Just a reminder, we have a rotten Medicare prescription drug program in part because of the AARP.

Public Citizen has the details of some of AARP’s conflict of interest.

AARP Has Financial Conflict of Interest in Medicare Drug Bill

“Taking its business activities into account, AARP would stand to gain tens of millions of dollars each year in new income under the Republican Medicare bill, a finding that presents a significant conflict of interest for an organization trying to represent the best interests of its members,” said Frank Clemente, director of Public Citizen’s Congress Watch.  Read more 

So a family member has inspired me to look into Chantix. Like most people with a habit, I’ve reached that point in my life when it is Really Important that I quit smoking. I’m one of those ’serious addicts’ and have never been able to make it more than 10 days without a smoke. The longest I’ve ever gone is when I was in boot, and when I got kicked out of the Corps, well, let’s just say that felt like a really good time for some self-destruction, and I lit up again almost right after signing my final papers. The gum never did it for me and that other drug that’s been out for a while sounded scary and not too effectual. So what do you all think about Chantix? Anyone tried it? There’s a slim chance, poor blogger that I am, I may even qualify for a free trial for a few months. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated. Consider this a Smoking Open Thread, where we’d love it for you to share your stories, smoker and nonsmoker alike.