers to employees. Today’s Wall Street boardrooms are virtual retirement com- munities for the SEC watchdogs who used to supervise them. It’s a mutu- ally beneficial arrangement. The watchdogs get cushy perks and big salaries— as chief legal officer for Morgan Stanley, former SEC enforcement chief Gary Lynch earned $6.6 million in 2007. And the Wall Street titans get insider knowledge and access to fat Washington Rolodexes. Both come in handy in a pinch: “For Wall Street firms under fire, 53hiring former SEC officials is a tried-and-true practice,” the New York Times noted when Deutsche Bank hired one to defend against a federal investigation into its handling of IPOs. The list of former honchos cash- ing in on this sweet deal reads like The SEC undermined its own staff by allowing lawyers to block an insider trading probe. an old SEC leadership directory. To name just a couple: Richard Walker, the agency's former enforcement director, left the SEC in 2001 to become general counsel at Deutsche Bank; Stephen Cutler, who stepped down from the SEC in 2005, signed on as chief counsel for JPMorgan Chase in 2006. Then there’s ex-enforcement chief William R. McLucas, who jumped in 1998 to WilmerHale, peddling his insider savvy to this Washington-based law firm whose specialties include—what else?— defending securities firms facing SEC crackdowns. Among his clients: Zach Zachariah, a Florida cardiolo- gist charged last year by the SEC with a scheme that allegedly netted more than $540,000 in illegal insider trading profits (the defen- dant denies guilt). Sure, there’s nothing wrong with an experienced lawyer helping a 54 company comply with regulations or fight unjust legal charges, just as there’s nothing wrong with Shana Madoff marrying the man she loves. But we can no longer tolerate what Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) calls a “culture of deference at the SEC in dealing with big players on Wall Street.” Now more than ever, we need strong oversight to restore confidence in our markets. In 2006, Grassley was among those who dispatched congres- sional investigators to examine this inside game. In a strongly worded report, they accused the SEC of undermining its own lead investiga- tor during an insider trading probe of the hedge fund Pequot Capital Management. One of those identi- fied was then-SEC enforcement chief Cutler. Only two weeks after Cutler met with a well-connected at- torney representing Pequot, the re- port says, 17 possible violations were slashed to just three, making the job of proving illicit trading even more difficult (the firm denied giving tips, and ultimately no action was taken). “The report,” said SEC whistle- blower and former investigator Gary Aguirre, “confirms the existence of an elite cadre of securities lawyers able to stop an SEC investigation in its tracks. When officials leave the SEC for their $2 million-a-year job in private practice, it’s their turn to harvest favors.” readersdigest.com 5/09‘True or not, we can’t afford the possibility that top regulators, with an eye toward future employment, may go soft on the industries they oversee. ‘The consequences go far beyond Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. This game of footsie clearly aided the irresponsible atmosphere on Wall Street that caused the subprime bubble and the ensuing economic collapse. “We got into this mess because of a reluctance to regulate,” says Barbara Roper, director of investor protection for the Consumer Federation of Amer- ica. “I don’t think you get independ- ent oversight from people who view an SEC job as a stepping-stone into industry.” In January, President Obama an- nounced rules that would prohibit former presidential appointees in his new administration, including those in the SEC, from lobbying their agency for the duration of his presi- dency. It also prohibits them from. communicating with members of their former agencies for two years after they leave government for the private sector. That’s a good start. But it won't solve this problem. Though a five-member board of presidentially appointed commis- sioners sets SEC policy, it’s the en- forcement chiefs and other staff who are in charge of actually policing corporate America. President Obama should ban key former SEC workers from going into jobs defending insider traders and Wall Street firms under investi- gation or, at a minimum, institute a lengthy waiting period. He should also give internal overseers such as the SEC’s inspector general more power and authority to monitor ties between regulators and the industry officials they oversee, including, at the very least, previous working relationships. Finally, another option is—are you sitting down?—to increase salaries for some senior government offi- cials. Maybe then our most experi- enced public servants, like all those SEC enforcement chiefs, wouldn't be so quick to cash in at the peak of their abilities. And maybe Wall Street's watchdog will finally start doing its job. S Outraged? Tell Michael Crowley about it at readersdigest.com/crowley. 55OU Mma Lam a Dem emt) Y-) Diabetic Nerve Pain. Move towards relief w Ii+rRICA H capsules Unlike some common over-the- counter pain relievers, Lyrica is FDA approved specifically to treat the shooting, stabbing, burning sensations of diabetic Nerves Lyrica is believed nerve pain. Lyrica is believed to damaged by to help calm help calm the damaged nervest diabetes can the damaged and help ease this pain — so send too many nerves’ reducing a walk in the park can be signals that the signals just that. cause pain. and the pain. *Diagram is illustrative of diabetic nerve Exact mechanism of action and releva in. to humans re unknown 2s studies were conducted on animal models.Ask your doctor if ica can help you. Prescription Lyrica is not for everyone. Tell your doctor right away about any serious allergic reaction that causes swelling of the face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue or neck or affects your breathing or your skin. Also tell your doctor about any changes in your eyesight, including blurry vision, muscle pain along with a fever or tired feeling, skin sores due to diabetes or if you are planning to father a child. Some of the most common side effects of Lyrica are dizziness and sleepiness. Others are weight gain, blurry vision, dry mouth, feeling “high, swelling of hands and feet and trouble concentrating. You may have a higher chance of swelling, hives or gaining weight if you are also taking certain diabetes or high blood pressure medicines. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Lyrica affects you. Do not drink alcohol while taking Lyrica. Be especially careful about medicines that make you sleepy. If you have had a drug or alcohol problem, you may be mote likely to misuse Lyrica. Talk with your doctor before you stop taking Lyrica or any other prescription medication. Please see Important Facts Brief Summary on adjacent pages. To learn more visit www.lyrica.com or call toll-free 1-888-9-LYRICA (1-888-959-7422). You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA- 1088. © 2009 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved, LYU00579D.[ IMPORTANT FACTS RIG AX teeninon ( IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT LYRICA LYRICA may cause serious allergic reactions, Call your doctor right away if you think you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: + Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, gums, tongue or neck + Have any trouble breathing + Other allergic reactions include rash, hives and blisters LYRICA may make you feel dizzy or sleepy. + Do not drive a car, work with machines, or do other dangerous things until you are sure you will be alert. Ask your doctor when it is okay to do these things. LYRICA may cause problems with your eyesight, including blurry vision. Call your doctor if you have any changes in your eyesight. ABOUT LYRICA LYRICA is a prescription medicine used to treat: + Nerve pain from diabetes and nerve pain that continues after the rash from shingles heals, This pain can be sharp or burning. It can fecl like tingling, shooting, or numbness. + Fibromyalgia, a condition which includes widespread muscle pain and difficulty performing daily activities Some people taking LYRICA had less pain by the end of the first week. LYRICA may not work for everyone, ( WHO IS LYRICA FOR? + Adults 18 years or older with Fibromyalgia, nerve pain from diabetes, or pain after shingles Who should NOT take LYRICA: + Anyone who is allergic to anything in LYRICA \_LYRICA has not been studied in children under 18 years of age. BEFORE STARTING LYRICA Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you: + Have or had kidney problems or dialysis + Have heart problems, including heart failure + Have a bleeding problem or a low blood platelet count + Have abused drugs or alcohol. LYRICA may cause some people to fee! “high?” + Are cither a man or woman planning to have children or a woman who is breast-feeding, pregnant, or may become pregnant, It is not known if LYRICA may decrease male fertility, pass into breast milk, or if it can harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide whether you should take LYRICA or breast-feed, but not both. Tell your doctor about all your medicines. Include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor if you take: * Avandia" (rosiglitazone)* or Actos" (pioglitazone)** for diabetes. You may have a higher chance of weight gain or swelling if these medicines are taken with LYRICA. + Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors + Narcotic pain medicines (such as oxycodone), tranquilizers or medicines for anxiety (such as lorazepam). You may have a higher chance for dizziness and sleepiness if these medicines are taken with LYRICA, + Any medicines that make you sleepyPOSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF LYRICA LYRICA may cause serious side effects, including: + Scrious allergic reactions. See “Important Safety Information About LYRICA” for a complete description of the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. + Dizziness and sleepiness + Eyesight problems including blurry vision + Weight gain and swelling of hands and feet. Weight gain may affect control of diabetes. Weight gain and swelling can be serious for people with heart problems. + Unexplained muscle pain, soreness, or weakness along with a fever or tired feeling kin sores. LYRICA caused skin sores in animals. Although skin sores were not seen in studies in people, if you have diabetes, you should pay extra attention to your skin while taking LYRICA and tell your doctor of any sores or skin problems, If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. The most common side effects of LYRICA are: * Dizziness * Dry mouth + Balance problems + Sleepiness * Constipation + Trouble concentrating + Weight gain + Feeling “high” + Increased appetite * Blurry vision + Swelling of hands and feet You may have a higher chance of swelling, hives or gaining weight if you are taking certain diabetes medicines or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors with LYRICA. Medicines that already make you sleepy or dizzy may make you feel more sleepy or dizzy with LYRICA. How TO TAKE LYRICA + Take LYRICA exactly as your doctor tells you. Your doctor may tell you to take it 2 or 3 times a day. + Take LYRICA with or without food, Don't: * Do not drive a car or use machines if you fee! dizzy or sleepy while taking LYRICA. + Do not drink alcohol or use other medicines that make you sleepy while taking LYRICA. + Do not change the dose or stop LYRICA suddenly. You may have headaches, nausea, diarrhea, or trouble sleeping if you stop taking LYRICA suddenly. + Do not start any new medicines without first talking to your doctor. NEED MORE INFORMATION? + Ask your doctor or pharmacist. This is only a brief summary of important information, + Go to wwwilyrica.com or call: ~ For Narve Pain: 1-888-8-LYRICA (1-888-959-7422) For Fibromyalg YRICA (1-888-559-7422) Uninsured? Need help paying for Pfizer medicines? Pfizer has programs that help ful can help. Call 1-866-706-2400 or visit ry www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com, answers PARKE-DAVIS, Division of Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017 Rx only ©2008 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. PBIF Rev. 1, April 2008 ® Avandia is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline, ** Actos is a registered trademark of Takeda Chemicals Industries, Ltd., and is used under license by ‘Takeda Pharmaceuticals of America, Inc., and Eli Lilly and Co,seanne@ askas ARIE LASKAS > | workin an office of about 35 people. One coworker, a wonderfully nice man, has been whistling the same song, very loudly and very often, every day since he got here, six months ago. It’s unbearable! I can hear the sighs of my colleagues as soon as he starts up, and a song that I once loved is becoming torture. But his whistling brings him such joy that it seems cruel to tell him it’s driving the rest of us bonkers. Dear Whistler's, What a great problem to have—a wonderfully nice whistling man! Surely he'll work with you. Keep it light. Say “Dude, about the whistling ...” Tell him he’s a darn good whistler, then say “But do you know any other tunes?” and “Do you take requests?” Make some. Have coworkers ask for their favorites. > About a year and a half ago, I lent a friend $800 for a new transmission for his car. He paid me back $250, but nothing more in the last year. Inow need help with a website—something he’s very good at. He's said he'll help but keeps putting it off. I haven't yet suggested that he trade his time for the debt, but it seems obvious. Should I just drop it? Lender Jeanne Marie Laskas is not a shrink, but she does have uncommon sense. 