Forty Something Forever by Harold and Arline Brecher

Not Another Book On Chelation!

In 1981, when Arline agreed to co-author a book about chelation (pronounced 'KEY-LAY-SHUN') therapy with Elmer Cranton, M.D., we hoped it would be the definitive work on the subject.

Our goal at the time was to describe a valuable, but poorly understood medical treatment so clearly, credibly and completely, there'd be no need to write more - ever. The work that evolved, Bypassing Bypass (Stein and Day, 1984) measured up somewhat. It introduced chelation to countless numbers who never had heard of it, and influenced many to investigate this non-surgical treatment for themselves. Although the book got off to a slow start, it became increasingly popular over time an astonishing stunt for a text that was the publishing industry equivalent of an orphaned-at-birth child.

THE BYPASSING BYPASS SAGA

Bypassing Bypass arrived in the marketplace without fanfare or promotional support. No 'pub' parties, ads, or book reviews marked publication date. There were no talk shows, book signings, or check-out counter displays at retail book outlets. No major distributor stocked it. You get the picture: there was none of the hoopla that celebrates the advent of an important book.

More discouraging yet, within months the publisher ran short of cash. The printer tied up unpaid-for books in his warehouse. When the first edition sold out, reorders went unfilled, and for some three years afterwards, few copies made it to market. Despite all these and other obstacles, the book survived and made its mark. Why? How! We can only assume because it delivered a powerful message, vitally important to many people.

Most of the credit goes to the legion of enthusiastic and diligent chelation supporters who kept the book alive by word-of-mouth recommendations· From 1984 on, rarely a day passed without inquiries from someone advised to get a copy of BB for themselves or a loved one. Positive feedback is a real 'high' for a writer. It's always exciting to hear, "I read your book"; better still "I liked your book"; best of all - "Bless you for writing the book, it helped me get well" or”...saved my life."

We've heard those wonderful words over and over, the thrill in no way dulled by repetition. On 'dark days', it was cheering to be called by people so grateful for restored health, they'd made a non-profit project of distributing books to friends and relatives. Bernard Smyk of Newport Beach, California, ordered 40 books and asked, "Do you care if I give these away?" Others, angry at the recalcitrant orthodox medical community, passed them out to uninformed or hostile physicians, to legislators, medical societies, to religious counselors or wherever they thought they would do the most good.

One senior citizen, Virgil Brubaker of Haines City, Florida was motivated to call a meeting of his Fellow trailer park retirees. He invited his chelation doctor to address the group, and handed out books (at his expense) to all who showed.

"Guess how many people came? he phoned to gloat. "One hundred and twenty, and it was a stormy night with a hurricane brewing just a few miles off the coast." Happy man. He felt he saved lives.

Since the original work is spreading the word so well, why write another book about chelation? Having said it all, what more is there to say? Quite a bit as it turns out.

BOOKS ARE NOT WINE THEY DO NOT IMPROVE WITH AGE

Medical books have a limited shelf life. Rightly so. Some, like a tasty fruit, develop 'black' spots as the science matures. This is particularly true when writing about chelation, which has 'grown up' a lot in the the last ten years.

We live in fast-moving times. Compare current headlines with yesteryear's and you’ll realize how much has changed since 1980. With each day that goes by, there are indications of how radically different today's reading public is: more sophisticated, mom health savvy and more aware of the political influence on medical issues than they were a decade ago. One result is an exploding interest in alternative medicine the subject of a recent Time Magazine front page. Another is the eager reception given to non-conventional voices. Lately, we're asked to speak on more radio programs, at more health seminars, and to more diverse groups than in all previous years. Given those circumstances, an outdated book can be an embarrassment, especially when obliged to discuss or defend it at a public appearance. Let us explain.

• What was 'new' In 1982 is old hat today.

There are an estimated half million or so more chelated patients than a decade ago, and at least two and a half times that number of people bypassed. One consequence is an abundance of new evidence by which to judge the comparative merit of these and other competing therapies.

• Bypass 'bashing' is out of step with the times.

