GOOD FOR WHAT AILS YOU
Reprinted from the ACJ - January, 2003
"Take two aspirin and call me in the morning." It used to be that a doctor would give this advice if he didn't want to examine you or thought you were a Hypochondriac. Now he may be prescribing cutting edge medicine. Recent studies show that following his advice may be better for you than actually seeing him. I know it's cheaper than seeing him.
Over 100 years ago, Bayer Corporation introduced to the public its new "Wonder Drug". Acetylsalicylic Acid in tablet form: the common aspirin. Ever since it has helped relieve aches and pains, reduced fevers, and can bring you back from Hangover Hell. And it comes 500 to a bottle. True, the bottle can hold 1000 tablets, but I think Bayer makes cotton as well.
In addition to its pain relieving ability; aspirin acts to 'thin' our blood. It reduces the clotting action of the blood platelets in our veins. It can prevent clots from forming in your arteries and keep them from narrowing. This reduces the risk of an acute, sudden, heart attack. It also helps keep blood flowing easily through our brains (something I could use) by reducing the buildup of 'plaque'. Helping to alleviate the 'Ischemic', or lack of blood flow, type of stroke in some people. On the flip side (there is always a flip side) of this phenomenon is that if you have bleeding tendencies aspirin can make them worse. Ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding tendencies are a good reason not to take aspirin regularly. In addition a severe stroke can occur when a blood vessel ruptures in our brain. Aspirin reducing our clotting ability works against us in this case. People diagnosed with an increased risk, or a family history, of this type of stroke, or other bleeding tendencies, need to be careful about use of aspirin.
In another study (thank God for people who don't get tired of studying) done in 1995, found that people who regularly took aspirin showed reduced risk of developing certain cancers. Now that those of you who don't have heart conditions or stroke risk are listening, let me explain. Reduction of the incidence of colon cancer by up to 50 % was found in one study. Lower risk of throat, stomach, and rectal cancer, as well as, prostrate and pancreatic cancer, were also evident in regular aspirin users.
What is a regular aspirin user? Someone who has taken a daily dose for 10 years or more. Add up all those bad days at the office, or bad mornings after a party and you might just qualify. My copy of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter is suggesting a daily aspirin for; men over forty, women past menopause, or younger folks with risk factors for heart disease or stroke. A history of smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or 'controlled' high blood pressure may make a daily aspirin a good habit.
How much is a dose? Even a baby aspirin may do the trick, and they taste great. 81 milligram tablets are available and seem to provide the necessary levels thought to protect us. Splitting a regular, 200 milligram, pill is also a possibility for those of us with steady hands. Remember if you are a bleeder, have an ulcer, liver disease, take blood thinners, or have 'uncontrolled' high blood pressure, this wonder drug may not be for you.
Some folks are allergic to aspirin or can't tolerate the stomach upset that sometimes occurs so here is the disclaimer. Before starting a daily aspirin regiment, see your doctor. He can rule out, or in, all the conditions we unprofessionally glossed over in this article. He can also best recommend the correct dosage for you. Who knows, he may just tell you to take an aspirin and don't call him in the morning.
The above article was written by David M. Brown, Chief Engineer of Johnson Manufacturing Company, Inc. and is published by JOHNSON with the expressed approval of the National Automotive Radiator Service Association and the Automotive Cooling Journal. Other reproduction or distribution of this information is forbidden without the written consent of JOHNSON and NARSA/ACJ. All rights reserved.
JOHNSON MANUFACTURING COMPANY
114 Lost Grove
Road / PO Box 96 / Princeton, Iowa 52768-0096
Phone 563-289-5123 or
Fax 563-289-3825