• One of every eight Americans has a significant problem with alcohol or drugs, with 40 percent of the group having a "dual diagnosis," or concurrent mental/nervous disorder.
• Approximately 27 million Americans either use illicit drugs regularly or are "heavy drinkers." Of these almost 16 million are estimated to need immediate treatment.
• By age eighteen, almost 12 percent of all young people are illicit drug users.
  An untreated alcoholic's medical costs are approximately 300 percent higher than non-alcoholic's medical costs.
• Approximately 70 percent of illegal drug users are employed and contribute significantly to workplace absenteeism, accidents and injuries, decreased productivity, increased insurance expenses, employee turnover costs and on-the-job violence.
• The estimated annual direct cost to our society resulting from substance abuse is more than 250 billion dollars.
• It is generally accepted that chemical dependency, along with associated mental health disorders, has become one of the most severe health and social problems facing the United States.*

Despite the dire statistics and the failure of "the war on drugs," there is reason for hope and optimism. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of treatment. Chemically dependent people who participate in treatment decrease their alcohol and drug use, decrease their criminal activity, obtain and maintain employment, improve their social and interpersonal functioning and improve their physical health.

Source: SAMHSA (U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

FYI~

Trans Ocean Products Recalls "Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon" LOT No 54933-2 Because of Possible Health Risks

Contact:(800) 290-2722 Monday – Friday 6AM to 5PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON – August 29, 2008 – Trans-Ocean Products, Inc. of Bellingham, Washington is recalling its 4 ounce Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon Lot No 54933-2 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon, 4 ounce packages were distributed to three supermarket chains in seven states: Brookshire Brothers in Texas and Louisiana; Price Choppers in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont; and Giant Eagle in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The product is sliced cold-smoked salmon with black pepper. It is vacuum packaged in a resealable purple plastic pouch and bears the brand name Trans Ocean Products.The lot number is ink jetted on the back panel of the package, just right of center.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by Trans-Ocean Products revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one 4 ounce package of Cracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon.

Distribution of the product has been suspended while the FDA and Trans-Ocean Products investigate the source of the problem.

Consumers that have purchased Trans Ocean ProductsCracked Pepper Style Smoked Salmon are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Trans-Ocean Products. Call (800) 290-2722 Monday – Friday 6AM to 5PM. Over the Labor Day weekend call (360) 739-4181.

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We spent our Labor Day at the beach with family and friends. I am sunburned and I ate way too much food :) How was your weekend?

Labels: misc

N Posted by Rain at 9/02/2008 10:14:00 AM

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