Vol. 17, No. 29, January 17, 2005

IN THIS ISSUE:

This Reveille Home Page | The Friday Program: Antibiotics ­ Friend or Foe? | Tsunami Relief Total at $9,375 | Annual Valentine Dinner | Friday Potpourri | New Member Application Accepted by Board: Dan Geare | Rotarian of the Month: Sayoko Kuwahara | Student of the Month: Laura Ng | Board of Directors Actions | Web Fun

The Friday Program:
Antibiotics -- Friend or Foe?

It appears the jury is still out when it comes to answering Friday’s topic question. Chris Velicer, PhD, from the UW Medical Center, gave important information regarding the use of antibiotics and whether this use could increase the prospect of breast cancer. Velicer is a Senior Trainee at the Center and has been involved an extensive cancer research project.

First, Velicer gave her audience a lesson in medical terms. “Antimicrobial Resistance” is another way of saying that bacteria has built up a resistance to antibiotics through its use over the years. “All colds and flu are virus-caused and antibiotics cannot kill viruses. However, some bacteria can be controlled by antibiotics. When antibiotics are taken unnecessarily or improperly (not following physician’s directions), they can cause drug-resistant infections. These are most difficult to impossible to treat. Drug-resistant infections can be passed from person to person.”

Because of research which shows that some bacteria have built up resistance to antibiotics, physicians are holding off prescribing them for such afflictions as childhood ear infections.

Velicer raised the question about a connection between the use of antibiotics and cancer. She is often asked, “Is this possible? How could antibiotics be associated with cancer?” For one thing, antibiotics can alter the good bacteria that live in your intestines. “This is a very complex study and we don’t know the bottom line yet.” READ MORE

Tsunami Relief Total at $9,375

Kim Shrader and Margie Burnett teamed up to accept donations by members to be sent to these four organizations selected by the World Community Service committee to receive assistance from the BBRC:

The Rotary Foundation/Solidarity in South Asia

World Vision, Federal Way

NW Medical Teams, Portland

Mercy Corp, Portland

The generosity of Rotarians showed once again as $5,375.00 was collected from individuals, which will be matched with $4,000 from the WSC budget. The four organizations will share in 25% of the total.

This week (Friday, January 21), contributions will be taken by Shrader/Burnett for those who may have missed last week’s meeting.

Shrader reminded members that Tsunami Relief donations are tax deductible on the 2004 tax return, according to a government news release recently.

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Annual Valentine Dinner

Bob Moloney, going for his tenth year as chair of this event, explained the process of signing up and participating in this long-standing BBRC tradition. “Host and guests will be assigned by a select group who sponsor the dinner(s), mainly me! Guests will be matched with hosts for the February 12th event. You can sign up at meetings or online (soon).

Jenny Andrews was asked for a testimonial. She said she and her husband Tom had hosted three times and been guests twice. “This is one of nicest events we do in Rotary. I’ve learned how to play Snooker at the Nestlers' and learned a lot about the other guests.” Bob Holert said the dinner shows how much wine we can drink. “The dinner is a lot of fun. It’s a way to have a great evening and get to know people better.”

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Thought for the week

We say that the bacteria have mutated, but from their point of view, it is just a part of the process of natural selection and evolution.

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THIS WEEK'S EDITOR
John Mix

THIS WEEK'S PHOTOGRAPHER(S)
Jim Kindsvater
 

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