Arthritis Insight
Newsletter * Vol. 5 Issue 169 October 22, 2003
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Welcome to the 169th issue of the Arthritis Insight Newsletter.
All back issues will be posted at community/newsletter
Feel free to pass this newsletter around to others who may be
interested.
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The information in this newsletter should not take the place of
advice and guidance from your own health-care providers. Material
in this newsletter is provided for educational and informational
purposes only. Be sure to check with your doctor before making
any changes in your treatment plan. Information presented here is
the opinion of the authors and has not necessarily been approved
or endorsed by the medical advisors.
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Notes From Tina
(Tina@arthritisinsight.com)
Tina Underwood aka KrissyJo
Tina's not feeling well this week but she wanted to make sure we
mention that the American College of Rheumatolgy's Annual
Scientific Meeting starts tomorrow in Orlando. Don't forget to
watch the update page (updates.html) for all the latest news from sunny
Florida.
-Kimmy
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Ron's Ramblin's
(Ron@arthritisinsight.com)
Ron Griffin aka IndyRon
Another beautiful "Indian Summer" day here. I have the
house opened up and a wonderful fairly warm breeze is blowing.
The leaves are just beyond their color peak but are still pretty
and have started falling. This is one of my favorite times of the
year. I had the kids down this past weekend for my birthday and
they were more than happy to be outside and doing things like
walking in the woods looking at all the wonderful things. We even
managed to find an old pear tree and an apple tree which were
loaded with fruit.
It just doesn t get much better.
~Ron
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Your Weekly Giggle
Colonoscopy humor:
A physician claims these are actual comments from his patients
made while he was performing colonoscopies:
- "Take it easy, Doc, you're boldly going where no man has
gone before."
- "Find Amelia Earhart yet?"
- "Can you hear me NOW?"
- "Oh boy, that was sphincterrific!"
- "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there
yet?"
- "You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married."
- "Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?"
- "You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out.
You do the Hokey Pokey...."
- "Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!"
- "If your hand doesn't fit, you must acquit!"
- "Hey, Doc, let me know if you find my dignity."
- "You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?"
- "Could you write me a note for my wife, saying that my
head is not, in fact, up there?"
Check out all the jokes at:
fun/jokes
Send yours in today!
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Tina's Tips
Tina@arthritisinsight.com
Arthritis can affect your ability to do even the simplest of
tasks. I've heard some people say, "Accept your
limitations." I'm not sure accepting them is the way to go.
I prefer to challenge those limitations, work around them,
finding alternate ways of achieving the same goal. Every week
I'll share some tips I've found to work around those annoying
limitations and I hope all of you will send in your tips too. We
may not be the next Martha Stewart, but sometimes the simplest
things can help so much.
A great one from Lorri:
I make rice bags...like the high priced herbal packs for the
freezer or microwave. The rice lasts forever,does not melt and is
flexible. It can be used from the freezer or after 2 minutes in
the microwave.
I cut two rectangles out of cotton cloth,any size. I sew it wrong
sides together leaving about 1 1/2 inches open to turn. Turn it
right side out and fill with white rice leaving about 1 inch not
filled. I hand stitch or machine stitch it closed. Store in
freezer for cold packs. Lasts from 20 minutes to 1/2 hour cold.
If heat is needed, microwave for 2 minutes. If from
freezer,microwave for 2 1/2 minutes.
I have used these for 2 years and get relief from pain right
away, from arthritis pain to migraines.
Thanks Lorri!!
Find more on rice bags/socks at:
living/ricesock.html
And don't forget they heat up fast! Be careful - and make sure
you replace dried out rice so they don't catch fire when heated
in the microwave. :)
Check out more tips at living/tips.html and send in yours today to Tina@arthritisinsight.com Keep those tips coming!
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What s New
Question of the Week
Free gifts, love 'em or hate 'em?
community/question
Arthritis Warrior
Some new nominees! Check em out!
warrior/
Fight the Fatigue
Bev shares some fatigue fighting wisdom.
living/fatigue/
Arthritis Warrior
Our Arthritis Warrior..err... Princess for September. See who it
is!
warrior/
Member Stories
KJ updates her Kineret Journal. Does your journal or story need
updating?}
community/stories
Birthday Board
Buncha birthdays added. Who has a birthday today?
community/birthday
Thank you!
A big thank you to Donna M, Kate, Elizabeth N, Judy S., Marilyn
B, Stephanie R, Terry B, Mark M, Elizabeth G, Jan C, Susan G,
Corey N, Sarah B, Delores P and Vicki V. for their recent
donations. We can't do it without you!
