"precautionary principle World English Dictionary precautionary principle ��" n the precept that an action should not be taken if the consequences are uncertain and potentially dangerous" http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/precautionary+principle --------------------------------------------------- The following link gives more detail: http://www.sehn.org/Volume_3-1.html In particular the following part should help clarify: "What about "scientific uncertainty"? Why should we take action before science tells us what is harmful or what is causing harm? Sometimes if we wait for proof it is too late. Scientific standards for demonstrating cause and effect are very high. For example, smoking was strongly suspected of causing lung cancer long before the link was demonstrated conclusively - that is, to the satisfaction of scientific standards of cause and effect. By then, many smokers had died of lung cancer. But many other people had already quit smoking because of the growing evidence that smoking was linked to lung cancer. These people were wisely exercising precaution despite some scientific uncertainty. Often a problem - such as a cluster of cancer cases or global warming - is too large, its causes too diverse, or the effects too long term to be sorted out with scientific experiments that would prove cause and effect. It's hard to take these problems into the laboratory. Instead, we have to rely on observations, case studies or predictions based on current knowledge. According to the precautionary principle, when substantial scientific evidence of any kind gives us good reason to believe that an activity, technology or substance may be harmful, we should act to prevent harm. If we always wait for scientific certainty, people may suffer and die, and damage to the natural world may be irreversible." Here is a link that might be useful: link for above quote of more detail

Cindy, I made a list of criteria that was important to me when I started looking for assisted living. Everything from staff quality and ratios to the little details, like does the apartment have it's own controls for heat/AC (Mom likes her living space at 85 degrees + all year round!) I visited six places, by appointment, was able to cross 3 off the list on the first visit. It is so important to get the preliminary groundwork done when you are NOT in crisis mode. For us, a smaller community works well (42units)where she is well know by all staff. No where is perfect,but I am still happy with the choice I made, since I could no longer offer her the kind of care she required 24/7.

I called and at least got them to move the appt. from the 26th to the 14th. I guess if you not dying, then there is no big rush. I know I should be relieved, but I just want to know what is going on. I got the results in an email and it was not normal, but the explanation was medical gibberish to me. I did lots of web searches but it more confusing than helpful. I need the doctor to explain it. I want to move on with my life and not have this hanging over my head. Clare

Donna - I thought that there was an optimism to Michael J. Fox's book too, because of his attitude, as you say (different from J. Scott Fitzgerald that Chisue mentions). He definitely doesn't feel sorry for himself and echoes the saying, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." One tidbit of information I hadn't realized before reading the book is that his middle initial really isn't "J," it's "A" (for Andrew). He didn't use this middle initial for various reasons, partly because it would make him sound really Canadian (Michael ayyy Fox)! I will have to read his second book also. It was a pleasure to read Lucky Man.