Al's Morning Meeting

The Army reported 99 confirmed suicides in 2006, up from 87 in 2005. The Army also listed two additional deaths last year as suspected suicides that have not yet been confirmed by the military's medical examiner.

The Army said failed relationships, legal and financial issues, and "occupational/operational issues" led to the suicides.

Viewed in the context of the total population of U.S. soldiers, the Army recorded 17.3 suicides per 100,000 soldiers in 2006, including the two deaths still pending confirmation. That is up from 12.8 suicides per 100,000 soldiers in 2005.

Last year, 30 of the 99 confirmed suicides occurred in war zones, according to the data.

So far this year, 44 soldiers have committed suicide, including 17 in either Iraq or Afghanistan, the Army said.

That is certainly something to be concerned about. But before we get too nuts over this story, maybe we should see how the Army suicide rate compares with the non-military population. The 17/100,000 rate is right on track with what the rate is for all males in the United States.

If you look at statistics from around the country, you will see that the suicide rate in the Army is equal to the rate you would find in the general populations of Idaho, Colorado and Wyoming, and that the Army's suicide rate is lower than the general populations of New Mexico, Nevada, Montana and Alaska.

But here is the interesting part: When you consider that most serving in Iraq are young, you might find that the suicide rate among those serving in Iraq could be even less than their peers in the general population. The suicide rate for 20 to 24-year-old males in the United States is 20/100,000 [pdf].

'Epidemic' Hyperthyroidism in Pet Cats
The American Chemical Society says a thyroid disease epidemic called "feline hyperthyroidism" (FH) is one of the most common and deadly diseases among older cats in the U.S.

The society's report was published in the August 15 online issue of "Environmental Science & Technology."

Researchers at the Environmental Protection Agency in Research Triangle Park, N.C., the University of Georgia and Indiana University said the root of the cause could be polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) -- environmental contaminants which researchers found to be higher in blood samples of hyperthyroid cats.

The report says this flame-retardant dust that any household would have plenty of accumulates on a cat's fur. Since cats groom themselves a lot, they ingest the dust. 

The society notes:

The epidemic of hyperthyroidism in cats began almost 30 years ago, at the same time when PBDEs were introduced into household materials as a fire-prevention measure. Although the disease was first discovered in the U.S., it has since been diagnosed in Canada, Australia, Japan and many parts of Europe. Hyperthyroid disorders have also increased in humans—former President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush have the disorder, and even Millie, their Springer Spaniel, had contracted it.

Did They Recall 'That?'

I cannot remember a time when so much stuff has been recalled in such a short period of time. We have had pet food, canned goods, toys, jewelry and lord knows what else stripped from the shelves.  How do you, and the public, keep up with it all?

There is a Web site called Recalls.gov that lists recall announcements from several government agencies all constantly updated on one page.

Listen to an NPR story about how people often miss important recalls.

Cupcakes Go Upscale

Upscale cupcakes seem to be gaining popularity. Click here to read about cupcake shops that are popping up.

Editor's Note: Al's Morning Meeting is a compendium of ideas, edited story excerpts and other materials from a variety of Web sites, as well as original concepts and analysis. When the information comes directly from another source, it will be attributed and a link will be provided whenever possible. The column is fact-checked, but depends on the accuracy and integrity of the original sources cited. Errors and inaccuracies found will be corrected.