60 Whistler’s Friend Dear Lender, For goodness’ sake, speak up! Never leave it up to someone else to figure out what's going on in your brain. He owes you the money, and you owe him a clearly articulated choice of ways to repay you. You're offering the chance to trade his time and ex- pertise for his debt. It’s a great deal. > My parents expect me to do well in school, even though my brothers are pretty lousy students. Anything less than a B from me and I’m in trouble. Ironically, my parents’ nag- ging is affecting my grades. Are they too pushy, or should I just be happy to have caring parents? Feeling Guilty Dear Guilty, Sounds like Mom and Pop are feeling like failed parents on the academic front, so they’re pinning all their readersdigest.com 5/09 PHOTOGRAPHED BY FRANK VERONSKYhopes on you. They have an impor- tant lesson to learn: Nagging has never made anyone smarter. So teach them. Thank them for caring, but let them know that the needling is making you nuts. Tell them you want to succeed on your own terms. > My husband and Ihave a daugh- ter who has given us four beautiful grandchildren. On Christmas and their birthdays, we like to give them each a toy. The problem is that our daughter invariably takes the toys away, withholding them as a form of punishment, which seems unreason- able. What can we do? Doting Dear Doting, Not very much. Your opinions are irrelevant to whatever parenting techniques your daughter employs (as long as she is not harming her Life’s Little Etiquette Conundrums children). Your daughter may be stressed-out by the demands of hav- ing four kids. An offer to help may go a lot further toward your grandchildren’s well-being than any gift you could give them. > My husband plays an online video game—excessively. We have two young kids, and sometimes I feel like a single mom because he “just wants to play a little bit.” I’ve told him he needs to cut back, which he does for a day or two, but he’s soon back to his routine. When I bring it up, he gets mad and says that I'm really upset about something else that I’m just not articulating. Wrong! How do I get him to understand? Single Mom of Three Dear Single, Go ahead and agree with your hus- band when he says you're upset about something else. ‘That will eliminate his attempt to change the subject. Then, once you have his attention, tell him you need help. You do not need him to understand; you need him to change: to change the diapers, to change the child care routine, and to change his attitude, especially when it comes to spending time with his family. Questions about manners, parents, partners, or office politics? Ask Jeanne Marie Laskas at readersdigest.com/laskas. Sending gives us permission to edit and publish. 61Actonel Once-a-Month Actonel is clinically proven to help reverse bone loss and can help increase bone strength to help prevent fractures. Actonel is a prescription medication to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Important Safety Information for Actonel” (risedronate sodium) tablets. You should not take Actonel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, if you have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), have kidneys that work poorly, or cannot stand or sit upright for 30 minutes. Stop taking Actonel and ell your doctor right away if you experience difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, or severe or continuing heartburn, as these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems. Follow dosing instructions carefully to lower the chance of these events occurring. Side effects may include stomach pain, upset stomach, or back, muscle, bone or jaint pain, sometimes severe. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects, or if you have questions about Actonel. Promptly tell your doctor if you develop dental problems; there have been rare reports of serious jaw problems. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gow/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Actonel Patient Information on the following page. —li— _ _ Actonel.com 1-877 Actonel Actonel (isedronate sodium) tablets Once-a-MonthPatient Information ACTONEL® (AK-toh-nel) Tablets ACTONEL (risedronate sodium) tablets 5 mg, ACTONEL (risedronate sodium) tablets 35 mg, ACTONEL (risedronate sodium) tablets 75 mg, and ACTONEL (risedronate sodium) tablets 150 mg for Osteoporosis Read this information carefully before you start to use your medicine. Read the information you get every time you get more medicine. There may new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about ‘your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions or are not sure about something, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. ‘What is the most important information | should know about ACTONEL? ACTONEL may cause problems in your stomach and ‘esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach), such as trouble swallowing (arsphata hearbburn (esophagitis), and ulcers. You might feel painin your bones, joints, or muscles (See ‘What are the possible side effects of ACTONEL?”). You must follow the instructions exactly for ACTONEL to work and to lower the chance of serious side effects. (See “How should I take ACTONEL?”). What is ACTONEL? ACTONEL is a prescription medicine used: * to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. * ta increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. # to prevent and treat osteoporosis in men and women that is caused by treatment with steroid medicines such as prednisone. * totreat Paget's disease of bone in men and women. The treatment for Paget’s disease is very different than for osteoporosis and uses a different dose of ACTONEL. This leailet does not cover, using ACTONEL for Paget’ disease. If you have Paget’ disease, ask your healthcare provider how to Use ACTONEL ACTONEL may reverse bone loss by stopping more loss of bone and increasing bone strength in most people who take it, even though they won't be able to see or feel a difference. ACIONEL helps lower the risk of breaking bones (fractures). Your healthcare rovider may measure the thickness (density) of your Bones or do other tests to check your progress. Who should not take ACTONEL? Do not take ACTONEL if you: have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) * cannot sit or stand up for 30 minutes # have kidneys that work poorly + have an allergy to ACTONEL. The active ingredient in ACTONEL is risedronate sodium. (See the end of this leaflet for a list of all the ingredients in ACTONEL.) Tell your doctor before using ACTONEL if: * you are pregnant or may become pregnant. We e pet know if ACTONEL can harm your unborn chil * you are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed. We donot now if ACTONEL can pass through your milk and if itcan harm your bab * you have kidney problems. IACTONEL may notbe right for you. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements, ACTONEL can interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all the medicines you take. Show it to all your healthcare provides, including your dentist and pharmacist, each time you get a new medicine. How should | take ACTONEL? The following instructions apply to all patients taking ACTONEL: * Take ACTONEL exacily as prescribed by your healthcare provider. # Take ACTONEL first thing in the morning before you et or dink ating except plain watt # Take ACTONEL while you are sitting up or standing, * Take ACTONEL with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take it with any other dnnk besides plain water. * Swallow ACTONEL whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep it in your mouth to melt or dissolve. * After taking ACTONEL you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: © lying down, You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. * eating or drinking anything except plain water. * taking vitamins, calcium, or antacids. Take vitamins, calcium, and antacids at a different time of the day from when you take ACTONEL. * Keep taking ACTONEL for as long as your healthcare provider tells you. * For ACTONEL to treat your osteoporosis or keep you from getting osteoporosis, you have to take itexactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose of ACTONEL, call your healthcare provider for instructions. * If you take more than your prescribed dose of ACTONEL, call your healthcare provider right away. + Your healthcare provider may tell you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and to exercise. What is my ACTONEL schedule? ACTONEL tablets are made in 4 different dosages(amounts). How often you should take your tablet depends upon the dosage that your doctor has prescribed trecommended) for You, ‘+ 5 mg tablets are yellow. One tablet should be taken every day in the morning. + 35 mg tablets are orange. One tablet should be taken once a week in the morning. © 75 mg tablets are pink. One tablet should be taken in the morning two days in a row every month, * 150 mg tablets are blue. One tablet should be taken once a month in the morning. If you miss your dose in the morning, do not take it later in the day. You should call your healthcare provider for instructions. ‘What should | avoid while taking ACTONEL? * Do not eat or drink anything except water before you take ACTONEL and for at least 30 minutes after you take it. See “How should I take ACTONEL?”. * Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after you take ACTONEL * Foods and some vitamin supplements and medicines can stop your bady trom absorbin (using) ACTONEL. Therefore, do not take anything other than plain water at or near the time you take ACTONEL. What are the possible side effects of ACTONEL? Stop taking ACTONEL and tell your healthcare provider right av * swallowing is difficult or painful * you have chest pain * you have very bad heartbum or it doesn't get ter Possible serious side effects may include: # esophagus or stomach problems, including ulcers, pain, or rouble swallowing, Tell your healthcare provider if you have pain or discomfort in your stomach or esophagus. * low calcium and other mineral disturbances. If you already have one (or more) of these problems, itshould be corrected before taking "ACIONEL. + pain in bones, joints or muscles, sometimes severe, Pain may start as soon as one day or up to several months after starting ACTONEL. ‘+ jaw-bone problems in some people, which may include infection and slower healing after teeth are pulled, Tell your healthcare providers, including your dentist, right away if you have these symptoms. Common side effects include the following © back and joint pain 5 epset stomach and abdominal (stomach area) pain + short-lasting, mild flu-like symptoms, which are reported with the monthly doses and usually get better after the first dose. Other possible side effects may include: * Allergic and severe skin reactions. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any symptoms of an allergic reaction including: rash (with or without blister), hives, or swelling ofthe face, lips, tongue, o throat, Get media help ight away if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, © Eye inflammation. Tell your healthcare provider if you get any eye pain, redness, or if your eyes become more sensitive to light. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. How should I store ACTONEL? * Store ACTONEL between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), © Keep ACTONEL and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about ACTONEL: Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets, Do not use ACTONEL for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ACTONEL to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you ave. It may harm them. What if t have other questions about ACTONEL? This leaflet summarizes the most important information about ACTONEL for osteoporosis. If you have more questions about ACTONEL, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can give you information written for healthcare professionals. For more information, call 1-877-ACTONEL (toll-free) or visit our web site at wwi.ACTONEL.com. What are the ingredients of ACTONEL? ACTONEL (active ingredient): risedronate sodium. ACTONEL (inactive ingredients): All dose strengths contain: crospovidone, hydroxypropy cellulose, hypromelose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide. Dose-strength specific ingredients include: 5 mg—ferric oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate; 30 mg. lactose monohydrate; 35 mg feric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate; 75 mg—ferric oxide rec: 150 mg—FD&C blue #2 aluminum lake. ACTONEL' is marketed by: Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cincinnati, OH 45202 and sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC Bridgewater, NJ 08807 April 2008 © 2008 Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc.od —< 74 qt Bones enjoy sunlight. Sunlight is one of several ways to help the body create some of the vitamin D bones need. That's good news for bones because vitamin D helps absorb calcium. However, bones do suggest consulting a doctor to find out what's right for you. Learn more about bones at LG Cc ns a caeINFINITYPHOTOGRAPHYINC.COM ILLUSTRATED BY HARRY CAMPBELL Here’s$Deal JANICE LIEBERMAN For My Money Our new consumer-affairs columnist reveals just how far she’ll go to get a bargain ‘ome people will do just about anything to save money. And I’m one of. them. Take my family’s last vacation. It was my six-year-old son’s winter break from school, and we were heading home from Fort Lauderdale after a weeklong cruise. The flight was overbooked, and Delta offered us $400 per person in credits to give up our seats and leave the next day. Thad meetings in New York, so I had to get back. But that didn’t mean my husband, Steve, and my son David couldn't stay. I grabbed my nine- month-old and took off for home. ‘The next day, my guys were offered more credits to take an even later flight. Yes, I encouraged—okay, ordered—them to wait it out at the airport to “earn” more Delta Dollars. Our total take: $1,600. Not bad, huh? Now, some people may think I’m abad mother and not such a great wife either. But as a big-time bargain hunter, I know the value of a dollar. And these days, a good deal is some- readersdigest.com sios thing few of us can afford to pass up. T’'ve made a living trawling for the best deals and exposing the worst scams. I have been the con- sumer correspondent for NBC’s Today show for over a decade. And I’ve written two books: Tricks of the Trade: A Consumer Survival Guide and How to Shop for a Husband: A Consumer Guide to Getting a Great Buy on a Guy. And I really do practice what I preach. Until recently, for instance, we owned two cars, each with more 67than 100,000 miles on it. I refused to consider buying a new one. They're running just fine, I said. My son pleaded with me. My husband hid our jalopies in the garage. No dice! This winter, one of the snowiest in recent years, did us in. Without four-wheel drive, we began slipping and sliding all over the place. Even I had to concede it was time to get an New websites and ads on Facebook appeal to a cash-strapped public’s confusion over the stimulus plan and offer “free” advice on how to get government money. Read the fine print: This “free” advice could cost you $69.95 a month. Don’t take the bait. Government grants are handed out for specific reasons, and the how-to-apply information is free at government sites like grants.gov. To save money, say ... “| don’t really need them. If they go on sale, please call me” “What's your best price on this?” “What if | pay cash?” Zero percent financing on cars may not be the best deal for you. Unless you have a very high income and credit score, you won’t qualify. If you do, the loan is usually for 24 to 36 months, not the standard 48 to 60. The bottom line? Very high monthly payments, especially if you neglected to negotiate a good purchase price. 