MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'alert'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:54:16 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096653&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F38647165%2Fhealth_monitoring_technology_in_cars.php © epSos.deFord Motor Company is driving into the on-the-go consumer health market by developing a way to display pollen counts and other allergen levels to drivers using its existing link to smart phone apps. Ford has also made a prototype that can synchronize glucose monitoring devices via Bluetooth, and display glucose levels and sound an alert if they fall too low. The company says it has developed these technologies to meet consumer demand for on-the-to health information. However, very few deadly accidents are actually ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096653 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:53:17 +0100 5096653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050875&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F38647165%2Ffemale_teens_memory_more_affected_by_binge_drinking.php © foto_chTeens into binge drinking (drinking alcohol, that is) should think again. A new study reveals that binge drinking in teens may affect their spatial working memory and girls appear to be more vulnerable. The VA San Diego Healthcare System, reported in a recent news release that heavy drinking female teenagers had less brain activation in several brain regions than female non-drinking teens when doing the same spatial task. Spatial working memory is defined as the ability to perceive the space around you and ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050875 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:03:32 +0100 5050875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028744&cid=t_107662_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fadhd-drugs%2Ftreating-adhd-in-children-fda-on-alert.php The FDA is concerned about ADHD drugs because they can and do, cause heart problems and hallucinations. The numbers are small but enough to force the FDA to recommend that the drug companies put the black box warning on the boxes of medication. That is the strongest warning possible so we are not talking here about minor side effects. Is this the best we can do in treating ADHD in children ? There are many doctors now who are convinced that the drugs are being over prescribed for ADHD. In addition, as if that was not enough, ADHD is being over diagnosed.. The Harvard Medical School in a recent paper estimates that up to 8 to 10% of children may have ADHD. Also there could be up to 2.5 million children being treated with these medications. So, what is wrong with treating ADHD in children wi... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028744 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5028744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820959&cid=t_107662_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-it-companies-bring-innovation-emergency-situations My recent blog on “Mobile Solutions Key to Evolving Emergency Care” prompted me to further ponder the current availability of mobile healthcare devices that enable a patient to initiate communication – even at a very basic, even non-verbal level - with caregivers before they arrive at the ER. Two companies – both relatively new to the industry it seems – caught my eye. No sticky read more (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820959 Fri, 13 May 2011 13:01:00 +0100 4820959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670081&cid=t_107662_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fthose-who-dismiss-heathcare-and-healht.html At my Sept. 2010 post "The Dangers of Critical Thinking in A Politicized, Irrational Culture" I wrote:... It's the EMR "anecdotalists" (as opposed to the "Markopolists") who say that "anecdotes" of HIT-related injury are meaningless. They deem reports of safety issues and HIT-related misadventures and risk as simply "anecdotal", and that "anecdotes don't make evidence" (or "anecdotes don't make data").For "anecdotes" of patient harm due to medical devices even from the most reliable of sources to be counted as "evidence" of device risk, apparently, the stories need to be blessed with Statistical Holy Water. The Holy Water must also be of a brand approved by the academic pundits.For me, this is no longer merely a professional debate. My elderly mother became one of those "anecdotes" in M... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670081 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:12:00 +0100 4670081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642550&cid=t_107662_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fthose-who-dismiss-heathcare-and-healht.html At my Sept. 2010 post "The Dangers of Critical Thinking in A Politicized, Irrational Culture" I wrote:... It's the EMR "anecdotalists" (as opposed to the "Markopolists") who say that "anecdotes" of HIT-related injury are meaningless. They deem reports of safety issues and HIT-related misadventures and risk as simply "anecdotal", and that "anecdotes don't make evidence" (or "anecdotes don't make data").For "anecdotes" of patient harm due to medical devices even from the most reliable of sources to be counted as "evidence" of device risk, apparently, the stories need to be blessed with Statistical Holy Water. The Holy Water must also be of a brand approved by the academic pundits.For me, this is no longer merely a professional debate. My elderly mother became one of those "anecdotes" in M... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642550 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 12:12:00 +0100 4642550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411508&cid=t_107662_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FEUt-MMRartk%2F By Benjamin H. FriedmanJim Harper noted yesterday that the Department of Homeland Security (after lengthy review) has decided to scrap its color-coded alert system. The change is long overdue–the alerts implied, absurdly, that danger was equally distributed across the nation. The fact that the Department never used the blue and green threat levels (general and low risk), which most accurately describe the true danger most Americans face from terrorism, showed the systems’ inherent threat inflation. Eventually, everyone started ignoring the threat level, officials stopped changing it, and system became a charade. Jim argues that, in place of the colors, the Department should inform “the public fully about threats and risks known to the U.S. government,” treating us l... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411508 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:40:09 +0100 4411508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133971&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F38647165%2Fcaffeine_overdose_too_much_of_anything_can_be_lethal.php © mararieToo much of anything can be really be lethal. You are lucky if you make it out of the hospital alive. Take for example the case of this British guy who ingested caffeine powder equivalent to 70 cans of red bull and then died. 23-year-old Michael Bedford ingested two spoonfuls of the said caffeine powder at a party with his friends. It appears that high alcohol and high caffeine in the body is a deadly mix as was the case last month ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133971 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 02:37:40 +0100 4133971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086381&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F38647165%2Fthe_2010_mhealth_summit.php WHAT: 2010 mHealth Summit WHEN: November 8-10, 2010 WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C. The partnership of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, mHealth Alliance and the National Institutes of Health brings us the mHealth Summit -- the one event where research, technology, policy and the business of healthcare come together to shape the future of mobile health. This year's keynote speakers include Bill Gates (Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), Aneesh Chopra (US Chief ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086381 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:13:30 +0100 4086381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074219&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F38647165%2Foctober_is_spina_bifida_awareness_month.php © jamieanneIn the United States, birth defects occur in 7 out of every 10,000 live births and Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect. The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) is celebrating October as Spina Bifida Awareness Month in order to educate the public about this debilitating birth defect. Spina Bifida happens when the spinal column doesn't close completely. It occurs during the first month of pregnancy and so it is very important that women take proper precautions to prevent it ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074219 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:04:17 +0100 4074219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253239&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F38647165%2Fsettling_a_personal_injury_claim.php © adria.richardsMany times you visit the doctor due to illnesses and diseases. However, there are other times when you visit the doctor in order to heal yourself from an injury. The medical fees that are associated with personal injuries can be very costly, sometimes reaching millions of dollars especially for serious and extreme injuries. Whenever you are involved in such an incident, you may actually not be liable for these costs. For some cases, you may be able to file an injury claim against ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253239 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:32:57 +0100 4253239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913176&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Freality_tv_raises_desire_for_plastic_surgery.php © madelineyokiThese days, the television is just full of reality makeover shows. These shows may appear to have different platforms ranging from a minor hairstyle redo, dental improvements, skin peeling up to the most extreme, like a complete facial and body transformation through plastic surgery. Yet the message is the same, that you are not beautiful enough! In a recent episode of the News at 5 on Fox's 29 channel, TV show host Kerri Lee Halkett had psychologist Patrick Markey as guest. Markey ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913176 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:26:30 +0100 3913176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913037&cid=t_107662_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fconsumer-alert-unauthorized-sleep-aid.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913037 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3913037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105827&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fweight_loss_and_treadmill_buyers_guide.php © BitmanBecause walking or running are natural activities that each of us can do, treadmill appeals to practically everyone when choosing a fitness equipment. I myself have always planned on getting a treadmill myself. I just never got around to buying one, simply because I couldn't afford it. Anyways, if you want a treadmill yourself... you should look for a treadmill buyers guide on the web and of course make sure that you really want one and that you can afford it. Since getting ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105827 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:55:11 +0100 4105827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772335&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Ffive_common_medication_errors_to_avoid.php © Charles WilliamsMake sure you are taking your medications the right away. Avoid the following errors many people make: 1. Not reading the label. This is mostly true for people who buy over the counter. They don't check what they are buying has ingredients to which they are allergic, or if the drug interacts harmfully with other medications. 