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Perhaps lives were saved by DDT, but the long-term effects of this and other poisons are still not quantifiable. Using DDT to wipe out a population of mosquitoes to prevent malaria has proved to be a short-sighted solution--it did not take into account the impact of DDT on the ecosystem and on other living beings. It was used at a time when people thought that they could duck-and-cover to avoid injury during an atomic blast, and when they advertised cigarettes on TV. These are attitudes that have helped bring on the dangerous imbalances in our lives that cause things like Parkinsons and cancer. When we are taking pills to counteract the effects of other pills taken to counteract the effects of other chemicals, then it means the whole system is out of whack and the malaria prevented doesn't make it balanced. It is difficult, when facing a challenge like PD, to not feel helpless against a series of uninformed actions made by others that have polluted our world, even with the best intentions, but perhaps the best thing we can do as individuals is to try and restore balance in our lives. We don't *have* to accept all the toxins that have become commonplace. We can choose organic produce, natural cleansers, herbal flea collars on our pets, biodegradeable antifreeze, even. We can even examine ourselves for self-generated toxicity--for grudges held too long, for hopelessness and resignation, for hatred and envy, for acceptance of a prognosis. Anne Marcotty (P) sister Fiona, 38/4