68 SUV. But it had to be “pre-owned.” The dealer took one look at our car (we'd brought our less appealing one) and told us he wouldn't con- sider a trade-in. “You have two choices,” he suggested helpfully. “Either donate it to charity or drive it off the nearest bridge!” (We went ahead and bought the SUV.) I tell you this because there is no shame in spending your money wisely. I'm also tightfisted when it comes to shoes, clothes for my kids, and expensive restaurants (I won’t pay $30 for a plate of pasta—I'd rather spend the money on groceries and entertain friends at home). But I will splurge on a good hair- cut. It keeps its shape longer, and it’s the first thing people notice. Saving for my kids’ education is our way of giving them the best start in life. And I will also splurge on a classic piece of furniture. Quality lasts. Yes, I've been ripped off too. We once had a huge flood in our home and called the drain man. A thou- sand dollars later, he’d cleaned out the drains and gutters and assured. us we wouldn't have any more prob- lems. You guessed it. He cleaned us out too. The next time it rained, we were ankle-deep in water, and he was nowhere to be found. But this just makes me more determined to share what I know about protecting your money. Let me hear from you. Send your questions and money tips to readers digest.com/askjanice. Together, we can save each other a bundle. readersdigest.com 5/096002 ‘2UI ‘Sdd-TISNOW> Arthritis pain might sound like a reason to skip your daily walk. But actually, it’s the reason you shouldn't. Light aerobic exercise helps keep your joints from getting stiff and weak. TYLENOL’ Arthritis Pain helps, too. It works with your body to quiet the pain as effectively as prescription ibuprofen. In fact, more doctors recommend TYLENOL” than any other brand of pain reliever. So while arthritis is certainly no walk in the park, at least relief can be. Feel better, ARTHRITIS PAIN Use only as directed. Talk to your doctor before beginning or modifying any exercise program. —tylenolcom‘d contacted a butcher to get sheep brains for a lecture in my neuroanatomy class and said I'd be by to pick them up. But when I arrived at his shop, it was closed. Taped to the door was this note: “Teacher, your brains are next door at the barbershop.” John Fisher ns “Hello, doc. This is the ‘hypochondriac.’ > , 1ypo eee ene Guess where I'm calling from.” ple of fiction today? The résumé. Here are some classics sent and I was dreading it. The look on. to bemused hiring managers. my face must have given me away * Candidate listed military service because my four-year-old daughter dating back to before he was born. asked what was wrong. © Candidate claimed to be a “T’m going to meet a woman who member of the Kennedy family. always yells at Daddy,” I told her. * Job seeker claimed to be the “Oh,” she said. “Say hi to Mom.” CEO of a company, when he was an Bart Key hourly employee. ¢ Job seeker included samples of The proud father couldn’t stop work, which were actually those of cooing over his newborn in our the interviewer. hospital maternity ward. But when it came time for me to change the baby’s diaper, the man’s glee quickly faded. “Wait a minute, wait a minute! That Source: careerbuilder:com Pd Cee a Iran across a job in the Ee Rae eed CMe Ree ere Ce ua Sec ar Cea came cee rere Iwas on my way out of the house to meet with a can- tankerous client, 7o readersdigest.com 5/09 ILLUSTRATED BY JOE DICHIARROSTUPID CUSTOMER TRICKS Ateller at our credit union was assisting a member with a loan ap- plication, “Do you have references?” she asked. The member replied, “Do they have to be living?” Moleta McCarter can’t be my son!” he yelled. “Why not?” I asked. “Because I’m circumcised and he’s not!” Julia Falcone In our storeroom, we use a steplad- der to get items from the top shelf. But it’s always in the way, and after banging my shin on it for the umpteenth time, I asked the staff to please keep it somewhere safe. The next day, I found the ladder neatly collapsed and placed where it couldn’t hurt anyone: on the top shelf. Neil Hudson My father, a pastor, met with a cou- ple who wanted to marry in his church. When he raised the subject of premarital counseling, the two were quick to nix it. “We don’t need counseling,” the bride-to-be assured him. “We've both been married several times before.” Michelle Patterson On my first day working at a psy- chiatric hospital, I met a friendly man who assured me that the staff was great. “You'll like it here,” he said. A customer at our book- store asked me, “Do you have the original book Romeo and Juliet? My daughter needs it for school, and all | can find is the play.” Audrie Weston When a water main broke, a customer called my friend at the utility office with this question: “The water in my toilet is brown. Do you think it’s safe to drink?” David Kegley “Good to know,” I said. “Thanks.” That afternoon, we assembled for a round of meetings with our patients. Standing among them was my new friend. “Psst, get over here,” he whis- pered, giggling. “What’s so funny?” I asked. “You were standing in the staff’s section.” « You Can » Win $30,000! Just send us your true funny stories, jokes, quotes, and news items to enter the $30,000 sweepstakes. Plus, if we run your item ina print edition of Reader’s Digest magazine, we'll pay you $100. > Go to readersdigest.com/jackpot for terms of usage and payment and other details. Rates are subject to change. Kevin Su > To enter sweepstakes (with or without a joke) and for official rules, go to readers digest.comjjackpot or send your submission or entry to: The $30,000-Winner-Take-Alll Prize (#002), Box 946, Newburgh, New York 12550. No purchase necessary t enter or win, Sweepstakes closes 2/10. Open to US. residents, nAdvertisement Ree colokspose ra eR meee oc ce ee Erie Canal Adventure, NY Estes Park, Colorado You're the captain! Real Rockies ... 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For more information please call 866-912-3980 or go to lewistownchamber.com. up of more than a dozen communities, surrounded forests, rolling hills and dramatic blutts that outline the Lake's 1,150-plus miles of meandering shoreline Funlake.com/holiday MISSOURI or 1-800-FUN-LAKE ee feet ae Co Mey tae He—»Health NEWS YOU CAN USE Rta OD Conte e een m eels lights. But a shocking theory has = Es Hofcrooowerctbitbersmciet eyo) aas bed elem pra = |help explain PO eee asec ec ane Ne oe si contribute to breast and prostate cancers, i Poa ei eareeece astteeae ohare secret Caet eae ees | of the hormone melatonin. Now two ae ee) high Us} Fateh tceete Cela ivertslolaicomeet-tan (eC industrialize One, from Israel’s University of Haifa, Everly ore cr-tcod stem cree TapreenerCo ere Key aeet fede Totem bt-iotar-beleRere(acm ecto oy Reel be lea Ce Ss aTemreteialoyat-ilen mb taleeCe Reet ot ted eCatme lca / prostate cancer, more than double those in eS eg erry rh / ee=> Health the dimmest nations. Meanwhile, Harvard researchers who tracked more than 18,000 postmenopausal women reported that those with the lowest nighttime levels of melatonin were about 60 percent more likely to develop breast cancer. It’s known that light suppresses the brain’s production of melatonin. The hormone may play a role in immunity or help slow the growth of cancer, according to Richard G. Stevens, PhD, a coauthor of the Israeli study. So how can you minimize the possible risk posed by modern lighting—without going preindustrial? Sleepinasdarka roomas possible. Use room-darkening blinds or shades if you live on a bright, urban street or have a streetlamp out- side your window. Keep anight-light in the bathroom for mid- night visits instead of turning on the overhead. Even brief exposure to light can suppress mela- tonin. A red bulb is best: Red wavelengths cause a less precipitous drop in levels of the hormone than blue wavelengths, such as those in halogen and fluorescent lighting. Eat breakfast by the window. A 20-minute dose of sunlight will reset your natural circa- dian rhythms and help ensure a healthy night- time melatonin peak. Beth Howard 76 Lift Your Mood Naturally Feeling alittle down? Omega-3 fats might help banish your blues. Ina recent Canadian study, women with moderate depression who received fish oil supplements for eight weeks felt significantly better than those who got a pla- cebo. (The supplements didn’t help women who were suffering from major depressive episodes.) Omega-3s may lift mood by boosting levels of the brain’s feel-good chemical serotonin, says lead researcher Michel Lucas, PhD, of Laval University in Quebec. The researchers are now trying fish oil in men with depression, who, like the women, take three capsules a day for a total of 1 gram of omega-3s (EPA plus DHA). This is the same daily dose the American Heart Association recommends for adults at risk for heart disease (but talk to your doctor first, the AHA says). It’s safe, says Lucas, who notes that “fishy burps” can be a side effect of some supplements. Janis Graham readersdigest.com 5/09 TED MORRISON/FOODPIX/JUPITERIMAGESAve you being tormented by ved pumps ana blemishes? It coula be Rosacea. |ammnmanad Dor't let your skin behave badly, Those bumps and blemishes that sometimes ~~ & | resemble acne could be Rosacea. I's medical condition, and there's a medical Ko) treatment called Oracea? Ask your doctor about once-daily prescription Oracea? the only capsule approved to help reduce the bumps and blemishes of Rosacea. Itworks Fom the inside, targeting the chroric inflammation that causes flare-ups. 4} with Oracea® you can do something about your Rosacea ~ instead of jus wondering what your skin is up to. Once-daty 40 mg” Capsules: _ — ag ” Eee ae NTTIAR OrRacea (doxycycline, USP) 33 Find out more at www.oracea.com/worksfromwithin i tau ° or call 888-ORA-CEAI Meals yew Sta SHEN Once ORACEA is indicated only for the treatment of inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) of Rosacea in adult patients. You may experience intestinal upsets, sore throat or sinus infections/sinusitis when taking Oracea. Do not take Oracea if you are allergic to tetracyclines. Oracea may cause harm to a developing fetus, so do not take Oracea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. As with other tetracyclines, you should stay out of direct or artificial sunlight, and make sure you tell your doctor if you have toinach ‘ot Gl oroblems; kidney disease, have c yeast oc kngal infection, bake: blood thinners, take oral contraceptives, or take medicine to treat acne, psoriasis or seizures. Oracea does not treat bacterial infections. To minimize the risk of developing bacterial resistance, Oracea should be used only as prescribed by your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www-fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. (©2009 Gdderma Laboratoies, LP.Rx only ceo mgcionin = Keo ac each Ol cea’ (doxycycline, Sceaateueats Brief Summary of Full Prescribing Information INDICATIONS AND USAGE ORACEA inate on te eae itammatary esos (papules nd pustules) of rosacea Iv al pats The dosage of ORACEA ders fom hat of dancycne used o teat factors To educa he devloprent of essa becta as wo as tomentah the eaten of oe abacteal dus, ORAGEA sioudbe used only as indie CGUNCAL PHARMACOLOGY Pharmacokinetics CORACEA capsules a et bioen Jlent o cher doncyone products CCONTRAINDIGATIONS This dug corahdicadn persons wha have sion typersasivtyto dayycine or ary of he of teraycines WARNINGS Teratogenic effects: 1) Doxycycline, lice other tetracycline-class antitotics, can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Hany tetracycline is used during pregnancy or if the patent becomes pregnant while teking these drugs, the patient should be informed ofthe potential hazard to the fetus and treaiment stopped immediately. ORACEA sioud no be sed dg pregency ee PRECAUTIONS: Pregnancy 2) Tho use of drugs of the tetracycline class during tosth development (ast half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood up to the age of 8 years) ‘may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown). "is ave ecto moe oorennt srg Ing tem use of te dug bt es Doe chsoved flr fepeded stom couse, Enamel "ypcrsa as so beon pare. Tetracycline drugs, therefore, should not be used during tooth ddeveopment unless other drugs are rot likely to be elective or are contraindicated. 