2. Using sedatives during a heartburn. People who take benzodiazepines like Valium, Xanax, and Halcion are 50 percent more likely to suffer a heartburn ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772335 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:16:47 +0100 3772335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695677&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fbotox_can_mess_up_your_ability_to_feel_emotions.php © Vancouver Laser & Skincare CentreAccording to statistics provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, botox injections were the number 1 nonsurgical cosmetic procedure performed in 2009. Now, according to a new study reported in the journal Emotions, aside from giving you smooth wrinkles and limited facial expressions, botox injections may also dampen your ability to feel emotions. Botox injections smooth wrinkles by paralyzing the wrinkles-causing underlying muscles. In this new study, participants who received Botox injections have self-reported less emotional ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695677 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:01:47 +0100 3695677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683737&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fsleep_better_and_live_better_with_natural_forma_sleep_system.php Natural Form® Sleep SystemThe new Natural Form® Sleep System with Self-Adjusting Technology® is the only sleeping surface that provides comfortable, pressure-free sleep. The only Sleep System that adjusts to the body and re-adjusts throughout the night as you change sleeping positions, Natural Form® is trusted by hospitals in over 15 countries. Also, Natural Form® was chosen by Hilton Garden Inn to provide guests with the ultimate sleep comfort. It's truly important to get a good night's sleep. It provides zero pressure points, proper ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683737 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3683737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3666071&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fnational_mens_health_week_and_7_tips_for_preserving_mind_and_body.php © mikebairdNational Men's Health Week is from June 14 to June 20. With busy schedules and little time to relax, taking care of one's body sometimes gets put to the wayside. However, ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Ian Wahl, DAc, LAc, CH suggests men take an easy approach to preserving mind and body- the REAL MEN's Challenge. Here are seven suggestions for men to optimize their health from Ian Wahl: 1. Regular Health Screenings Blood pressure and cholesterol levels should be checked annually. The earlier ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3666071 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3666071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652520&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fjune_is_national_acne_awareness_month.php © CaitlinatorSummer is here, which should mean fun in the sun and stress-free days for today's teens. However, in today's ultra competitive society, that is not always the case. With so much pressure on teens to get into a good college, land that perfect summer job and other common activities, many teens may find themselves experiencing high amounts of stress. Stress can lead to teens taking on yet another worry - acne, a chronic medical condition that affects over 60 million Americansi. In lieu ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652520 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3652520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644872&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fconsistent_bedtime_boosts_child_development.php © Raúl A.To make my life easier as a parent, I have always tried to establish a consistent bed time routine for my young son. I know many parents would agree with me, that we can peacefully do stuff around the house once the kids are asleep in the bedrooms. Like cleaning up their mess for once, and some well-deserved me times. Now experts are saying that establishing a consistent bedtime routine (and getting enough sleep) in your kids boosts their development. Preschool children ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644872 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3644872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629738&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fjune_is_national_scoliosis_awareness_month.php © impiousJune is National Scoliosis Awareness Month. Scoliosis is a condition with no cure that affects about 6 million people. An estimated 30,000 children are put into a brace for scoliosis, while 38,000 patients undergo spinal fusion surgery. Eight-five percent of the cases have an unknown cause and treatment is often ineffective, invasive and costly. The good news is that lengthening (and therefore straightening) the spine counteracts the effects and gravity and age that can exaggerate curvature over time, providing significant pain relief without ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629738 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3629738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3617945&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Findoor_tanning_linked_to_melanoma.php © robtxgalAmong females in the United States, indoor tanning is more prevalent than smoking cigarettes. The University of Minnesota's School of Public Health and the Masonic Cancer center announce the first study to definitively link indoor tanning to skin cancer, specifically melanoma. The 2,300 study participants helped researcher DeAnn Lazovich to conclude: The risk of melanoma is 74 percent higher for someone who uses indoor tanning compared to people who don't Those who tan indoors often (defined by 50 plus hours, more than ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3617945 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3617945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607645&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fready_to_go_tips_to_achieve_optimal_health.php © mikebairdWe are all looking for ways to achieve optimal health and what we don't realize is that we can improve our health by implementing simple ideas into our everyday lives. Dr. Wayne Andersen, founder of Take Shape for Life has provided the following tips: 1. Stay fit on vacation by signing up for a walking trip, such as those offered by the Smithsonian Institution, or entering a walking or running event for charity in a fun location. What better way to keep ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607645 Fri, 28 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3607645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599564&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Ffacts_about_applying_sunscreen.php © richardmasonerSummer is just around the corner and whether you are hitting the beach or just want to have some fun time under the sun, don't forget to put on some sunscreen before you go out. Here are some facts about sunscreen that we all should all keep in mind (found via): 1. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun as most of them needs time to react with your skin. 2. Zinc oxide or titanium oxide ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599564 Wed, 26 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3599564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585709&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fkids_consumption_of_precription_meds_on_the_rise.php © epSos.deNew research found that children have emerged as the fastest growing segment of prescription drug use last year in terms of both utilization and spending, and one in four children and nearly 30% of 10-19 year olds now take at least one chronic medication on a daily basis. These findings were presented in the 2010 Drug Trend Report from Medco Health Solutions, which reviewed the prescription drug use of more than 2 million children, 19 years old and younger from 2001 to 2009. ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585709 Fri, 21 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3585709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577336&cid=t_107662_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F19%2Fefa2010001-medical-patient-weighing-scales%2F Title: EFA/2010/001: Medical patient weighing scales Skinny: Estates and Facilities Alert identifying medical weighing equipment used in healthcare premises may be inaccurate, inappropriate or not used correctly, leading to potential errors in diagnosis, treatment or medication of patients. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 6p. Published: 16/03/2010 Filed under: Clinical Governance, Grey Literature, Health and Safety, NHS Tagged: Clinical Governance, Diagnosis, Estates and Facilities Alert, Grey Literature, Health and Safety, Medication, Treatment (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577336 Wed, 19 May 2010 11:23:31 +0100 3577336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577497&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fthe_pill_on_its_50th_anniversary_and_new_lifestylesa_condoms.php © Gnarls MonkeyThis month, "The Pill" will have been in use for exactly 50 years. And while we've taken great strides in the medical community in terms of contraception, we must still be very vigilant on HIV/AIDS, STDs and other viruses. The Pill can only help against unwanted pregnancies, but should not be the sole form of contraception for women, as The Pill does not eliminate the risk of diseases. According to Carol Carrozza, VP of Marketing for Ansell Healthcare, the makers of LifeStyles® ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577497 Wed, 19 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3577497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566697&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fskin_cancer_awareness_month_tips.php It's the second week of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, La Roche-Posay wants to remind us that practicing safe sun this season is of utmost importance. Did you know that tanning beds are actually MORE harmful than regular UV rays? In fact, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (part of the World Health Organization) made the recommendation to add tanning beds to the highest cancer risk category - "carcinogenic to humans" -- they based their decision after review of recent research published ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566697 Wed, 12 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3566697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552416&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fhealth_information_diabetics_should_avoid_foot_falls_this_summer.php © epSos.deWith nearly 25 million Americans already diagnosed, America is in the throes of a diabetes epidemic quickly gaining in momentum. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every three children will develop diabetes sometime in their life and the American Diabetes Association goes on to say that as many as 57 million Americans are pre-diabetic, meaning their higher-than-normal blood glucose levels have them teetering on the edge of diabetes. According to New York City podiatrist Dr. John Doolan, the severity ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552416 Tue, 11 May 2010 00:28:41 +0100 3552416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542717&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fhealth_programs_free_webcasts_and_may_is_mental_health_month.php © markhillaryIn lieu of Mental Health Month this May, four webcasts produced by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Council), are available. Dates and topics for the live webcasts airing from 5:00-6:00 PM Eastern include: May 5: Understanding Depression May 12: Understanding Anxiety Disorders May 19: Understanding Psychosis May 26: Understanding Substance Use Disorders To participate in the webcasts, you need a computer with internet access and must register in advance, here. The said webcasts will help people recognize the signs and symptoms