Newsletter
The latest issue is up and waiting for you!
community/newsletter/
News
Karen has all the arthritis and health related news from around
the web.
news/
Check out all the latest updates at
updates.html
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Arthritis Insight Chat
community/chat
Time to get the party started! Got some extra time? Can't sleep?
Drop into the chatroom to talk to other members that know exactly
what you're going through.
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Cooking with Char
Char LeFleur
char@arthritisinsight.com
Hello again friends! Indian Summer continues here in Iowa. We had
temps in the upper 80s on Monday. Funny thing is, we could still
have a white Halloween. It wouldn't be the first time. LOL
With Halloween coming up, how about a traditional treat---popcorn
balls. Bet you didn't know there were so many ways to make them,
did you?This collection even includes CHOCOLATE Popcorn Balls. A
fun way to make a memory with your kids. Enjoy!!
RAINBOW POPCORN BALLS
1c Light corn syrup
1c Sugar
1pk Strawberry gelatin powder; -or lime gelatin (or any flavor
you desire)
1 1/2c Salted peanuts-coarsely chopped; optional
Red or green food coloring
1/2c Unpopped popcorn-pop popcorn in 3 tbl oil
Turn the popped corn into bowl and add peanuts if desired In a
one quart
saucepan combine corn syrup, and sugar. Cook, stirring with a
wooden spoon,
until sugar dissolves. Without stirring bring mixture to a full
rolling
boil. Remove from heat and add gelatin. Stir until dissolved and
add food
coloring. Pour over popcorn and mix. Butter hands and form into
balls.
CONFETTI POPCORN BALLS
5c popcorn, air-popped
1/2c candy coated pieces
1/3c unsalted peanuts
2TB margarine -- melted
3c miniature marshmallows -- melted
In a prepared mixing bowl, combine popcorn, candy coated pieces,
and
peanuts. Place margarine and marshmallows in a 4-cup
microwave-safe
measuring cup. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until melted
and smooth,
stirring once halfway through cooking. Pour over popcorn mixture;
stir
quickly to coat. With buttered hands, quickly shape mixture into
balls.
Place on waxed paper. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
CHOCOLATE POPCORN BALLS
1/4c White corn syrup
1/3c Water
3/4c Sugar
2TB Molasses
1TB Butter
1oz Unsweetened chocolate
1t Vanilla
1/2c Popcorn: popped
1c Roasted peanuts
In a heavy saucepan, put the corn syrup, water, sugar, molasses
and butter. Cook over moderate heat to 280~ on a candy
thermometer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate and vanilla.
Stir to combine. Pour over the popped corn and peanuts. Form into
balls.
OLD FASHIONED POPCORN BALLS
2 qt Popped corn
1c Karo light or dark corn-syrup
1c Firmly packed dark brown-sugar
1/4c Water
1t White vinegar
2tb Margarine
Servings: 10
Place the popped corn in a large greased bowl or
pan.In a heavy 2 qt saucepan, stir together corn
syrup, sugar, water and vinegar. Stirring constantly,
cook over medium heat until mixture boils. Continue
cooking, stirring occasionally, until temperature
reaches 260 degrees on a candy thermometer or until a
small amount of mixture dropped in very cold water
forms a ball hard enough to hold its shape, yet
plastic. Remove from heat; stir in margarine. Slowly
pour over popcorn, stirring to coat well.
When cool enough to handle, yet still quite warm,
quickly shape into balls with well-buttered or
oiledhands. Wrap individually in plastic wrap.
Makes about 10 3 inch balls.
** Option ** Substitute 2 Tblsp of praline liqueur for
2 tblsp of the water.
EASY POPCORN BALLS
Mazola No Stick corn-oil cooking spray
3qt Freshly popped popcorn
1c Karo light corn syrup
1c Sugar
1/2t Salt
1t Vanilla
Spray large roasting pan with cooking spray. Add popped corn;
keep
warm in 250 degree F. oven. In heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine
corn
syrup, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring
constantly,
until mixture comes to a boil. Cook without stirring 10 minutes
or
until temperature reaches 290 degrees F. on candy thermometer.
Remove
from heat; stir in vanilla. Slowly pour over popcorn, stirring to
coat evenly.
Cool popcorn, stirring, just until mixture can be handled.
Immediately
spray hands with cooking spray. Quickly shape popcorn into 3-inch
balls.
If you have questions, comments or suggestions, or have recipes
that you would like to share, please send them to Char@arthritisinsight.com.