3 Altckacycines fam astbl cecum complain ary bore forming issue A daeass in fla gro ate has boon ated in prorat aren fats ghan rl teeing in doses of 25 mola exry 6 Murs Ths Yeacon was soar to be reersbee wher he dug was scot ud. Fasais of animal studesindcate tat evaciines oss the poeta, are found in fea sss. ard cn cas retrain of sll develnment onthe dewlopng fetus Eviderce of embyototy ras been ote n animals Ted ety in pregnancy (ee PRECAUTIONS: Pregnancy se Gastoitestinal effects: Pseudomemtranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents and may range from mild to life- ‘threstening. Therefore itis important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with darrhea subsequent to the administraton of antibacterial agents. “Teatnent wih antec agents ates the onna fra ote isa pimery cause of "atic assocted cats ita diagnosis of pseuchmembrarous citi tas been esis, rape tic meas soul be ited Mid cases of pseudomerbvano.s cots ws. espa 1 discon of he cg aloe. In moderate ta severe cases, coset sou be gwen fo maregement wn fds and eectoytes prt supplement, ard treatment win ar antbaceal drug clricaly elec against stikan cle cots Metabolic effects: Tre ani-araboicackm of he tetacyines may cause an nctase in BUN Whe hiss rata prblem in hse wth normal na con in pats wih snot mgarecfucton, niger seu kvels of eraycine- cs artis ma ea io axe, rypepnospidemia ad aids fre impairert exsts ven sel oo: parenral doses may lea to excsshe ssc aoauruatns of he drug and possible he foxy Under such ondtons, ler an usa tf hoses are cated, and therapy prolonged serum kvel detentions of te rug maybe adhe Photosensitivty: Pobserstvly marfesod by an evogeraad sunburn react Yes been observed n some did tang tetacycnes. bough ts was not bseted dng the dain ofthe cial stures wen ORACEA, pats should mii or aia exposure to nul or afc sunt tang Dads or UWB eater while using ORACEA cates nod o be outoos while wg OFACEA, fey svoud wea osefing cones a rofet sen fom sin epasie ard discuss oe sun protector meas mi PRECAUTIONS General: Safty of ORAZEA beyond 9 martshasrot been exalted Asi ober anbiote separations, se of ORADEA may es. never of nosso mixo-otgrisms dng fon. If sopfecton ooo, GRACE shoul be dsco ued zd aooropate hes sted. Alto. not obsened cri tis wih ORACEA, the use of etacylinas may tease fhe incdenos of ‘agi canis CORACEA sto be used th caus npn wih a istry ofr predsposton 1 candasis ovetzoth, Bact esstance to fetacycnes ray deteop in pate sig ORAGEA. Bec of te potent ug res bclia to devecp ding the use of ORACEA, itsrosd be used only asindcated Autoimmune Syndromes: Tetacjlnes have been asocited wih the deveoment of auoiirre sydtomes. Srmploms ray be aries by ee ras are, and maar symomatic pats. ne urcion 9s, ANA, CRC, and other appropri tests sod be performed fo eval the pats Use ofa teach dass orgs sold be dsortrued medal Tissue Hyperpigmentation: Teracycine ckss ansinios ze knoin to cause typerpimnetaon. Tetaycine theapy may hue rperpiomentation in many cas. nde ras, bee, sn, ees tyro, viscera tissue, ol cavly tet, mucosa, aealar bone} sae and heat ves. Sn and ral pamertaon hasbeen repored to oi independently of me or anount af dua ads, whereas er pment res bee repartedo occur upon proknged acini, Sain Drretaton rues tse pameaon a wl as Oe sles sas ry Pseudotumor cerebri: Buging fotanesin infants and bern ita ypetensin in ads nave been repo nc carers dsaneared vente rug was scone Laboratory Tests: Feraio Rboctary evauators of organ stars, eluding tematopoicia era and renee stuces stout be petonmed. Appogite es for autoimmune srdtomes sou be peed as rial. Druginteractions: 1, Secauseteraoyines have been samt depres plasma tron achty patents who ee on ancnagult ther ray requ dower adjuster of te acongulat dosage. 2. Since bacteostatc us ry ieee nh te bactercid acto of perch, tsaksabe to avoid ging tay ce cass Cfugsinoourchonwhoencn. 3. Tie ocrentuse af etzycine and metnoyfrane tas boo repaid ta resutin ileal toc 4 Absarpton of tekaqyclnas is mya by brat sassy, proton pump Frias, faces corfanng aurinumn, cadum or magnesium a tor-cotaring reparatns. 5. Dojgyclne may rier wih he efocenes o low dose aa conracopves To avo contacave faze, fakes ae advised use a sacand fom ofcontacape deg treamert wih coiyeyle 6. Thee rae bee’ epo's of pseudtuna cee Qenign tac ypetersion assole wit tre conta use of sobethor and tebacycines Snoe toh lena cud sateinonard acter, and he tetacylres, pinay nog, cn cause read iraranal esse, he cancer use oor eid and a ety Sie be aided ard may pet overgrout of costa, Stakes iret tha a ton produed by Chetidism ile hing terayclnes These‘MicRoBloLocy Tha para ccroartatons of dawojcne ached wih ORACEA ding annstaten (ee DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION) oles tan the coneretonrequod 0 vet ‘actaldseees fr viomaobocgca| sudesutiang asim dugexpeaye orup fo 18 ments denersiced no dtc agen ees on baderal ra of fe cs cay, Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertlity: Dosine vas assessed power 0 F Sore Danley by age at dasenes of 20, 75, er 200 mat or wo years An ineaed incidence owe pols wes toad in eae at eceve 200 na’ dyads fi renieina eric epasue w dan cine roe 12.2 este opened fer eras fo Use ORAZEA (epost compan based pan aea under ie cae AIC ves, NoFypac pon rar dence vas oben ral rs 200 rg kalo ene pede a he ese cade dee oncogenic acy nas brian Sales wth eed compounds, otetaytne feral pay rar an ringycine card sro Doyeycine denoreted rpotato cause itty nan ino pot ton study wh rameafn cle CHOHGPRT ard mutaon asa rin ani vio mirrors 23 commucedin CD-1 mice However, data tn ania assy wh OF cals or pot case corso abetaons sages hat doqcyte 2 wed cstgen. (fl acinsrain ot donne 0 mle ard fre Sprague Davey as adersey teed tat rd ered pera, cero by need tne er matng coo, redo parm mot wet, andcercartater, aroma parm macy, ard need rand: mparaion esses Dowysyine aLoadepsLcawe Dect ata dosages tata examined fis sud as een felons! dosage tased GO moa) raLoada setcalysgnicarteducion nape vcaty Now ta 50 ng/kgay apex 236 snes te arcu of Goqeycre coranedn fe ecerererded daly dese of ORACEA fer a6O kg Fumen when compared on re bass of AUC eximaes tough dows moar he ey cts wen ads a ice dceage, the eect of ORACEA or tua ay unk Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pagano, CegoryD ae WARNINGS sector Rexuis om anna sudes ree Pat donoylne aosses te planeta and sturdy fea sues Nonteratogenic effects: == WARNINGS ss {Labor and Delivery: The eco sacyines on aboard dys urn Nursing Mothers: Ierajces ae ered numark Bocas epee srs ere eacirsin frst dood ORACEA sroucnct be sed mots who ‘upastnd ee WARNINGS coir Pediatric Use: ORACEA rou nt be use ita ard chien ss har & yor age one WARNINGS regain sie recy, reece use chiden snot eccmmeded, ce ainognes in a sy in hich the corpo vas adie 0 retbean sud chien of ay ae with ADVERSE REACTIONS ‘Adverse Reactions in Ginical Trials of ORAGEA: )crled inca als oad patents wih mito moderate esau, 57 patents caved ORALER or pacebo ov a 16-nexk period. The os equer adverse reacins oouing n tase sudes ae Iie te bie bein Nesechenras T Phsweanryngel Pan T Sn T [ies Congestion i Fura icon T inure T Datta ["edonnal Pan Uboer T AtdemnnalDisertco Abdominal Pan T ‘Stovach Devon Pescertages based on ruber of sty arc ineach testnert grup ‘averse Reactions fr Tetracyctnes: Tro ‘lonng averse eacians ewe boo obsed nates rece erocres ath aromcrobil das Gastortisinal meee raises, voirg dates gossts dschaga, ertrcclts and znd esers wh apna carddasa n hearcgenia regan Henao hes bs repay Re sere of esha anc eco ged attr ave been reparative Pe capsule fais te gs the accinecass Mos ot fens eqerancrg esapagts andr esaghaoa uowrton tok st medestoninmasty befre rg dow 32e DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION scr maodopeplar and reat. rashes. Ela dat hasbeen repoted tuts urcemmen Pts s dScsoal above. (ee WARMINGS 3271, Renal toxicity sen EL hasbeen eporodard is appar dow eed (soe WARNINGS s2) peers reactors: uc, angorecic av rans sephiacd cunue san stkrass pears ard exactions ups enthereaoas ioc Hemovre arena. rembecyenena. rttepena. and eosrenhia tae bean ered OVERDOSAGE bh cae of vedosage dscrieue medication, ret gpa ard ‘reaing cases vedose DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ‘THE DOSAGE OF ORACEA DIFFERS FROM THAT OF DOXYCYCLINE USED TO TREAT INFECTIONS. EXCEEDING THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE MAY RESULTIN AN. INGREASED INCIDENCE OF SIDE EFFEGTSINGLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESISTANT MICRCORGANISMS, ‘re ORADEA Capo (40 mg suid be ke ance cay te moring onan erp sonach prefer tls cre hou pi oor to hos ater meds Efcay beyond 16 scabies Adnraion of adequate arcu fut alongut the caps ecard to vas REACTIONS sec'c) nt be of beret n ng measures Das does not ater sau ha ite and tus woud foun the conse reduce he rekofeschaged maton and craton (se ADVERSE How SUPPLIED [RACE foie ones cece pire ih 5140 cortaring dows, LS in an rrr eat to 40 mg of xn ce Sy of 90 NDOEAEB2 000-0 Storage: poss eta ested carta oan tees 15°C 6 ard pred n i, ks cartes US, Keep cut echt cen, Pater rfomaion: US Pats 5,780,305, 5 919,775, 7 292.572 7,211,267 ad pasts pening ‘ORACEA isa reqitered raceme of ColaGeres Pharmacia ke iil He ce GALDERMA Pq 7961-01 BP! 01/08 ‘dermatology=> Health Advances in Headaches Cluster Buster New Rx for Migraine Cluster headaches are It’s been 17 years since there’s been a major new drug excruciating and can be for migraines. Now one is up for FDA approval, and treatment-resistant. But specialists are calling it a breakthrough. Research ina recent Yale survey indicates telcagepant is about as effective as the widely of sufferers, kudzu—the used drugs known as triptans. But unlike those drugs, infamous Southern vine— __ it doesn’t cause side effects like chest discomfort or popped up asapromising __ throat tightness. More important, because triptans alternative treatment. constrict blood vessels, they can be dangerous for peo- Among those using this ple with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. herb (in pill form or asa Telcagepant doesn’t affect vessels and may be an option tea), about 65 percent for patients with both headaches and heart woes. reported fewer headaches. Kudzu seems low-risk, but talk to Sticking It to Pain your doctor A major review of studies says it pays before to give your headache the (acupuncture) giving the needle. The analysis, published in the remedy a try. highly respected Cochrane Library, pulled , together data from 33 trials involving more than 6,700 An Ounce of Tmigraine and tension. Prevention headache patients. Its con- Shedding excess pounds clusion: Acupuncture plus could relieve migraines, medication worked better hints a new study that than drugs alone. Among looked at the measure- patients who got the tradi- ments of more than tional Chinese treatment, 21,000 people. Those with larger waistlines were more likely to expe- rience the headaches— 40 to 50 percent saw their number of headaches drop by half, compared with just 16 percent of those who took drugs alone. (No one knows how BF up to 30 percent more in needling helps. In fact, weirdly, the researchers some cases. That doesn’t found that sham treatments—in which needles are prove cause and effect inserted at spots not considered acupuncture points— butisaclue worth pursu- were surprisingly effective.) You can find a physician- ing, researchers say. B.H. acupuncturist near you at medicalacupuncture.org. 80 readersdigest.com s/c9| used to skip doses to save money. Now | just save money. eatal for prescriptions money left over. Fe Walmart trictions apply. See store for details. Prescri includes up to a 30-day supply for $4 and a 90-day su} Save money. Live better. of covered generic drugs at commonly prescribed dos. for some drugs covered by the Prescription Program: nae and may vary in some states. Restrictions apply. See Wal oryour Walmart Pharmacist for details. The "Spark” Wal-Martand Save Money. Live Better. are marks and/or re i almart.com/pharma ‘marks of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. © 2009 Wal-Mart Stores,In&,=> Health Too Much of a Good Thing? with proven health benefits: Since it was added to | acid is one of the rare vitamin supplements enriched grain products in the 1990s, the risk of a certain kind of birth defect has plum- meted. But recent studies suggest that too much can be dangerous. An excess may raise the risk of breast and colon cancers. Making matters worse, you can race past recommended levels just by taking a multivitamin and eating fortified breakfast cereal. There’s no risk of overdosing on foods rich in folate (the natural form of this vitamin), such as leafy greens, beans, and orange juice. For now, though, people should Stressed Kids, Fatter Kids If you want your children to avoid a weight problem, watch their stress level. In research from Sweden’s Linképing University involving 7,443 families, toddlers in pres- sured, burdened households were nearly three times as likely as those in tranquil homes to be obese when checked three years later, says researcher Felix-Sebastian Koch. Worried or over- whelmed children may gain weight for the same reasons adults do, including the fact that stress increases cortisol; that can disrupt leptin, the hormone that signals your brain that you're full. BH. 82 avoid getting too much folic acid from fortified sources, says researcher Joel Mason, MD, of Tufts University. “We've known for years that getting too little fo- late can promote cancer?” Dr. Mason says. “Now it looks like getting too much folic acid could be harmful too.” If you eat one of these cereals (right) and pop a multi, consider taking your supplement every other day, experts suggest. And pay attention to cereal serving size—it's easy to pour a double. 