May 2018 

Greetings!

Among my favorite resources for Elder Law issues is the People's Pharmacy- a radio show and website that covers consumer health information from home remedies to new breakthroughs in treatment.

Joe (MS Pharmacology) and Terry Graedon (medical anthropologist) are the engine behind the show.  Based in Durham NC, the Graedons have a national audience for their forays into traditional and alternative medical topics accompanied by well chosen experts. Their radio show has been broadcast since 1981 (also available as a podcast) and their website is a rich trove of information.

A recent episode finds the Graedons interviewing John and Jane Day, authors of a book about the residents of Bapan, the "longevity village" in China where life spans often break 100. More surprisingly, these villagers are free from the medical conditions most westerners experience with aging, and are able to be fully engaged in community life until shortly before their death.  Genetic testing showed this population to be the same as any other population. Lifestyle and social structure seem to be the determinants. 

The mission of  the People's Pharmacy is to "empower you to make wise decisions about your own health by providing essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options." Find links to selected radio shows in the last article below. 

Best,

Carole Spainhour