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From the FDA & CDC:
FDA and CDC Statement Concerning Rumors About Recalled Lot of
Influenza Vaccine
http://www.fda.gov/cber/flu/flurclstmt.htm
Rumors have been circulating that state that a
"contaminated" lot of flu vaccine has been recalled by
the FDA. This is false. No contamination of any flu vaccine has
been identified anywhere in the U.S. and the FDA has not recalled
any lot of flu vaccine. As with any vaccine, flu vaccine is
capable of causing some side effects, these are very rarely
severe. Most side effects from flu vaccine are mild such as arm
soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, fever, or
achiness. More serious reactions to the flu vaccine do occur, but
they are rare. While FDA and CDC are currently investigating
several recent reports of possible significant allergic reactions
to flu vaccine, it is important to note that the number and type
of reactions reported to date are not unexpected. The reactions
reported, not all of which may have been caused by the
administration of vaccine, do not, at this time, suggest any
problem with the flu vaccine. However, FDA and CDC will continue
to investigate these and any other reports and will provide any
further information as available. While serious reactions to flu
vaccine are rare, each year about 114,000 people in the U.S. are
hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. The
flu vaccine is the best way a person can protect themselves and
their loved ones against influenza. October and November are the
best months to get vaccinated - however, vaccination in December
or later still provides considerable protection.
Questions & Answers on Inactivated Influenza Vaccines for use
in 2003-2004
Inactivated Influenza Vaccines for use in 2003-2004
http://www.fda.gov/cber/flu/flurclqa.htm
Is any influenza vaccine being recalled?
No. There is, to date, no recall of any influenza vaccine that
has been produced for use in the 2003-2004 influenza season.
Why are there rumors that influenza vaccine is being
recalled?
Two individuals at a single medical center had clinical symptoms
suggesting allergic reaction after influenza vaccine
administration; the first individual developed severe symptoms
suggesting allergy immediately after administration of the
influenza vaccine, and the second person developed symptoms
within a day of receiving the influenza vaccine, but it is
unclear whether a severe allergic reaction occurred. Both of
these individuals had received vaccine from the same lot of
vaccine. The medical center prudently questioned whether a
pattern of adverse reactions was developing for this lot of
vaccine. Further review of all information indicates that one of
the individuals had underlying lung disease and was subsequently
diagnosed with pneumonia.; Similar adverse reactions have not
been reported in other locations where the same lot of vaccine
has been in use. Review of manufacturing data indicates that the
lot of vaccine meets all manufacturing requirements and release
specifications and suggests no irregularities. Investigation of
these cases is continuing.
What could cause FDA or a manufacturer to initiate a recall
of a product?
A recall could be initiated if, among other reasons, vaccine
presented a substantial hazard to the public health, such as an
unexpected and otherwise unexplained number or severity of
adverse reactions.
Are inactivated influenza vaccines produced for 2003-2004
season safe?
Yes. When inactivated influenza vaccines are used according to
instructions given in the package insert, they are safe. Before
they are released for use, influenza vaccines undergo extensive
evaluation, including tests to ensure that the influenza viruses
have been properly inactivated, that the active and inactive
ingredients are present in the correct quantities, and that the
vaccines are sterile. Influenza vaccines are highly effective and
prevent thousands of deaths each year.
What kinds of adverse events are most common after
administration of inactivated influenza vaccine?
Most adverse reactions to inactivated influenza vaccine are
related to the body s response to the vaccine components at
the site of injection. Most commonly, there is inflammation at
the injection site, which may result in redness, swelling or
pain. Less frequently, more general reactions occur including
fever, malaise (a vague feeling of being ill), and muscle aches.
Are serious immediate allergic reactions to inactivated
influenza vaccines common?
No, but a few such reactions are reported with inactivated
influenza vaccine use every year. Serious immediate reactions can
occur within a few minutes to a few hours in people who likely
have allergies to components of the vaccines, which may contain
very small amounts of residual egg protein. Immediate allergic
reactions can appear in a mild form as itching and hives;
however, in the severest form, allergic reactions can result in
difficulty breathing, loss of blood pressure, and, while prompt
medical treatment is usually effective, even death.
What can be done to prevent or treat severe immediate
allergic reactions?
First, the vaccine is contraindicated for people with a history
of hypersensitivity to eggs or egg products or other components
of influenza vaccines. Additionally, as with all vaccines, it is
prudent that recipients remain under observation for the first
15-30 minutes after the vaccine is injected to detect and treat
any rare, serious allergic reactions and that medications, such
as epinephrine and benadryl, used to treat such reactions, be
available for immediate use.
How do I report adverse reactions?
Reports on adverse reaction to influenza vaccine or any other
vaccine should be sent to the Vaccine Adverse Reporting System
(VAERS) which is jointly operated and reviewed by FDA and CDC.