1G Test serving-size smarts and see folic-heavy foods at readersdigest.com/folic. Product 19 Quaker Oatmeal ‘Squares MultiGrain Cheerios Special K \ YN oe readersdigest.com 5/09 PHOTOGRAPHED 8Y MELISSA TOOKERWANT SOFTER FEET? 0009 p7 lake the». erasal CHALLENGE Put your feet to the Challenge! Goto www.erasal.com/rdchallenge to learn how to request your free Kerasal samples. Use them for five days on one foot only. Compare your feet and be amazed by the difference. He See “Bed on 209 se of psp pit rome + Clinically proven effectiveness + Exfoliates and moisturizes + Softens feet fast G4 - Guaranteed to soften even the toughest, driest feet NeTWEanytt od Available at mojor drug stores and supercenters. www.kerasal.com/rdchallenge= Health Environmental Chemicals: Concern Heats Up ere’s new evidence that a controversial Ei kind of chemical may be causing trouble. A new study of 1,240 pregnant women from the University of California, Los Angeles, showed that those with higher blood concentra- tions of two so-called perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs)—used to manufacture nonstick cookware and found in food packaging, nonstain carpets, and a mountain of other sources—took longer to become pregnant. Women with the highest levels were about twice as likely to take a year or longer to conceive. It’s not clear ex- actly how people of women inthe ~~ accumulate PFCs, AT To which makes it UNO E (rac lg hard to limit Peter aera exposure. Most LT 2 experts say there’s no need to toss out your Bee eee nonstick pans, EOLA RSS, but do take care: ME NEES Add oil or butter UES to the pan before heating, and don’t leave it unattended on a burner. And fill that pan with vegetables: Ina recent study, levels of one PFC were highest in women with a meat-heavy, veggie-light diet. BH. Steal Thei: Health Sec: Turmeric >Where it’s popular: India. This bright-yellow spice, a key ingredient in curries, is used to treat everything from a runny nose to chest pain in tra- ditional Asian medicine. >Why you should try it: Small studies have found that curcumin, a component of turmeric, cuts cholesterol; animal research suggests it in- hibits tumor formation. Now more than a dozen studies in humans are investigating whether it protects against cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases. >How to use it: Heat a little oil in a sauté pan, and toss in a tablespoon of turmeric, a dash of salt, and a generous pinch of black pepper (pepper can increase your uptake of curcumin by up to 2,000 percent). Stir for a minute, then add vegetables, shrimp, scallops, or thin strips of meat for a sunny- colored dish with earthy, peppery accents. J.G. readersdigest.com sies DAVID MURRAY/DORLING KINDERSLEY/GETTY IMAGESHammers fleas. For gentle but effective flea control that works fast, veterinarians have trusted Advantage® Topical Solution for more than 12 years. So, ask your veterinarian for the one and only Advantage’ the flea specialist. Orto prevent against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and mote, try K9 Advantix® petparents.com © phaser Healthcare K9 Advantes for use on days only ‘© 2009 Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201 ‘Animal Health Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Advantage and K9 Advantix are registered trademarks of Bayer. aog102= Health Soy You’ll Like to Eat oy’s reputation as a super- food has just gotten more solid: It’s not just good for the heart—it fights cancer too. Ina recent study of 68,000 women in China, those who ate a soy-rich diet were 30 percent less likely to develop colorectal cancer, And other research, on 14,000 Japanese men, found prostate cancer risk was cut by as much as 40 percent in those with high blood levels of soy compounds known as isoflavones. No question, soy is well worth eating, especially given the evidence that it also protects bones. What’s harder to believe is that it can taste good. But, says Mark Bittman, author of How to Cook Everything Vegetar- ian, “if you treat soy right, it can be delicious.” His tips: Try edamame—sweet, young soybeans you can keep on hand in your freezer. Buy them hulled for a quick side dish (steam for ten min- utes, then sprinkle with Parmesan or splash with soy sauce). Or toss them into stews or pasta dishes. Experiment with miso paste, made from fermented soybeans (find it in the refrigerated section of natural food stores). Add a few teaspoons to soup bases, dips, and marinades for a salty, nutty flavor, or use in place of butter on potatoes or pasta. Transform tofu with thistrick: Pat it dry, then freeze solid. As it thaws, it releases liquid, re- sulting in a chewier, denser texture— \ perfect for skewer- ing, slathering with barbecue or teriyaki sauce, then grilling. Or marinate, then slow-bake at 350°F for an hour, to give it a firm crust and custardy interior. IG. Edamame are an easy way to get soy—just don’t eat the pods. Steam, then split with your fingers. ~ readersdi st.com 5/09 CLIVE CHAMPION/FOODPIX/JUPITERIMAGESAsthma has 2 main causes. Treating both with ADVAIR’ helps prevent symptoms. 1. Airway constriction 2. Inflammation If your symptoms keep coming back, it could be that your medicine* can't treat both main causes of asthma. ADVAIR treats both main causes to help prevent _ . @avvair) symptoms from occurring in the first place. Get your first full prescription FREE. Go to ADVAIR.com or call 1-800-513-5138. *ADVAIR contains 2 medicines: other products may contain just 1. ‘Subjectto eligibility. Restrictions apply Important information About ADVAIR DISKUS. Prescription ADVAIRWon'treplace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms andl should not be taken more than twice a day. ADYAIRs for people who still have symptoms on anther asthma controler. ar who neod ‘two controllers. ADVAIR contains salmeterol. In patients with asthma, medicines like salmeterol may increase the chance of asthma-related death. So ADVAIRisnatfor people whase asthma s well controlled ar another controler medicine Tak to your dactor about the risks and benefits of treating your asthma with ADVAR, Do not use ADVAIR with long-acting beto,-agoist for any reason, If you are taking ADVAIR, see your doc if your asthma does not improve or gets worse Thrush inthe mouth and throat may ‘occur, Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure. Some people may experience increased blood pressure, heart rate. or changes inheart rhythm. ADVAIR is fr patients & years endoler. For patients to 1 yeas old. ADVAIR 100/50 for those who hare asthma symptoms while on aninhaled corticosteroid. Please see accompanying important information about ADVAIR DISKUS. ‘ouareeneaapedte pat ngaiva sid efecto presritindruge to heFDA tae ADVAIR DISKUS v0 fg, | tyes poston crn nda DPierwsmancine tess OY sesreemeen weet igen opin 1 cy asim cy heen ow)ADYVAIR DISS 00/0 20/0 s00/50 fuse rine 0, 2550 me and sentra Ym nation po) Important Information This bie summary does nattake the place of taking to your healthcare provider about your medical condton or treatment. What is the most important information I should know about ADVAR DISKUS? ‘Inpatients with asthma, long-acting beta,-agonist (LABA) medicines, such as salmeterol (one of the medicines in ADVAIR DISKUS), may increase the chance of death from asthma problems. In a large asthma study, more patients who used salmeterol died from asthma problems compared with patients who did not use salmeterol. It is not known whether fluticasone propionate, the other medicine in ADVAIR DISKUS, changes your chance of death from asthma problems seen with salmeterol. Tak with your heathcare provider about thisrisk and the benefts of treating your asthma with ADVAIR DISKUS, + ADVAIR DISKUS does notrelieve sudden symptoms. Always have a fast-acting inhaler (short-acting beta,-agonist medicine) with you to treat sudden symptoms. If you do nothave a fast-acting inhaler, contact your healthcare provider to have one prescribed for you. *Do not stop using ADVAIR DISKUS unless told to do so by your healthcare provider because your symptoms might get worse, *ADVAIR DISKUS should be used only if your healthcare provider decides that another asthma~ controller medicine alone does not control your asthma or that you need 2 asthma-controller medicines. + Call your healthcare provider if breathing problems ‘worsen over time while using ADVAIR DISKUS. You may need different treatment. * Get emergency medical care it: ~ breathing problems worsen quickly, and you use your fast-acting inhaler, but it does not relieve your breathing problems. What is ADVAIR DISKUS? + ADVAIR DISKUS contains 2 medicines: - fluticasone propionate (the same medicine found in FLOVENT®), an inhaled corticosteroid medicine. Inhaled corticosteroids help to decrease inflammation in the lungs. nfiammaton in the lungs can lead to asthma symptoms -salmeterol (the same medicine found in SEREVENT®), a LABA. LABA medicines are used in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). LABA medicines help the muscles around the airways in your lungs stay relaxed to prevent symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath. These symptoms can happen when the muscles around the airways tighten. This makes it ard to breathe. In severe cases, wheezing ccan stop your breathing and cause death if not treated right awey. Asthma ADVAIR DISKUS is used long term, twice a day, to control symptoms of asthma and to prevent symptoms such as wheezing in aduits and chicken ages 4 and alder. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) COPD is a chronic lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both, ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 is used long term, twice a day, to help improve lung function for better breathing in adults with COPD. ADVAIR DISKUS 250/60 has been shown todecrease the number of flare-ups and worsening of COPD symptoms (exacerbations). Who should not use ADVAIR DISKUS? Do not use ADVAIR DISKUS: ‘to reat sudden, severe symptoms of asthma or COPD * if you have a severe allergy to mik proteins. Ask your doctor if you are not sue. What should | tell my healthcare provider before using ADVAIR DISKUS? Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions, including if you: * have heart problems ‘shave seizures * have high blood pressure have diabetes * have thyroid problems * have liver problems have osteoporosis * have an immune system problem + arepregnant or planningto become pregnant. snot known if ADVAIR DISKUS may harm your unborn baby + are breastfeeding, Is not known if ADVAIR DISKUS passes into your mik and it can harm yaur baby * are allergic to any of the ingredients in ADVAIR DISKUS, any other medicines, or food products * are exposed to chickenpox or measles Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and terbal supplements, ADVAIR DISKUS and certain other medicines may interact with each other, This may cause serious side effects. Especially, ‘ell your healthcare provider if you take ritonavir. The anti-HIV medicines Norvir® (ritonavir capsules) Soft Gelatin, Norvir® (ritonavir oral solution), and Kaletra®lopnavinritonavin) Tablets contain ton Know the medicines you take. Keep a Ist and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist each timo you gata now modicine,How do I use ADVAIR DISKUS? Do not use ADVAIR DISKUS unless your healthcare provider has taught you and you understand everything, Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any question. © Children should use ADVAIR DISKUS with an adult's help, as instructed by the child's healthcare provider. ‘* Use ADVAIR DISKUS exactly as prescribed. Do not use ADVAIR DISKUS more often than prescribed. ADVAIR DISKUS comes in 3 strengths, Your healthcare provider will prescribe the one that is best for your condition. « The usual dosage of ADVAIR DISKUS is 1 inhalation twice a day (moming and evening). The 2doses should be about 12 hours apart. Rinse your mouth with water after using ADVAIR DISKLS. * Ifyou take more ADVAIR DISKUS than your doctor has prescribed, get medical help right away ifyou have any unusual symptoms, such as worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, increased heart rate, or shakiness. + Ifyou missa dose of ADVAR DISKUS, ust skip that dose. ‘Take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take 2 doses atone time * Do not use a spacer device with ADVAIR DISKUS. + Do not breathe into ADVAIR DISKUS. © While you are using ADVAIR DISKUS twice a day, do not use other medicines that contain a LABA for any reason. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if any of your other medicines are LABA medicines. Do not change or stop ary of your medicines used to Ccontrolor reat your breathing problems. Your healthcare provider wil adjust your medicines as needed. Make sure you always heve a fast-acting inhaler with you. Use your fast-acting inhaler if you have breathing problems between doses of ADVAIR DISKUS. Call your healthcare provider or get medical care right away it * your breathing problems worsen with ADVAIR DISKUS + yourneed touse your fast-actng inhaler more oten than usual '* your fast-acting inhaler doas not work as well for you at relieving symptoms * you need to use 4 or more inhalations of your fast-acting inhaler for2 or more daysin a row * you use 1 whole canister of your fast-acting inhaler in ‘Bwooks’ tme * your peak ‘low meter resuts decrease. Your healthcare provider wil el you the numbers that are right for you * you have asthma and your symptoms do not improve after using ADVAIR DISKUS regulary for 1 week GlaxoSmithKline Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 ADD:3P1 June 2008 What are the possible side effects with ADVAIR DISKUS? + See “What is the mast important infomation | should know about ADVAIR DISKUS?" ‘Patients with COPD have a higher chance of getting pneumonia. ADVAIR DISKUS may increase the chance ‘of getting pneumonia. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms: ~ increase in mucus (sputum) production ~ change in mucus color = increased breathing problems = fever ~ increased cough chills « serious allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider ‘or get emergency medical cae i youget ay ofthe following symptomsof a serious alergic reaction, ircluding = sweliing ofthe face, mouth, and tongue = rash = breathing problems = hives + increased blood pressure «chest pain ‘a fast and irregular heartbeat tremor ‘nervousness headache ‘* weakened immune system and a higher chance of infections ‘lower bone mineral dersity. This may be a problem ‘or people who already have a higher chance of low bone densty (osteoporosis). * eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts. You shouid have requiar eye exer while using ADVAIR DISKUS. + slowed growth in children. A child's growth should be checked often. Other common side effects include: ‘hoarseness and voice changes «throat inittion| «thrush in the mouth and throat « respiratory tract infections Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These ate not al the side effects with ADVAIR DISKUS. ‘Ask your healthcare provider or pharmavist for more information Call your doctor for medical advice about side effets. You may report sde effects tothe FDA al 1-800-FDA-1088. ‘Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist fr addtional information about ADVAIR DISKUS. You can also contact the company tht makes ADVAIR DISKUS (tol free) at 1-888-825-5249 or at ww zeai.com. ADVAIR DISKUS, DISKUS, FLOVENT, and SEREVENT are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline. Norvir and Kaletra are registered trademarks of Abbott Laboratories. ©2008 The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies Allrights reserved. Printed in USA. AD4576RO August 2008\ td BD eect ATHE UNCE BACK Sometimes life throws you a curveball, hands you alemon, or knocks you for a loop. But knowing how to approach failure can be the first step to success. The latest science and strategies on howto win in the end. . Rowling addressed the graduating class at , She didn’t focus on success. Instead, she spoke e related a story about a young woman who am of writing novels to study something more ‘theless, she ended up as an unemployed single as it is possible to be in modern Britain without ss.” But during this rock-bottom time, she real- had a wonderful daughter, an old typewriter, and an idea that would become the foundation for rebuilding her life. Perhaps you’ve heard of Harry Potter? PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL NEMETH/WONDERFULMACHINE 91“You might never fail on the scale I did,” Rowling told that privileged au- dience. “But it is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default. “You will never truly know your- self, or the strength of your relation- ships, until both have been tested by adversity. Such knowledge is a true gift, for it is painfully won, and it has been worth more to me than any qual- ification I ever earned.” Lots of Americans are tasting failure for the first time now and immediately trying to spit it out. Whether it’s a home foreclosure, unemployment, or the evaporation of hard-earned sav- ings, the have-it-all generation sud- denly doesn’t. But in the bitterness that accompanies adversity are les- sons worth savoring—and, if you look hard enough, sweet opportunity. On the pages that follow, you'll learn how the brain responds to failure and how it can be reprogrammed for suc- cess using some simple tricks. You'll also find advice from a successful en- trepreneur who claims that times like these are actually among the best for launching dreams, But most valuable, you'll meet some ordinary people who were in some tough situations. A few screwed up; others got sucker punched. But even though their sto- ries are quite different, the outcomes are the same. They all bounced back. And you can too. As Rowling herself would admit, it doesn’t take a wizard to do it. 92 “1 failed to be the wife with a white-picket life, but I’ve since given it to my children...” Randi Ketchum, 36, Huron, Ohio IT WAS ONE OF THE HAPPIEST TIMES of my life. I was 29 and had just received my bachelor’s degree, graduating with honors despite working two jobs and being a wife and mother. My parents and five-year-old son were in the au- dience when I walked onto the stage at Ashland University to get my diploma. I was so excited and proud to be start- ing a teaching career and contributing more to my family’s well-being. But when I got home that evening, there was a note from my husband written on the back of an envelope. It basically said he’d come to get his clothes and wouldn’t be back. We'd been having trouble, but the finality of that note still came as a shock. He had emptied our bank account. We were horribly in debt. I had quit my previous jobs in anticipation of inter- viewing for a teaching position. Plus, I was eight months pregnant. Most young women have an ideal- ized picture of the happy-go-lucky life they’re going to live in a house witha white-picket fence. But no one ever sits you down and says that’s not re- ality, and sometimes life is just darn ugly. It all caved in for me that night. I was embarrassed, scared, and angry and felt I had failed. But I had my son, and I was about to readersdigest.com 5/09bring a new life into the world, so de- spite my deep sadness, I had to go on. ‘The next morning, I woke up (liter- ally and figuratively), put my feet on the floor, took a deep breath, fixed breakfast, and basically did everything Talways did. I used my routine to keep me moving. After being in the mili- PHOTOGRAPHED BY PRESTON C, MACK/REDUX Bob Williamson—here in Key Largo, Florida—once sold his blood for $7 a pint. He recently sold his software company for $75 million. tary for six years, I guess you can say I fell back on my training, like all good soldiers do in tough situations. One small step after one small step was the way I bounced back. And in the seven years since, I’ve continued moving forward. I got a job as a kindergarten teacher, earned a 93master’s degree in education, and watched my babies grow to 12 and seven. I certainly would never have chosen to put them through this, but in retrospect, I’m glad it happened to me when it did. It helped me find my voice and myself a lot sooner. It helped me grow independent, confident, and strong—things I’m hopefully instill- ing now in my children. “1 failed at everything when | was young, but Ijust sold my company for $75m " Bob Williamson, 62, South Florida in 1970, WHEN 1 was 24, I hitchhiked to Atlanta and, ironically, ended up on ellintentioned parents have unwittingly left their kids defenseless against failure. The current generation of millennials (born between 1980 and 2001) grew up playing sports where scores and performance were down- played because “everyone’s awinner.” And their report cards had more positive spin than an AIG press release. Asa result, Stanford Univer- sity psychologist Carol Dweck, PhD, calls them the “overpraised generation.” Fortunately, once you understand the situation, there’s some quick correc tive action that can be taken. And even if you're well past your child-rearing years, her advice will help you better withstand setbacks. Dweck has been studying how people handle failure for 40 years. Her research has led her to identify two distinct mind-sets that dramatically influence how we react to it. Here’s how they work: A fixed mind-set is grounded in the belief that talent is genetic—yourre a born artist, point guard, or numbers person. The fixed mind-set believes it’s entitled to success without much effort and regards failure as a personal affront. When things get tough, it’s quick to blame, withdraw, lie, and even avoid future challenge or risk. Conversely, a growth mind-set assumes that no talent is entirely heaven-sent and that effort and learning make everything possible. Because the ego isn’t on the line as much, the growth mind-set sees failure as opportunity rather than insult. When challenged, it’s quick to reassess, adjust, and try again. in fact, it relishes this process. We are all born with growth mind-sets. (Other- wise, we wouldn’t be able to survive in the world.) But parents, coaches, and teachers often push us into fixed mind-sets by re- warding certain behaviors and misdirecting praise. Dweck’s book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, and online instructional program, brainology.us, explain this in depth. But she says there are many little things you can start doing today to guarantee that your kids, grandkids, and even you never get derailed by failure. FOR KIDS IN SCHOOL Never compliment a child by saying “Youre so smart” or “You picked that up so quickly.” Instead, praise effort or strategy by saying “That was clever ofLuckie Street. I was anything but lucky at the time. I was a drug addict and was wanted by police. Everything I owned was in a pillowcase. I had de- cided I was going to either straighten up or commit suicide. I sold a pint of blood for $7 and got a room for the night at the Luckie Street YMCA. The next day, [landed a job cleaning bricks, then moved into a boardinghouse and slowly started making my way back. But luck wasn’t on my side just yet. I got into a head-on collision in a bor- rowed car and was hurt so badly, I was in the hospital for three months. While Iwas there, I took to reading the Bible. I picked it up out of boredom and re- ally thought I would disapprove of it. But I read the New Testament, then the Old, and then the New again— you to take that approach” or “I'm proud of your per- sistence.” Listen for similar remarks from teachers and correct them. IN SPORTS Instead of “You’re a natu- ral,” say “Practice is really making you better.” Instead of inquiring “Did you win?” ask “Did you give your best effort?” Explains Dweck, “Talent isn’t passed down in the genes; it’s passed down in the mind-set.” AT THE DINNER TABLE Instead of the standard “How was your day?” (which everyone dreads anyway), ask “What did you learn today?” or “What mis- takes did you make that taught you something?” Describe with zeal some- thing you're struggling with. “Instill a passion for learn- ing,” says Dweck. IN MAKING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Don't just ask about goals; ask about the plan for reaching those goals. IN FRUSTRATION Don’t permit children to refer to themselves as los- ers, failures, stupid, or clumsy. “Never let failure progress from an action to an identity,” says Dweck. Likewise, don’t label your kids. Don’t say this one is the artist, and this one is the computer geek. Anyone can be anything, IN DOUBT If you encounter skepti- cism, ask the child to think of areas in which she once had low ability and now excels, or to recall a time when she saw someone learn something or im- prove in ways not thought possible. FOR YOU AT WORK Instead of letting salary, benefits, and status define job satisfaction, ask your- self if you're still learning, If the answer is yes, then you're fortunate to have a job that encourages a growth mind-set. View its challenges as opportunities rather than stress. If you've stopped learning, then consider looking either for new avenues of growth or for another job. IN RELATIONSHIPS Blame never resolves anything. It’s merely the fixed mind-set insisting that you're right. The next time you're tempted to blame, says Dweck, re- member that “the whole point of marriage is to encourage each other’s development.” WHEN FEELING DOWN People who are depressed tend to believe that’s just the way they are. Instead of viewing yourself as a failed end product, think of your- self as a temporarily de- railed work in progress. “We usually think of per- sonality as something very stable,” says Dweck, “but were finding that even core parts of it can be changed by shifting mind-sets.”ew research is pin- pointing how we learn and make decisions. To the brain, a new thought or idea is like a spider. if it is industrious enough, an intricate web of knowledge spins out from it. Snapshots of the brain taken during learning actu- ally show neurons firing, growing, and forming new connections. This is fasci- nating in itself, but what’s even more fascinating is that failure can trigger this. That's right, failure can enhance your brain. Stanford University psy- chologist Carol Dweck has tracked and compared the brain waves of subjects with growth and fixed mind-sets. (See “Make Up Your Mind to Succeed,” page 94). When those with growth mind- sets fail at a task, she de- tects them entering a more focused mental state as they try to figure out their mistake. And in subsequent trials, they improve. In ef- fect, they've learned, and their brains have “grown.” Those with fixed mind-sets, however, never enter this focused state of learning and show little, if any, advancement. Antoine Bechara, a pro- fessor of psychology and neuroscience at the Univer- sity of Southern California, has taken Dweck’s work a step further. He recently isolated two equally sized centers in the prefrontal cortex, one that he claims is responsible for the fear of failure and the other for the lure of success. It is be- tween these, he says, that the debate between risk and reward occurs. Not unlike the metaphoric devil and angel on our shoul- ders, these areas interact during the decision-making process. Although more research is needed, these centers may turn out to be the physical locations for Dweck’s twin mind-sets. “We always knew people could learn from their mistakes, but now we're finding out exactly how and where this happens,” explains Bechara. “Basi- cally, it all comes down to survival. In anormally functioning brain, failure is welcomed as an oppor- tunity for learning and strengthening the species.” every word of it. And at that moment, I started to feel a gentle, steady pull of encouragement. Even though I had the morals of a junkyard dog, I felt for- given and even loved. Shortly after I left the hospital, I met a wonderful young woman, whom I married six months later. She was like something out of The Brady Bunch, as opposite to me as you could imagine, but we’ve been married now for 38 years and have a large, loving family. I went on to become a pillar of the 96 community and a successful busi- nessman. In fact, I just sold my soft- ware company, the ninth business I founded, for $75 million. I don't believe in coincidence or luck. I believe in God. And if there’s a lesson I learned from this, it’s that God seems to show his strength and power through weakness. I think he picks the down-and-out on purpose to demon- strate what’s possible. But it isn’t al- ways an aha moment. He doesn’t just bless you and heap on the