In this issue of HWR we bring you some personal experience articles that can bring out new passions as well as competing ideas. We have a personal experience response to the opioid article about different medical experiences as well as a call to action from our Medical Editor.

Our Wealth Tip addresses the volatility of investing with the new parameter of a trade war

Jump around or read the entire issue.  Is any of this important to you?  We need to know if our efforts are worthwhile or should be re-directed.  We don’t really expect that every article will be of interest to every reader but there ought to be at least one important article in each issue that presses some of your ON BUTTONS.  Let us know if we are wasting electrons!!

Our intent is to publish smaller newsletters twice a month starting with this issue. Be sure to be in touch with Richard Gray, Editor, at rgray@fjmc.org with your articles, comments, appreciation and critiques. Each issue is brought to you by your editorial staff that includes:

• Richard Gray (Editor in Chief)
• Steven Mandel MD (Medical Editor)
• Gary Smith (Wealth Editor)
• Mark Druy (Publisher)

This HWR was sent out on , at approximately 11:15 PM (Eastern and prior to Shabbat).

HEALTH TIPS

A Differing Viewpoint on Marijuana

Leonard Kanterman, MD

I must disagree with SOME of what your expert said, especially about marijuana. Yes, it is true that today's marijuana is much more potent than that of our college days. HOWEVER, I can tell you that before medical marijuana laws changed it was almost impossible for a "regular" physician to prescribe. The process was so cumbersome and time consuming most docs simply gave up and this denied a useful therapeutic option to some patients.
 
Also, in my practice experience, I saw no link between marijuana use and subsequent opioid abuse. The common denominator was, and this has been reported, the abuser usually got their first prescription for opiates from a doctor for a legitimate injury but liked the way they felt so wanted to take more and keep taking it after it was no longer medically necessary. And the patients were very skillful in convincing physicians that they "couldn't get by" without the pain killers.

A CALL TO ACTION from Steven Mandel MD

On May 1st at Sutton Place Synagogue, in NY, I have organized a Community Health Forum, with the FJMC and MRJ. All the Conservative and Reform Synagogues Men’s Clubs will gather families and Community Leaders including the Jewish Board to address the following:

• Substance Abuse /Addiction
• Mental Health- including suicide 
• Brain Health - Memory Loss and Alzheimer’s.

Emergency department (ED) visits for opioid overdoses rose 30% in all parts of the US from July 2016 through September 2017. People who have had an overdose are more likely to have another, so being seen in the ED is an opportunity for action. Repeat overdoses may be prevented with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD), which is defined as a problematic pattern of opioid use. EDs can provide naloxone, link patients to treatment and referral services, and provide health departments with critical data on overdoses.
 
Key points:
•  30% - Opioid overdoses went up 30% from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
•  70% - The Midwestern region witnessed opioid overdoses increase 70% from July 2016 through September 2017.
•  54% - Opioid overdoses in large cities increased by 54% in 16 states.

Let’s look at the effect of the threatened Tariffs
(written March 25, 2018) by Gary Smith and Richard Gray

Because of the effects of the news following the end of March announcement of tarifs and a trade war the markets dropped.  In reality another correction is here. Donald Trump is laying 172 billion dollars of tariffs on China. China’s retaliation so far is weak. They countered with 3 billion dollars on T-shirts, jackets, and other goods.  The reality China does not make much on consumer goods anymore as their costs are too high. These types of goods are shipped from Bangladesh, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, Cambodia, etc.  
 
President Trump is only hurting his own base.  What do I mean? Think about this, phones, components for our phones, lighting and many other goods we use are assembled in China. They are then shipped to the US. The tariffs will only hurt all Americans but especially his base who will not be able to afford products made overseas and shipped here at a higher cost.
 
Bottom line is this news is much to do about nothing. When the dust settles soon with all the bad news out the market should resume its climb. All signals are for a green light as nothing has really changed except there will be a great buying opportunity in China and other international companies. We talked about Tencent and Naspers recently.
 
In Jan. 2017 Peter Churchouse was interviewed by his namesake newsletter the Churchouse Letter. Peter has lived and invested in Hong Kong for decades. His response could not have been more prognostic or intuitive.
 
He stated: “Most people around the world recognize that China is dumping steel into the world markets at somewhat unfair prices. So tariffs on steel is one thing that I think will get support from a lot of people around the world.”  Peter goes on: “The fact of the matter is you are buying TV’s and your computers and your mobile phone and everything a lot cheaper today than 10-15 years ago. And why is that?  Because they have come from China and other parts of Asia.  If you start slapping 35 % tarifs on all this stuff it means you are raising the price to the American consumer.” 
 
We will see how this scenario plays out, but I believe there is much posturing and politics going on.  The truth is we need the world and the world needs us.  So a fight in this direction is likely to end up in a stalemate. Things will go back pretty much to what they were with little effect.  Chinese and other stocks will continue their upward ascent after one or more corrections. 
 
Bigger questions are whether America is using up its leadership capital while China and other countries are building theirs? Will America be the unique world leader with the only real reserve currency in a few years?  Will America be in a position to create huge deficits with impunity? 

This issue is prepared by a bunch of guys who are continuing to GIVE BACK to FJMC.  We invite you to also give back to FJMC through your participation and most importantly through donations supporting FJMC as Friends of FJMC.  Participate by clicking on “Become a Friend of FJMC” on www.FJMC.org or contact Gary Smith at gsmith@fjmc.org.

•Richard Gray, an FJMC donor, past FJMC international officer and past New England Region President who likes to hang out with great guys and finds FJMC a good place to work to make a difference.  He and Gary Smith lead the Wealth Management initiatives in FJMC and are part of the group building Family Conversations.

 
•Gary Smith, past International Vice President, an FJMC donor, is Co-editor of the HWR newsletters as well as being an FJMC donor he is Chair of the Foundation for Jewish Life.
•Dr. Steven Mandel, FJMC Member, our Medical Editor from Lenox Hill hospital in NY.
•Mark Druy, past FJMC International Vice President, past New England Region President, and an FJMC donor, is the Publisher of this newsletter.

Send your comments to Richard Gray at rgray@fjmc.org.  We want to hear from you. HWR is a publication of the FJMC.

We hope that you enjoyed this issue and will consider sharing with other members of your club, family, and friends.  Ask them to opt-in and receive this newsletter.  We are building a nice following and appreciate your support.  Dr Steven Mandel is our Medical Editor and Richard Gray and Gary Smith write the wealth articles.  We are looking for guest writers; if interested please contact with Richard or Gary. If you're receiving this from a friend forwarding you the newsletter, you’ll need to ‘opt-in’ to receive this newsletter.  To opt-in, and receive this bi-weekly publication, click on the following link, and provide us with your email address: https://fjmc.org/civicrm/mailing/subscribe?reset=1&gid=1302.