VAERS can be reached at 1-800-822-7967 or on the internet at http://www.vaers.org/
What are the benefits of influenza vaccine?
Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious disease of the lungs, and
it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 114,000 people in the
U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of
influenza. Most who die are 65 years and older. But children
younger than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have
to go to the hospital because of influenza. The influenza vaccine
is highly effective in preventing disease and thus saving lives.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - National
Immunization Program at: www.cdc.gov/nip
CDC Influenza website at: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/fluvirus.htm
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Member Stories
Shannon's Story
My name is Shannon, I am 32 years old, married with two boys
(ages 7 & 4 1/2). I was diagnosed one month ago with
Rheumatoid Arthritis. Then, after follow-up blood work, I was
also diagnosed with Lupus. My "journey" began following
a car accident in January 2002. We were rear ended on a freeway
off-ramp. At the time the car hit us, I was turned around in the
passengers seat getting something for my son. In the weeks that
followed, I thought I had just hurt my shoulder and neck. I was
sent to an orthopedic and for physical therapy, but the doctor
couldn't find anything (and told me I shouldn't be taking pain
pills for nothing) and physical therapy made things worse. Things
went on like this for months. I started to notice how tired I was
when my kids started complaining that I was always sleeping. Then
in April of this year, I started having pain in places that I
hadn't noticed before. It started with my hips and pretty soon I
couldn't walk without a cane or crutch. It would last for a week
or so, and then go away for a while. My masseuse started talking
about arthritis related diseases and MS, which scared me, so I
didn't look into them. Then, one morning I woke up and my hands
were swollen and my wrists hurt so bad I couldn't move them. I
wore wrist splints for awhile, hoping it would just go away. I
finally gave up and went back to my PCP who ordered some blood
work, but said not to really expect any answers. I got a call a
few days later, "Surprise", he said. My RA test was
negative, but the ANA was positive. I was referred from there to
a Rheumatologist, but the wait was 3 months to get in. My PCP
didn't want to give me any medication until we knew what we were
dealing with. He did give me medication to help me sleep, which
seemed to at least help with that. Fast forward 3 months and I
was FINALLY diagnosed. I am on Vioxx and Plaquenil now, neither
of which seem to be doing anything, but I am told to give it a
little more time. I am allergic to the sun, when I go out in it,
I suffer with terrible itching spells. I feel like my skin is
crawling. I now have to add allergy medicine to my arsenal. I am
worried about what the future holds for me. I have an extremely
supportive husband and my kids have been great, but I worry that
I am not able to be "super-mom" anymore. My family
tries to be helpful, but they can only do so much. I get tired of
people telling me to sit down and relax, and then take over for
me. I am not an invalid yet!! And then there are those who look
at me and see a perfectly healthy woman, who should not be using
those handicap motorized carts in the grocery store. There is no
happy medium anymore and I am finding that hardest to deal with.
This site has been so helpful to me, especially the people who
visit the chat room. It is nice to have a place to go that
everyone understands each other and can sympathize and offer real
advice.
To see the rest of stories go on over to:
community/stories
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Notes and Insights:
Birthday Board!
Happy Birthday to Linda G., Susan aka smallfry, Kendall, Laura D.
Smith, Grannyjan, Brian Dowd, Mary Hofstetter and Teresa!!!
Check out all the birthdays at
community/birthday
and make sure to send them an arthritis-friendly e-card:
cgi-bin/postcards/postcard.pl
Join the Arthritis Dieters!
This is a group of people with arthritis who want to lose weight
with others who know of the challenges of living with is
arthritis. All those medications that make living with arthritis
tolerable, but pile on the pounds. This group has been set up to
give us a protected group where we can talk to others who know
what it is like.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arthritis-dieters/
Wanna help?
Having surgery? Starting a new drug or treatment? Filing for
disability? Keep an Arthritis Insight journal so all of our
members can share and learn from your experience. If you want to
keep a journal just let us know.
Write an article!
We always need articles on all subjects relating to arthritis.
C'mon folks, we can't do this without you.
Ken Akers Cheer Fund
Donations to the Ken Akers Cheer Fund will be used to send
flowers and gifts to those community members who are
hospitalized, flaring or just in need of some good cheer.
community/kenscheerfund
Thank You!
A great big thank you to NeedaBasket.com (http://needabasket.com). NeedaBasket is now Arthritis Insight's
official gift basket company. They are giving us a great discount
and are donating baskets for our Arthritis Warriors.
Special Offers for Arthritis Insight Members
Whenever possible we will try get to our sponsors to agree to
discounts and the like for our members. Here are our current
special offers:
Sore No More (http://sorenomore.com) gel will send a free sample of the pain
relieving gel to any Arthritis Insight Community Member who
emails them at dma@glogerm.com.