millions. readersdigest.com 5/09Rather, God shows you the way and supplies the opportunities. Then it’s up to you to set the goals, devise the strategy, and, most important, provide the man-hours. That's the way you get to lucky street. “1 failed to save someone’s life, but I didn’t make the same mistake twice...” Mary Wilson, 65, Montecatini, Italy TWAS MAKING DINNER in my apartment in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1996 when I heard breaking glass and a woman screaming next door. I knew imme- diately what was happening: The young woman was being beaten by her husband—and this time, I didn’t hesitate to act. You see, 15 years earlier, when I was living in a house near Boston, I had another young couple as upstairs ten- ants. They would fight occasionally and get loud, but they’d always settle down when I phoned to complain. But very early one morning, I heard scream- ing. I called like I normally did, and when no one answered and things qui- eted down, I went back to bed. The next thing I knew, someone was banging on my door, and when I opened it, I saw the man who lived upstairs. “I’ve killed Sandy,” he said. He was covered in blood and, as I later found out, had used knives and broken bottles to stab her to death and then tried to kill him- self. I called the police and went up- stairs. What I saw was so horrible, I couldn't continue to live there. I sold the house at a loss that week. I was pretty traumatized afterward. I never sought psychiatric help but probably should have. I couldn’t get over the fact that I had an intuition about that guy, but I dismissed it. I knew my guilt wasn’t rational, but it never left me. Deep down, I always felt I could have done something. And that’s why when I heard the screaming again in’96, like a cruel déja vu, I was immediately on the phone with police and then out the door to help. I was angry, livid, maybe even a little out of control. Their door was dead-bolted from inside, but through the broken glass panels, I could see him dragging her into the bathroom. He was covered in blood from crawling through the glass and was screaming, “I’m going to drown you!” I started pounding on the door and yelling, “Leave her alone! Tan see what you're doing!” That must have surprised him, because he stum- bled, and then she broke free, and he fled out the back door. The girl was bruised but not seri- ously injured. Since I was in the Navy at the time, I took her to the base for safekeeping and then helped her through the entire legal process until he was finally convicted. In retrospect, the whole story is so strange, I almost can’t believe it. It’s like it was meant to happen. I no longer feel guilty, because things have come full circle. But what I still occasion- ally ponder is how opportunity exists even in horrible situations—the op- ayeran.portunity to learn, to improve, and ul- timately to react differently if you're ever given a second chance. “1 failed to be careful and lost my eye, but it’s helped me see things more clearly...” Alex Gadd, 52, Pikeville, Tennessee I WAS LOADING MY TRUCK to go to the flea market when a hook on one of the bungees bent and snapped back into my left eye. The pain was like a hot sword had been shoved through my head. I fell down on my hands and knees, and when I saw what looked like gelatin and blood dripping onto the ground, I knew it was bad. They took me to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, where there's a special eye center. The doctors there oper- ated on me several times but couldn’t save my eye. When they told me the news, I wanted to die. I was divorced, and I figured no woman would ever want anything to do with me. All that was left of my eye was white, and my face was swollen and bruised. Even after I got my prosthetic eye, I couldn’t shake the depression. To make matters worse, I lost my job as a transportation officer for the Ten- nessee Department of Children’s Serv- ices because of concerns about my driving ability. But one morning, I woke up and the TV was on, and there was this 16-year-old girl. She had been severely burned on her face, hands, PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUDY ARCHULETA/REDUX and legs and was learning to walk again. She wore a big smile and seemed to look right at me and said, “You can’t ever give up.” At that moment, I thought, This is just an eye. Get over it. And I did. It’s been almost 12 years since my accident, and there isn’t anything I can’t do now that I used to do. Women still seem to like me, and no one can even tell I have a prosthetic eye, be- cause the new one is that good. And although I didn’t get my old job back, they reinstated my license, and I haven’t had so much as a fender ben- der in over a million miles of driving. Iread a story once where this man was feeling bad because he had no shoes, until he met a man who had no feet. No matter how devastating your problem is, remember there’s always someone somewhere who's worse off. Despite having just one eye, I see things a lot more clearly now. “1 failed to realize my dream, but Pve since realized other things...” Daryl Nelson, 36, Brooklyn, New York A RECORD DEAL. It happened to my best friend and me when we were juniors at Virginia State University playing in ahip-hop band called BizzrXtreemz. I heard that Clive Davis, the founder and president of Arista Records, blessed the deal himself. We dropped out of school to move to New York in the 99| DARETOFAI he key to getting out of any hole is realiz~ ing that you haven’t just fallen; you've fallen into something. In fact, if there were such a thing as an opportunity index, it would stand at about 7.5 out of 10 now, says Guy Kawasaki, entrepreneur and author of The Art of the Start and Reality Check. Despite the recession, he claims it’s a better-than- average time to be entre- preneurial and pursue your dreams. Not only is there less “noise” in the market- place because of fewer competitors, but resources are relatively inexpensive. Plus, if you've recently been downsized, you have time to develop your idea and perhaps even a bit of severance money to help fund it. “Successful entrepre- neurs generally ignore the numbers the government puts out on economic growth and unemploy- ment,” says Kawasaki. “’m not advocating sticking your head in the sand, but what do those numbers re- ally have to do with you? Listen to the reports, know the landscape, plug your ears, and go on ahead” Ready to get started? THE DREAM Opening a business THE SCHEME The biggest challenge here is consumers? current hesitancy to spend. If they were more willing to spend, the opportunity index would be closer to 10. But even in a choosy envi- ronment, Kawasaki says, there’s always room for better and best. “In times like these, people cut back on the frivolous, and there’s a flight to quality” And while it’s important to have a business plan, he advocates crafting a business mantra too. In addition to the product or service youre providing, think about what kind of meaning you're making. Having a true mis- sion in your mission state- ment is another way to rise above the competition. THE DREAM Selling an idea THE SCHEME Maybe you can’t risk opening your own business but have an idea for one you’d like to de- velop and market to some- one else, How do you get attention in this economy? “Choose a name with verb potential,” says Kawasald. For an example, look no further than Google. A name that connotes action ands alittle quirky has a better chance of being remembered, Test your name in this sentence: «<_it? THE DREAM Going back to school THE SCHEME If youre out of work, invest in your fu- ture by expanding your ex- isting skills or acquiring new ones, The value of knowl- edge has never been higher. Community colleges and online courses abound, and the Lifetime Learning Credit entitles anyone below a certain income who is taking classes (for a degree or not) to a tax credit of 20 percent on the first $10,000 of expenses. THE DREAM Giving something back THE SCHEME When times get tough, write your obituary. You heard us. Sit down, think hard, and list three things you want peo- pleto remember you for. This will help prioritize your life. Then find ways to follow through on your goals. If you can’t con- tribute money to charity, give time. A bonus is that volunteering is a great way to network. You'll meet new people with new ideas, plus the effort will freshen your spirit.summer of 94. We were 21 years old, and we were on our way. In order to concentrate on our music, we hired a manager and en- trusted him with our $5,000 advance. But one day when we showed up at the studio, we were told we couldn’t record anymore because they hadn’t been getting paid. Our manager was a crook. With no money of our own, we threw together a few songs, but the quality was horrible. The head of Arista’s music department hated them, and we lost the deal. After six months, it was over. I remember sitting in a daze under a bridge with winos and homeless people. Nothing had ever hinted at failure. I thought I was destined. Of course, we didn’t immediately give up. We cut other demos and took them around town, but after a while, we had. to start working to survive. The music never left us; it just became a smaller part of our lives. I'm a benefits coordinator for a union now, the latest in a long string of customer-service jobs I’ve held in the 15 years since that summer. My partner and I broke up some years back, and I’ve released a few solo songs under the name River Nelson for a small London-based label. But I’m not chasing the same dream any- more. There comes a time when you have to reassess your dreams and cast out what’s lofty or no longer reality. At the same time, though, you keep those things that are valuable, which for me was the resiliency, persever- ance, and focus I'd acquired. If you go at it this way, you'll see that the pot of gold is really chasing that pot of gold. Istill do music, but I do it for music’s sake now. I’ve redirected all the en- ergy I used to put into the business of music into other creative things. And that’s been a new beginning. [ still have a piece of my original dream, but now Talso have all these other blessings. THE LITTLE DEARS Driving along on a sunny day with her young grand- daughter by her side, my sister was on top of the world. “Grandma,” said the girl, “is Grandpa a lot older than you” “A few years, yes,” she said. Then, fishing for a compliment, she inquired, “Why do you ask?” “Well, his mustache is a lot bigger than yours.” Stella Pearson Following a tough day of homeschooling her children, my friend was in the kitchen muttering to herself when her aypyear-old son walked in. “What’s going on?” he asked. “Pm having a parent-teacher conference,” she growled. Leny Slootweg 101America’s DUMBEST LAWSUITS Have crybaby clients and lawyers led Lady Justice astray? sv anov simmons WARNING!!! Reading this article may cause paper cuts, The plastic wrapping on | subscription copies could cause | suffocation if pressed hard against mouth and nose while you're simulta- neously holding your breath. Because of Reader’s Digest’s diminutive size, you might be tempted to swallow it. | Do not! You could choke on the | advertising inserts! Sorry about the above statement, but our legal department insisted on it. You can’t be too safe. After all, while Americans hate lawyers, we love law- suits, especially the crazy ones. ‘Take the case of the Lodi, California, city employee who accidentally drove a dump truck into Curtis Gokey’s parked truck a few years ago. Gokey 102 sued the city, even though he was the one driving the dump truck. For some injured parties, no law need even be broken before they wield the lawyer card. In Jurupa, California, a retired Navy Reserve captain is threatening to sue her colleagues on the school board if they don’t start ad- dressing her by her military title. And a while back, a father took his son’s Little League coach to court over a losing season. Any chance we'll all wake up one morning and decide to settle our dif- ferences over a nice cup of tea instead of going to court? Doubtful. Suing peo- ple is big business, costing American citizens and corporations $247 billion in 2006, or 1.87 percent of the gross domestic product. Don’t believe us? ‘Talk to our lawyer. ILLUSTRATED BY MARC ROSENTHAL,Protect Me From Myself The two prisoners waited to make their move until the guards left Wing 4B, the maximum-security section of Colorado’s Pueblo County Jail. Then they slid open their defective cell doors, collected bedsheets and mat- tress covers from other inmates, and headed to the showers. There they pried off a broken ceiling tile and climbed into a vent, which led them to the roof via a door that was latched from the inside. Once on the roof, the prisoners, Scott Anthony Gomez Jr. and Oscar Mercado, tied the sheets and mattress covers together into a makeshift rope, secured it to a gas pipe, and began to rappel down the northwest side of the jail. That’s when the Great Escape of 07 went to hell in a handbasket. Gomez slipped and fell 40 feet, injuring him- self; he was rushed to the hospital, and Mercado was caught soon after. So how did Gomez while away the hours during his recovery? By filing a lawsuit against the county board of commissioners, sheriff, and guards— for as much as the law would allow— on the grounds that they made it too easy for him to escape. He should know, since this was his second at- tempt. In his suit, Gomez claimed that the cell doors opened too easily and that guards vacated their posts and ignored information that a jailbreak 104 was nigh. They were practically beg- ging him to break out, he insisted. And who was he to disappoint? “The defendants knew or should have known that the jail was not secure,” read his complaint. “Further- more, defendants knew that the plain- tiff had a propensity to escape.” Disposition Gomez couldr’t escape the fact that he didn’t have a case, which the judge tossed out last September. Just Desserts Prison, it turns out, is a great place to learn about tort law. Three inmates from the Kane