Hi All,

>>Actually, aspirin causes, not prevents heart attacks
>
>Could you please offer a reference for this information?
This is from Alive Magazine - the Canadian Journal of Health and Nutrition.
June 1997 -  The Birthday of Bayer-Something to Celebrate?

The fact is that aspirin does not save lives. For some patients it is fatal.

In 1935, the AMA Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry released a report that
stated, "The indiscriminate use of Bayer aspirin as urged in the
advertising, is inimical to public and individual health...Aspirin is
potentially a dangerous drug and its unqualified use as a home remedy
should be undertaken only under the guidance of a family physician."

In 1938 the Council enforced a ruling stating that it could not accept
porducts from a company that was 'more engaged in selling patent medicine
than distributing ethical preparations.'  That was about the same time that
consumers found the familiar little tin box on the drug store shelves, a
package that fitted neatly into the pocket or purse. The box said, "Genuine
Bayer aspirin does not harm the heart." But the FDA did not take action
against Bayer. However, officials did charge and fine another, smaller
manufacturer of acetylsalicyclioc acid for the same claims.

In as many as 21 percent of low-risk patients, the use of aspirin causes
cerebral hemorrhage which can lead to stroke. About 20% experience other
debilitating side effects, including stomach upset, neausea, and vomiting
as well as ulcers, liver damage and allergic reactions. Aspirin also
depletes the body's store of essential vitamins and minerals, notably iron.

Dr. Michael Buchanan, research pathologist at McMaster University, Toronto
discovered that Bayer's claim that aspirin stops platelets from sticking
together and forming clots is actually a reversal of the truth. Aspirin use
in the general population increases the risk of blockage. It also causes
macular degeneration which has become the leading cause of blindness in the
elderly!
*(a lot of history)*
.... 'If any one of the Farben names should be selected to head the rolls
of dishonour, that name is Bayer.'

Bayer continues to claim (without government challenge) that aspirin is the
only over the counter analgesic to help prevent recurrent heart artack and
stroke. Yet manufacturers of vitamin and herbal products many not make any
health clams for traditional herbs and dietary suppliments that have
established therapeutic value for hundreds of years.