US FORUM CONNECTION #51
MARCH 2008
This free newsletter is sponsored by the United States Forum of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is an organization of leading women educators with over 140,000 United States members. Delta Kappa Gamma members wishing to subscribe to this FREE newsletter should send a request to . We urge you to share this newsletter with other interested educators who are not members of Delta Kappa Gamma or do not subscribe to this publication.
DRUGS WHICH CAN CAUSE MEMORY PROBLEMS
EQUAL PAY DAY
DRUGS WHICH CAN CAUSE MEMORY PROBLEMS
Recently published studies have found that a number of common prescription drugs can cause memory loss problems. Memory problems are more likely to occur in older individuals; however, some cases have also been reported in younger individuals. General classes of drugs are in bold, generics are followed by the patented trade name in parentheses). Some of the prescription drugs known to have this effect are
Antiarrhythmics [e.g. digoxin (Lanoxin) and disopyramide (Norpace)]
Antibiotics and antivirals [e.g. Acyclovir (Zovirax), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ganciclovir (Cytovene), metronidazole (Flagyl)]
Antihistamines [chlorphiramine (ChlorTrimeton), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), diphenhydramine (Benadryl)]
Antihypertensives [clonidine (Catapres), and beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin) metaprolol (Lopressor) propranolol (Inderal)]
Corticosteroids [methylpredinisolone (Medrol, Meprolone) prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)]
Cough and congestion medications [Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Cough Gels). Pseudoephedrine (Sudaphed)]
Gastrointestinal medications [cimetiedine (Tagemeet), diphenoxylate (combined with atropine in Lofene, Lomotil), dicyclomine (Bentyl), glycopyrrolate (Robinul), hyoscomine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz), scopolamine (Scopace)]
Incontinence medications [oxybutinin (Ditropan) solifenacin (VESIcare), tolterodine (Detrol)]
Migraine medications[Naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt)]
Muscle relactants [cyclobenzapine (Flexeril) orphenadrine (Antiflex)]
Painkillers [codeine (generic), meperidine (Demerol), pentazocine (Talwin), propoxyphene (Darvon)]
Parkinson’s medications [amantadine (Symmetrel), levodopa (Sinemet), selegiline (Eldepryl)]
Sleep medications [eszapiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata) zolpidem (Ambien CR)]
Tricyclic antidepressants [amitriptyline (Elavil), imipromine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor)]
This information is given as a guide in determining alternatives each individual may want to consider. It also serves to inform you that memory problems may be caused by taking these drugs rather than advancing age. Younger individuals are not affected as dramatically as older individuals.
EQUAL PAY DAY
Equal Pay Day will be Tuesday, April 22, 2008. AAUW branches across the country will engage in a variety of activities designed to promote pay equity on Equal Pay Day. AAUW community leaders will also mobilize to educate others about pay discrimination and to unite their communities in support of the Fair Pay Restoration Act (S. 1843), which addresses the Supreme Court's recent, wrongheaded decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. AAUW has been a leader in moving the bill forward, and state and branch public policy chairs have been holding in-state meetings with Senate staff.
Take Action!
Visit AAUW's Pay Equity webpage and download the Pay Equity Resource Kit for ideas, tips, and resources to use in your community on Equal Pay Day and throughout the year. Examples for activities include a pay equity bake sale or "unhappy hour," where women get a 23 percent discount while men pay full price, and encouraging women to wear red to represent the way the pay gap puts women "in the red." AAUW has "I am the face of pay equity" signs and stickers available for use at AAUW events. You can also urge your senators to support the Fair Pay Restoration Act through AAUW's Two-Minute Activist. With the exciting prospect of this bill moving forward in Congress, all AAUW members must do their part to promote this legislation. Finally, email AAUW's Public Policy and Government Relations staff to let them know what you plan to do for Equal Pay Day in your community.
For on-line information on bills go to
CONTACT ADDRESSES FOR GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
U.S. GOVERNMENT CONTACT INFORMATION can be obtained through Congressional Switchboard 1-866-327-8670 (this is a toll free number). You can contact your Congressman and Senator through this number without paying long distance charges.
for members of the House of Representatives for members of the U.S. Senate
White House Switchboard (202) 546-1414
STATE GOVERNMENT CONTACT INFORMATION can be obtained through
Information available at this site allows contact with governors, members of the state legislature, state supreme court, congressional delegation and state agencies such as the Education Department, Attorney General, Motor Vehicles Department and Voter Registration.
INFORMATION ON HOW YOUR CONGRESSMAN VOTED ON KEY BILLS
FIVE CONSTITUENT CONTACTS WILL CAUSE A LEGISLATOR TO PAY SERIOUS ATTENTION TO A GIVEN ISSUE.