Ten years ago, the dangerous ineffectiveness of bypass surgery had not been exposed or explained. Today. it's no longer big news that this over-prescribed, high-risk procedure is of questionable value and should be avoided more often than not. In the 1980's, it was essential to record how often the 'bypassed' had poor long-range outcomes. In the 1990’s, railing against bypass surgery misses the mark. Scads of reputable cardiologists, many from within academia, now voice the same concerns.

• Angioplasty is NOT the "promising" surgical alternative to bypass we once thought.

In 1984, we held out some hope that competitive alternatives to bypass surgery, such as PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty), would prove significantly safer and more effective than the operations then available to open clogged arteries. Now we know better. Once again, warnings are in order - this time about the newest, equally unproven invasive procedures: balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, laser angioplasty, heart punctures, artery stents and other highly promoted atherosclerotic 'cures'. It's time to restate the reminder: "new" and "good" are not synonymous.

• The old book told only half the story.

Atherosclerosis, (clogged arteries), admittedly a major health problem, is not the real cause of most cases of sudden heart attack death. Tachycardia arrhythmia is the unaddressed disorder that must be faced. It is difficult to avoid misguided treatment decisions unless you recognize and understand the enemy.

• Hopes for establishment acceptance of chelation and other alternate therapies have taken a new turn.

The growth of public enthusiasm for non-invasive treatments has triggered a backlash, intensifying opposition against all natural remedies. One state (Arizona) recently 'outlawed’ chelation.

Clinicians who challenge orthodoxy routinely face persecution and prosecution, making it more evident than ever that scientific investigation on its own is not likely to set the record straight. Clearly there's a need for consumers, educated as to what's at stake, to work together to protect chelation and other benign therapies from extinction.

• The much-heralded FDA study of EDTA will NOT be completed as promised.

The 'Chelation Project seeking FDA approval of EDTA for arterial disease via controlled double blind clinical trials, begun with such optimism in 1985, has stalled time and again and is now defunct. (See Chapter Twelve.) Contrary to information published in the 'updated second edition' of Bypassing Bypass that study is over.

• Beneficial as chelation may be, EDTA alone does not assure healthful longevity.

Contrary to what the over-enthusiastic purport, chelation does not 'cure' old age and its symptoms. It does give the body a reprieve-a chance to regenerate. Health seekers, chelated or nor, need the latest detailed information about diet, exercise, nutritional supplements and all else that makes up a health-promoting lifestyle.

Scientific investigation of life extension has shifted into high gear. Impressive research strides have been made in the twin fields of free radical pathology and bio-oxidative medicine. Strategies which boost immune systems and build free radical protection make living happily and usefully to 120 a reasonable goal. Yet most people are confused as to how best to translate findings into practical everyday action that will help them achieve a healthy, indefinitely extended 'middlescence'

ME, A HEALTH NUT? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!

If you're more health-conscious than you were a few years back, you're in step with an important 90's trend. It's clear the tide has turned when former 'hippie' Jerry Rubin, who once advocated political revolution, is now hawking health. Oprah made headlines when she slimmed down. Forty-five year old Cher's newest video is for body-building buffs. Vitamin cocktail bars are in vogue on the west coast. The busiest night spots in trend-setting L.A. feature 'smart drugs' and Vitamin C 'shakes'.

People who once thought it an insult to be called a 'health nut are, flattered instead now that 'health nuts' are in style. Fat-free diets, aerobic exercise and nutritional supplements are fashionable on every Main Street in the USA. Middle America is more willing to consider innovative cures than ever before. Mental imagery, homeopathy, herbal medicinals and natural remedies have attracted countless new followers.

Many suspect the answers to this century's most pressing health problems cancer, heart disease, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, asthma, allergies and other auto-immune diseases may well come from surprising places Trailblazing investigators are scouring the jungles of Africa, reviewing ancient Far Eastern medicines, and looking into remedies developed by the maverick physicians who dare challenge orthodoxy.

This no-holds-barred approach is paying off. A growing cadre of tough-minded, independent physicians, including some 200 new chelationists, have abandoned drug and surgery-centered practices and made the switch to non-invasive remedies. They're not hurting for patients. Concerned that many 'cures' have been found to 'kill', a multitude of the ailing seek out holistically-based, natural treatments, immune boasting therapies and non-toxic healings.

