Death and Taxes By Dr. Evelyn Higgins

Should the government be involved in patients' end-of-life decision-making? Ask a person that question and you are assured a big gulp, then a pause, followed by a cocked head like that of a dog approach to answering the question. Tough as it is, it does need answering. After all, none of us wish a terminal illness with a painful death on ourselves. In jest, people have uttered perhaps an enemy but certainly not ourselves or a loved one. We have advanced our brains so far technologically, but have we advanced them morally or ethically? Is the real issue of euthanasia about the ultimate power of a government? Or is it that which is a decision for God and family? [more...]

The Politics of Water By Dr. Evelyn Higgins

So, one week has passed since the Associated Press report was released describing the pharmaceutical drugs found in the drinking water of at least 41 million Americans. Drugs such as sex hormones, anti-consultants, antibiotics, mood stabilizers - to name just a few - were found. Over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are also included in the tainted drinking water.

What we do know is that this is real. What we don't know is how these small concentrations of drugs will affect our bodies. What happens when we don't need the particular medications, or even say your body does need them, but in different doses? What are the long-term effects, given that we are all being prescribed medications -infants, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly, alike?

While the Environmental Protection Agency admits to recognizing the growing concern regarding the state of our drinking water, the agency says it is taking the situation seriously - so seriously, that nothing has appeared in the media since the story broke. [more...]

The Reverse Pyramid Scheme by Dr. Evelyn Higgins

March 10, 2008--Health care in America is in the shape of a pyramid; however, it is a reverse pyramid. Everyone who graduated from kindergarten knows what happens when your building blocks don't start at the bottom - eventually they fall down because the load becomes too heavy for the design of the system. The design of our current system has physician specialists at the bottom of the pyramid being the most utilized group within the triangle, or pyramid, being formed, with the doctors who prescribe wellness and prevention at the top creating the smallest section of the pyramid. The obvious question, then, would be - even to the kindergartner who is looking at the faulty design of the pyramid - who built this pyramid?

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Beyond High School by Dr. Evelyn Higgins

March 3, 2008--I recently learned of a new program being offered at Oaksterdam University, a curriculum offering courses in marijuana usage for medicinal purposes. The school prepares its students for careers in the very lucrative multi billion-dollar industry. So, I ask, is there any federal aid and what type of pay scale could be expected with this type of training? I am told after a weekend course costing $200 plus books, I am prepared to make a $50,000 salary dispensing marijuana. Now for the serious note! In Los Angeles, several vending machines have been made available to dispense marijuana with "proper documentation and a fingerprint." While marijuana is legal in California for medicinal purposes, the federal government does not feel the same way. But to date they have done nothing.

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