For a blog generally concerned with overzealous government regulation, readers might be surprised to find an article applauding the FDA.  However, the regulatory agency has remained an ally of the American people by fulfilling its mandate – carefully evaluating every issue without bowing to outside pressure.

In the case of statins, which are drugs designed to lower cholesterol levels, a small group of opponents mistakenly believe these drugs can cause more harm than good.  Fortunately, the FDA has dismissed their petitions – and rightly so – because of the overwhelming lack of scientific evidence to support the outrageous claims made.

Instead, statins have been on the market for quite some time, and have unquestionably saved lives.  The FDA’s most recent laudable move was to approve the statin Crestor for use in patients who don’t exhibit high cholesterol, but are at risk for heart disease.

This could mean you, so read on, because this drug might save your life.

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It’s important to understand that some of the monumental legislation being pondered by the present Administration will have real-world effects on things that might seem totally unrelated.  Readers must understand that landmark, and rushed, legislation may very well directly affect them even when they think it won’t.

So let’s look at one piece of important news as an example…but then ask how you would be  affected if health care reform was botched.

Our example is from the world of drug manufacturing. The second phase results of a monumental pharmaceutical study were released a few days ago, and women everywhere must pay attention.  For those who believed the myth that cardiovascular disease was not significant in women, and that the use of statins wouldn’t help women who might be at risk – this is a big wake-up call.

Pay attention:  you are at risk and statins can be of enormous benefit.  (And improper legislation may prevent women from having access to such a beneficial product).

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