Once we recognized a genuine need for a new book addressing emerging issues, we decided to write it from a fresh point of view - one more in line with consumer perspectives. The person visiting a doctor's office has a totally different slant on health matters than the white-frocked individual sporting a stethoscope. Journalists, accustomed to translating scientific subjects into language non-scientists can grasp, are more familiar with people-oriented issues than physicians temporarily turned scribe.

As every science writer knows, co-authoring a medical book with a doctor is a mixed bag with drawbacks that may outweigh the advantages. On the plus side, the doctor/co-author, well-versed in his or her field of expertise, may be privy to research that will not be public knowledge for some time to come. Teamed up with a skilled writer, the doctor may shed new light on a medical subject and simultaneously do a real public service.

On the downside, the doctor may have a hidden agenda. He may be writing with an eye toward boosting his clinical practice, status among colleagues, standing with medical societies, credibility with licensing authorities. The more eager the doctor is to impress the professional community, the more likely the book will be self-serving. A more grave possibility is the work may fall short of the mark because the doctor/author has something to sell. Business interests may skew editorial Contents to promote products in which he has a financial stake. When the author is a practicing clinician, he is wooing not only the book-buyer, but a potential patient and customer as well.

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A WORD TO DOCTORS

Some physicians may be offended by a medical book written by nonphysicians, especially when the subjects tackled are highly controversial. Readers who benefited from health books written by Jean Carper (The Food Pharmacy), Maureen Salaman (Foods that Heal, Jane Heimlich (What Your Doctor Won't Tell You), Ann Wigmore (Be Your Own Doctor) and Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw (Life Extension) will undoubtedly take a different view.

Those who remember how dramatically Adele Davis in the 1960's and Nathan Pritikin in the 1980's (both non-doctors) changed America's dietary habits for the better, welcome well-researched texts written without a doctor's by-line. The public understands journalists have nothing to sell but the truth as they see it. Since they're not part of the medical money stream, they can afford to be totally objective.

While we don't have the credentials of an M.D., (and we certainly insist readers consult a physician before taking any action that will effect their health) we do have a great deal of experience to draw upon. For twenty years, we've crisscrossed the country, covered hundreds of medical conventions both stateside and abroad, to report on research representing wildly diverse points of view. We've filed copy from mainstream gatherings and from some of the more exotic (and interesting) 'fringe' science assemblies.

We're as familiar with [he AMA (American Medical Association), AHA (American Heart Association), NCI (National Cancer Institute) - (the full alphabet of prominent associations) - as with the scientific groups you may have never hear much of: the futurists, parapsychologists, dowsers and dreamers. We've investigated and reported on medical breakthroughs and junk science, and hopefully have learned to distinguish between the two.

The result is this book, based on research material and interviews collected over many years, including last-minute news that arrived as the manuscript was on its way to be typeset We wrote it with the generous help of some hundred or more clinicians, researchers and health authorities from many disciplines, and avoided the onus of giving any one doctor editorial control.

We see our role as translators and intermediaries. Forty Something Forever reflects our personal experience, and is written with the aim of sharing what we've learned over time. As go-betweens, our goals are two-fold: to serve as a bridge between the scientific community and the public-at-large, and to help consumers become more acutely aware of the many behind-the-scenes forces that stand in the way of their achieving optimal health.

While we have no vested interest in promoting chelation therapy or "saving" the chelators, we do want to alert consumers to their vulnerability in the medical marketplace. Anytime doctors and scientists squabble, play politics, or angle for profits, the public is short-changed, medically speaking, and gets hit in the pocketbook. The more that's at stake, the higher the bill. We cannot think of a clearer example than the three decades-old chelation controversy.

Thus, in the pages that follow we'll do our best to address the reader's health concerns. We'll direct our attention to the questions most frequently asked: What's the truth about chelation? Bypass? Angioplasty? Where do I find a good doctor? What does it cost? What's good, What's not? What can I do to regain my health? To live better? Longer? What about oat bran? Margarine? Eggs? What should I eat? What medicines or vitamins are safe to take?

If you are suffering from a degenerative disease, or worried about a loved one whose health is deteriorating, your life and future happiness may well depend on sound answers to such questions. Here goes.

* Source: "Introduction" for Forty Something Forever - by Harold & Arline Brecher