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Weekly News Summary
Karen Sears
kaekae@arthritisinsight.com
TETRACYCLINES SAFELY REDUCE DISEASE
ACTIVITY PARTICULARLY IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Improvement of disease activity is observed with tetracycline
treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in
combination with minocycline, and in the treatment of patients
with early disease, according to a recent Canadian study.
Doctor's Guide, Oct 21 (free registration required)
PROMISING EARLY RESULTS WITH KYPHOPLASTY
TREATMENT OF OSTEOPOROTIC VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURE
Significant improvements in local sagittal alignment, pain, and
daily activity levels are observed after kyphoplasty in patients
with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCF),
according to a recent American study.
Doctor's Guide, Oct 21 (free registration required)
RISK OF LOW BONE MINERAL DENSITY HIGHER
IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
The risk of low bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases with age, lower body
mass index and severity of disease, according to a new study
reported here at the 68 th Annual Scientific Meeting of the
American College of Gastroenterology.
Doctor's Guide, Oct 21 (free registration required)
STUDY: MONKEYS HELP SHOW IF VIRUS CAUSES
MS
Little monkeys called marmosets may help scientists discover
whether viruses cause multiple sclerosis, researchers reported on
Monday.
Yahoo News, Oct 20
AMGEN'S ARTHRITIS DRUG APPROVED FOR
WEEKLY DOSE
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved once-weekly
dosing of Amgen Inc.'s rheumatoid arthritis drug Enbrel, the
company said on Monday.
Yahoo News, Oct 20
FEELING DOWN MAY PROMOTE INFLAMMATION
Even a mild case of the blues can affect the immune system in
older people, new research suggests.
Yahoo News, Oct 17
CAD NOT MOST COMMON COMORBIDITY IN LUPUS
PATIENTS
Although coronary artery disease (CAD) is an
"important" comorbid condition in patients with
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), study findings suggest that
SLE itself, infections, and renal failure pose more of a problem
than CAD.
Medscape, Oct 17 (free registration required)
LOW RISK OF GASTROINTESTINAL TOXICITY
WITH OVER-THE-COUNTER DOSES OF ASPIRIN, ACETAMINOPHEN, AND
IBUPROFEN
The rate of serious gastrointestinal (GI) events is low in
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients who
take low-dose aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen alone; though
the rates increase with concomitant NSAID and corticosteroid use,
say researchers.
Doctor's Guide, Oct 17 (free registration required)
HIGH PREVALENCE OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE
LIGAMENT DEGENERATION IN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS AFTER TOTAL
KNEE ARTHROPLASTY
Degeneration within the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is
common in patients with severe osteoarthritis who have undergone
total knee arthroplasty, particularly in younger patients,
according to a recent American study.
Doctor's Guide, Oct 17 (free registration required)
SCHERING FILES FOR U.S. HORMONE PATCH
APPROVAL
German drugmaker Schering AG said on Thursday it had filed for
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its low-dose
estrogen patch Menostar, used to prevent osteoporosis.
Medscape, Oct 16 (free registration required)
ROFECOXIB IS EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OPTION
FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS PATIENTS THAT DO NOT RESPOND TO CELECOXIB
Patients with osteoarthritis who did not respond to celecoxib
therapy report improved health status and pain relief during
treatment with rofecoxib, according to a Spanish study.
Doctor's Guide, Oct 16 (free registration required)
AUTOANTIBODIES TYPICALLY PRECEDE
DIAGNOSIS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
Autoantibodies are present many years before the clinical
diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to the
results of a study of stored serum published in the Oct. 16 issue
of the New England Journal of Medicine . The appearance of
autoantibodies follows a predictable course.
Medscape, Oct 15 (free registration required)
More health news can be found on our site:
news/
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Contribute
Have you written something you think our subscribers would like
to read? Send it to Tina@arthritisinsight.com and maybe we'll use it in our newsletter.
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A Closing Thought
Blurred Vision
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown
A businessman was highly critical of his competitors' storefront
windows. "Why, they are the dirtiest windows in town,"
he claimed. Fellow business people grew tired of the man's
continual criticism and nitpicking comments about the windows.
One day over coffee, the businessman carried the subject just too
far.
Before leaving, a fellow store owner suggested the man get his
own windows washed. He followed the advice, and the next day at
coffee, he exclaimed, "I can't believe it. As soon as I
washed my windows, my competitor must have cleaned his too. You
should see them shine."
Confucius once declared, "Don't complain about the snow on
your neighbor's roof when your own doorstep is unclean."
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Arthritis Insight Newsletter Copyright 2003