County Jail in Illinois sued the county sheriff and Aramark food services in 2007 for sup- plying prisoners with subpar food, including soggy cookies and cakes. The $2 million they sought would buy them a nice drying rack for their desserts. Disposition No Mrs. Fields for these prisoners—the judge dismissed the case. Blonde Ambition Charlotte Feeney says blondes have more fun, and that’s why she sued cosmetics giant L’Oréal for $15,000. Feeney insisted her life was ruined when she accidentally touched up her naturally flaxen locks with brown dye from a mislabeled box. “T was sick to my stomach,” she said in an affidavit. “I have a bad hair day every day. I had headaches. I don’t like myself. I stay home more than ever in my life. | wear hats most of the time.” readersdigest.com 5/09What's more, she told her doctor that she doesn’t know how to dress now that she’s no longer a blonde—one rea- son her doctor prescribed medication to treat anxiety and depression. So why didn’t she dye her hair blonde and wait for her natural color to grow back? Who knows, but the real question is, What's wrong with being a raven-haired beauty? “Blondes get more attention than brunettes,” she said. “Emotionally, I miss that.” Disposition No doubt an Audrey Hep- burn fan, the judge dismissed the suit last October, ruling that Feeney never proved that VOréal was to blame for the mix-up. ePay Up Ask Steve Shellhorn and he'll proba- bly tell you that if you have nothing nice to say about someone, lie. Shell- horn, a Seattle native, bought coins on eBay from Charles Burgess, who then asked for feedback, a regular practice on the site. Was the service good or bad? Shellhorn was torn. The Morgan silver dollars were in fine shape, and the price was fair. But the packaging left a lot to be desired. “The coins were hanging out of the envelope,” he later told Seattle’s King 5 News. There should have been proper packing to keep them in place. With that in mind, Shellhorn left neu- tral feedback, neither good nor bad. The lukewarm response got a hot one from Burgess. Charging “fraud” and “extortion,” he sued Shellhorn for $10,000 over his “childish and vindic- tive” behavior, which, he feared, could harm future sales. Disposition Misery loves company, and Shellhorn had plenty. It turns out that Burgess made it a habit to go after less-than-thrilled customers. The judge sided with Shellhorn but not before he’d spent $500 for an attorney. Suing in the Rain You may recall the Washington, D.C., judge who, two years ago, filed a $67 million lawsuit against a dry cleaner for allegedly losing a pair of his pants. Now, in that fine tradition, comes Nello Balan, who sued a Roth- schild and a supermodel for $1 million over the loss of an umbrella. It all began on April 25, 2007, when a model named Le Call dined at Balan’s Manhattan restaurant, Nello. When she left, it was raining. Since supermodels have been known to wither in such conditions, the restau- rateur kindly lent her an umbrella. Not the cheap kind, manufactured to break at first gust. No, this one was leather. A gift from fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier, it was valued at $5,000. Cut to a month later, and the um- brella is AWOL. A quick call to Le Call revealed that she'd lent it to Nathaniel Rothschild, the future fifth Baron Rothschild. But when Rothschild’s chauffeur returned the umbrella, it was in two pieces, matching Balan’s emotional state upon seeing his beloved umbrella. Disposition Balan eventually lowered his demand to $30,000. But even that was too much for the judge, who tossed water ‘on the umbrella suit and fined Balan’s lawyer $500 for filing a frivolous claim. ll 105,—=_ Cae ae ad ener mec ty]Travis Wright had another half hour before going on night watch, but the choppy sea below the cabin kept him from sleeping, At 11:30, he swung off his bunk and stepped into a puddle. He expected puddles on a sailboat. But this one seemed to be growing. Wright, 20, and his buddies on the Texas A&M-Galveston sailing team were 60 miles into the Regata de Ami- gos, a 600-mile race from Galveston to Veracruz, Mexico. The waves were rough, but the Cynthia Woods, a 38- foot Cape Fear yacht, was built to han- dle far worse. He lifted a floorboard, and a geyser shot up. “We've got water coming in!” he shouted. Roger Stone, 53, one of “How do we get out of here?” he cried. “Through there!” Stone pointed to- ward the opening below. Guy held his breath and dived into the blackness but was driven back by surging water. Stone pushed him forward. This time, Guy made it. Wright, too, dived and was thrown back. The seawater had reached chest level. “It's coming too fast,” he gasped. “You've got to try!” yelled Stone. He grabbed Wright, pointed him down- ward, and shoved. Wright frog-kicked out of the cabin, free. Roger Stone carried a practical talis- man with him on land and at sea—a small, yellow marine GPS unit. “Before “How do we get out?” Guy cried. Stone two safety officers on board with the four-student crew, sprang from his berth and crouched by him. This was no ordinary leak. Stone popped his head out of the hatch. “We're taking on water!” he yelled to Steve Conway, the other safety officer, at the tiller. “Start the engine! Douse the sails!” Conway, 55, turned the key and scrambled to drop the mainsail, but the craft was already rolling onto its starboard side. Ross Busby, 21, and Joseph Savana, 18, slid across the deck and into the sea. Conway lunged for alifeline, caught it, and held on as the boat twisted. Seconds later, the Cyn- thia Woods capsized. In the upside-down cabin, water spouted through the hatch. Steven Guy, 20, grabbed for his life vest, but it inflated before he could put it on. 108 cars had GPS systems, he’d use it so he wouldn’t have to ask for directions,” says his wife, Linda, a teacher. Aside from its function, the device symbol- ized something about Stone: What- ever else he did, he was a sailor. Asa teenager in the suburbs of New York City, he spent his free time pi- loting a dinghy up and down the Hud- son River. After college in Oregon, he crewed on yachts before moving to Houston for a job at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where he be- came a warehouse manager. He sailed his own 14-footer around the local wa- terways, eventually with his kids, Eric, 15, and Elizabeth, 12. On Sundays, he assistant-coached the sailing team for Texas A&M University at Galveston. A quiet, square-built man with a captain’s beard, Stone was known for readersdigest.com 5/09Loc ne Ue the six-man crew Tuner ie] PX eet LT second from left) eg ser Ce ER a3 sets sail. =e - pushed him into the surging water. rescuing stray dogs and stranded mo- torists and, on occasion, sailors in trouble. During one race, a rival boat Jost its mast and drifted toward a jetty; after plucking the crew from the en- dangered craft and towing it back to port, Stone was declared the winner in honor of his selflessness. He was also a stickler for safety. Shortly before the start of last June’s regatta, Stone and Conway had in- spected the Cynthia Woods from stem to stern. The two-year-old boat seemed structurally sound and was loaded with new emergency equip- ment: a life raft, a flare kit, two radios, flashing beacons, and a satellite phone. Now all of that had been swallowed by the Gulf of Mexico. And the race’s two dozen other competitors were miles away. TARYN CORNELIUS/TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON Travis Wright swam beneath the boat, avoiding the tangled rigging, and pushed himself up to the surface. After inflating his life vest, he peered across the pitching sea. What he saw in the starlight shocked him. The Cynthia Woods lay belly-up beneath a few feet of water, a great gash where its 5,000- pound keel had been. Ross Busby and Joseph Savana were treading water nearby; about ten yards away, Steve Conway had Steven Guy in a lifeguard hold. Roger Stone was nowhere to be seen. “Steven lost his vest,” Conway called out. “Somebody grab the life ring off the deck!” Wright, Busby, and Savana tried to pry the float from the railing of the submerged boat, but it stuck fast. The men watched in frustration as the ring’s strobe light, meant to alert 109' “AAA “It won’t be long till sunup,” Conway searchers, blinked dimly in the murk. They swam to join Conway and Guy. “What happened?” Savana asked. “Did we hit something?” Conway, a white-bearded former Coast Guard commander, managed to speak calmly. “I have no idea. But we'll be okay if we use our heads.” “Where’s Roger?” asked Wright. They hollered for Stone. No re- sponse. “Maybe he’s already drifted too far to hear,” Busby said. “The first rule is, stay with the boat, but that’s going to be tough with this breeze blowing,” said Conway. “The 110 most important thing is to stay to- gether.” He lashed himself to Wright and Guy by running his belt through a loop on each of their shorts. Then he linked Busby to Savana, using the harness on Savana’s life vest, and told each pair to hold on to the other. Soon the vessel was out of sight. As the men drifted, six-foot waves broke over their heads every few minutes. Conway reminded the others not to swallow; drinking salt water can cause hallucinations, even death. He also did his best to reassure them. The Cyn- thia Woods was equipped with an readersdigest.com 5/09Bearley (from left): Cena Err Aa Ce AR Ud Dae] eee Le them, but Conway disagreed: “We need to conserve energy.” To lift the guys’ spirits, Conway told sea stories, recounting rescues he’d carried out during his 21 years in uni- form. At about four in the morning, a boat appeared a half mile away. Con- way flashed a distress signal with his pocket light. But the boat moved on. ‘The night seemed a bit darker after that, the sea a bit colder. Even in the 85-degree water, the men were losing body heat. Conway knew that hy- pothermia would set in after 35 hours. He held off the chill with thoughts of his wife and four grown daughters, one of whom was eight months preg- nant. I’m not going to die without see- ing the baby, he promised himself. “It won't be long till sunup,” he said aloud. “They'll be looking for us soon.” Later that morning, with no call from Conway, the marina manager alerted said. “They'll be looking for us soon.” emergency radio beacon, set to alert the Coast Guard once the boat sank to a depth of 13 feet. “If it works, we could be picked up in a few hours,” Conway said. “If it doesn’t, we'll have to wait a little longer.” He was scheduled to check in with the university marina at 8 a.m.; the manager would know to call the Coast Guard if he didn’t hear from him. The night wore on, and no one ap- peared. Lights from offshore drilling platforms twinkled on the horizon. Someone proposed swimming toward PHOTOGRAPHED BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN the Coast Guard. A GPS tracking de- vice on the Cynthia Woods showed that it was drifting 30 miles southeast of Freeport, Texas. But it wouldn't be so easy to find the crew. The lifeboat launched by the Coast Guard had been forced back to shore by big waves, and an air search would take a couple of hours to organize. Foot-long fish began to nibble at the men, and the sun began scorching their faces. Conway pointed to a pur- ple Portuguese man-of-war lurking to their left. “The tentacles on those things can be 100 feet long,” Wright msaid. “If they touch you, game over.” But the lethal creature bobbed off. Conway now suggested that the crew try to get to one of the oil rigs, about five miles away. Though almost certain that the shifting currents would make such a trip impossible, he thought the goal might boost morale. The men alternated leading and lying on their backs and kicking. After an hour or two, a triangular fin sliced the surface of the water and circled the group. Tense minutes passed until Conway realized it was a harmless ling fish. The guys resumed talking, trading quips about the food they craved—Wright wanted a burger; Busby, a steak; Guy, his mom’s lasagna. she was wrong about Roger, she didn’t want to find out in a public place. Several search planes, along with a Coast Guard cutter, came and went. Even with the others holding him up, Guy was exhausted from treading water for 18 hours without a life vest. Wright and Savana took turns lending him their vests. By midnight, they were all so sleep-deprived that they began dreaming in mid-stroke. Then, at 2 a.m.,a helicopter made a low pass, its taillight green against the sky. Conway pulsed his flashlight. Coast Guard petty officer Louis Bishop spot- ted the flickering pinpoint through his night-vision goggles and alerted his “Wwe had a crew list of six,’ the diver “I wonder what Roger’s doing now,” Wright said. The others fell silent. Back in Galveston, most of the men’s families had gathered to wait for up- dates in a conference room at Texas A&M. But Linda Stone, Roger's wife, had spent the previous day in Austin and didn’t know anything was wrong. When she returned to her home near Houston, she received a call from the president of A&M’s Galveston branch, who told her what had hap- pened and shared the latest develop- ment: The Coast Guard had spotted what might be the hull of the boat, and no one appeared to be on board. Linda decided that was a good sign; her husband must have escaped. She was invited to join the other families but chose to wait for news at home. If m2 crew, who circled back for another look. “Those are life jackets!” the pilot said, switching on his floodlight. Chief Petty Officer Albert Shannon descended on the helicopter’s 50-foot cable wearing a wet suit with a glow stick hooked to his goggles. “We're here!” the men called out. “Thank you!” Shannon plunged into the ocean and swam to them. “We had a crew list of six,” he said, “but I count only five heads.” “One man is still with the boat,” said Wright. “We'll keep looking,” Shannon said, then turned to help Savana—without his vest at that moment—into the large wire basket the copter had lowered. After allthe men had been hauled up, spinning, into the helicopter, they were readersdigest.com 5/09