of common ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542717 Fri, 07 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3542717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533964&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fconsumer_health_may_is_national_arthritis_month.php What better time to remind everyone about arthritis but on National Arthritis Month which is this month of May. Fight Arthritis Pain encourages everyone - especially those with arthritis - to simply move to better health. Osteoarthritis affects 27 million Americans. The older we get, the harder it can be to stay active and fit. However, here is one more reason to keep moving: light exercise can help reduce the risk and pains associated with osteoarthritis. Also, it can be ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533964 Wed, 05 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3533964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526843&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fdidget_meter_bayers_glucose_meter_just_for_kids.php Bayer just launched a new meter designed just for kids. Bayer's DIDGET meter is the first and only blood glucose meter that connects directly to Nintendo DS and DS Lite and helps kids manage their diabetes by rewarding them for consistent testing habits with points to unlock new game levels and options. According to Dr. Larry Deeb, pediatric endocrinologist and medical director for the Diabetes Center at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in Florida and a paid consultant for Bayer: "As the first meter ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526843 Mon, 03 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3526843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511639&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Finvitation_dr_ozs_summer_health_conference_call.php Photo CreditWhat: Dr. Oz's Summer Health Conference Call When: Thursday, April 29th at 12:30 PM EST Where: online Dr. Mehmet Oz (host of The Dr. Oz Show) will have a conference call this Thursday, April 29th at 12:30 PM EST to talk about a wide range of health, fitness, nutrition and wellness topics: getting in shape for summer with Dr. Oz's Ultimate Summer Diet anti-aging secrets of super models Dr. Oz's ultimate countdown health tips you need to know now (including ways to ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511639 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3511639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499172&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Ffibroids_surgery_is_no_longer_the_only_cure.php Photo CreditApril 23 marks the last day of the national "Fibroid Awareness Week" (April 19-23, 2010). But this doesn't mean that we should stop educating ourselves about fibroids. The purpose of this annual educational observance is to disseminate accurate and timely information about diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids. For women who are between ages 30 and 50, there's a good possibility that they or someone close to them is suffering from uterine fibroids. At least 25 percent of women in the United States ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499172 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:51:56 +0100 3499172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577498&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fapril_is_rosacea_awareness_month.php Photo CreditApril is Rosacea Awareness Month, as designated by The National Rosacea Society. I have to admit that this is the first time that I ever heard of or read about rosacea. What is rosacea? Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by facial redness (erythema). The symptoms may come and go but the condition typically begins as redness on the central face across the cheeks, nose, or forehead. Though less common, sometimes it also affects the neck, chest, ears, and scalp too. ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577498 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:44:35 +0100 3577498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437798&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fcresta_prohealtha_sensitive_shield_against_teeth_sensitivity.php We've all had that moment when you bite into an ice cream cone or sip a hot drink only to feel excruciating pain in your teeth. Well, obviously, you're not alone. More than 50% of American adults will suffer from tooth sensitivity at some point in their lifetime, and surprisingly, more than 50% of adults have gum recession which is one of the leading causes of sensitivity. Did you know? 50% of adults will suffer from tooth sensitivity at some point in their lifetime. More ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437798 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3437798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395320&cid=t_107662_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F03%2Famerican-diabetes-wake-up-call-day-healthcare-reform.html “Diabetes has become the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century.” This according the American Diabetes Association, via their newest Facebook page for 2010 American Diabetes Alert Day, today. The campaign is meant to sound a bell across the nation as a wake-up call on this incredibly prevalent, expensive, and potentially devastating disease.  [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395320 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:48 +0100 3395320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395240&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fhealthier_smoking_habits_with_ecigarette.php © DucDigitalIt has been said (and researched on) that smoking are perils to our health. The health risks associated with smoking are a never ending list. Whether we like it or not, we cannot deny the ugly truth that smoking is bad for us. I'm pretty sure smokers realize that too but quitting is just never easy. Quitting in fact can be detrimental to some people. Bu if you would insist on smoking, first of all do no drag others into your bad habit. ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395240 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:14:04 +0100 3395240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395241&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fapril_showers_bring_allergies.php © It'sGregThe rainiest season of the year is upon us, and unfortunately, so are wet-weather allergens. Dr. Anatoly Belilovsky, a New York pediatrician and renowned children's allergy expert with more than 20 years' experience, offers ways for parents to protect their children from the most common rain-induced allergens: Take extra care to rid your house of mold. The biggest source of wet-weather allergies are mold spores. Moisture promotes rapid growth of mold and mildew, and children sensitive to airborne spores ("seeds" by which they ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395241 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:08:30 +0100 3395241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3378413&cid=t_107662_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F18%2Fdiabetes-alert-day-is-march-23rd%2F March 23rd is Diabetes Alert Day. Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), it's a day dedicated to helping those who could have diabetes recognize that they are at risk. Almost six million Americans don't know they have diabetes and that number is quickly rising. If you think that you might be at risk or are worried about people you know who might be at risk, the Diabetes Risk Test will let you know whether you have reasons to be concerned. If you determine that you're a high-risk person, you might consider getting a blood test. Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity, genetics or memberships in a high-risk group. African-Americans, Hispanics and Native-Americans are among those in high risk groups. Type 1 diabetes has risk factors that include viral infection, environmental tri... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3378413 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3378413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366305&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2F7th_annual_deepvein_thrombosis_dvt_awareness_month.php You know the importance of healthy life choices and passing them along to those you care for. But sometimes those you love don't have the time to think about silent risks they could be facing on a regular basis. In fact, people may be putting themselves at risk by simply sitting at a desk or even relaxing on a plane ride during a family vacation. March is the seventh annual Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness, and the Coalition to Prevent DVT is urging everyone to put ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366305 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100 3366305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346564&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fworld_glaucoma_week.php © WTL photosYou know that keeping your mind and body active and eating the right foods are important factors in ensuring a long and healthy life. But another factor to this equation is your eye health. All Eyes on Glaucoma wants to lest us all know that March 7-13th is World Glaucoma Week. Throughout this week people are encouraged to learn about eye health and the importance of regular, comprehensive eye exams. We must take action this month to ensure everyone in our life ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346564 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:20:09 +0100 3346564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276112&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Frecall-roundup-february-15-2010.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.EuropeFood Safety Recall (Denmark): Asia World recalls Hung Thanh brand Phu Quoc Fish Sauce (Lot #VN 138 VI 008) due to the presence of excess histamine.Food Safety Recall (France): Anju Enterprises recalls several Indian style condiments due to the presence of excess phthalates.Food Safety Withdrawal (Ireland): Carlingford Oyster Company w... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276112 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:14:00 +0100 3276112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267237&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Frecall-roundup-february-11-2010.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link. Please include "subscribe eFoodAlert" in the subject line.United StatesAllergy Alert: Champ Meatball Co. (Whittier, CA) recalls approximately 750 pounds of frozen cured pork patty mix because it contains undeclared wheat.Allergy Alert: Stop & Shop and Giant Food recall Party Platter Cookies (24 oz.), sold in the supermarket in-store bakeries, because they contain undeclared almonds and almond ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267237 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:50:00 +0100 3267237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254755&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Frecall-roundup-february-8-2010.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link.United StatesFood Labeling Recall: Price Chopper advises consumers that Cora Sweet Roasted Red Peppers (12 oz. UPC 2666211175) have been recalled because the date has been restamped over the original date.Product Withdrawal Notice: Top Food & Drug advises consumers that Tillamook Mozzarella Loaf (2 lb., UPC: 72830-00223; Best By: 5/1/2010, 5/3/2010, 6/2/2010, 6/12/2010) has been withdrawn due t... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254755 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:38:00 +0100 3254755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3172228&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Frecall-roundup-january-13-2010.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link.United StatesAllergy Alert (Retail Distribution): USDA posts retail distribution list for Pepe's Gigante Louisiana Hot Sauce Flavored Cracklins, which was recalled on January 9, 2010 due to the presence of undeclared milk in the product.Food Safety Recall: Nurture, Inc. recalls selected varieties and date codes of HAPPYTOT Stage 4 and HAPPYBABY Stage 1 and Stage 2 pouch meals with date codes expiri... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3172228 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:35:00 +0100 3172228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149343&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Frecall-roundup-january-6-2010.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesAllergy Alert: Harry London Candies, Inc. recalls Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars (Lot code 9238-1) because the product label does not show Wheat, FD&C colors Yellow #5, Red # 40 and Blue #1 as ingredients.CanadaFood Safety Recall: Olymel S.E.C. expands earlier recall to include additional processed meat products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products are known to have been distributed in Ontario and Québec, but might also be available in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Some of the processe... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149343 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:51:00 +0100 3149343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120630&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Frecall-roundup-december-24-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesFood Safety Recall: Market of Choice (Eugene, OR) recalls bulk and packaged hazelnuts (filberts) that were processed at Willamette Shelling Inc. for Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts, because the nuts may be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled nuts were sold in seven Market of Choice stores in Eugene, Ashland, SW Portland and West Linn, Oregon.Safety Alert (Texas): Texas Department of State Health Services warns consumers, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women, to avoid consuming a traditional product called “Nzu” because of the potent... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120630 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:02:00 +0100 3120630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3119046&cid=t_107662_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2F9IBEkYH1WX4%2Fmy-dad-missing-and-found.html We learned later that my father had become disoriented and lost. He did not have a cell phone, remember the name of the hotel where he and my mother were staying, remember my mother’s cell phone number...he was unable to ask for help..... By Donna Giovannetti My father went missing in Maryland. My mother was attending a conference at Fort Meade, Maryland and my father was supposed to pick her up at 4 p.m. By 5 p.m. he still had not arrived. My mother reported him missing to the Fort Meade police department and called me at my home in Lubbock, Texas. Thus began some of the most terrible hours of my life. My husband Robert called Lori Gillen (a friend of his), the executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association in Lubbock. She told him about the Medicalert Safe Return program (of l... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3119046 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:39:30 +0100 3119046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3097091&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Frecall-roundup-december-16-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.CanadaFood Safety Recall: Superior Sausage and Meat Products Ltd. (Toronto, ON) recalls certain batches of Ham Sausages that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled sausages were sold at two locations in Ontario (see live link for details).EuropeAllergy Alert (UK): Asda recalls Asda ready-to-eat Southern Fried Popcorn Chicken, 190g (Use by: 18 December 2009) due to the presence of undeclared wheat (gluten)Food Safety Recall (Denmark): Gala Food A/S updates earlier recall notice to provide expanded list of salads that may contain met... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3097091 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:29:00 +0100 3097091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3082627&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Frecall-roundup-december-12-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesAllergy Alert: Health Valley recalls three lot codes of Health Valley Organic Split Pea Soup, No Salt Added, 15oz., because they contain undeclared butter, according to information posted by WegmansEuropePending Food Safety Recall (UK): Elland food factory has been shut down by the UK environmental health inspectors due to egregious unsanitary conditions, according to a report in today's Evening Courier. The newspaper adds that a recall announcement is expected from the UK Food Standards Agency by Monday. The facility is a chick pea canning ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3082627 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:47:00 +0100 3082627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3079606&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Frecall-roundup-december-10-2009.html Pet Carousel Recalls All Pig Ears and All Beef HoovesHere is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesPet Treat Safety Recall: Pet Carousel recalls all Pig Ears and all varieties of Beef Hoof pet treats because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The problem was discovered after FDA testing found positive results for Salmonella in pig ears and beef hoof products. This recall follows a Health Alert issued by FDA on November 5th. The recalled pet treats were distributed across the United States.EuropeFood Safety Recall (Denmark): Johs Jensen Fish and Mussel Export A/S recalls m... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3079606 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:58:00 +0100 3079606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3071497&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Frecall-roundup-december-8-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesFood Safety Recall (Retail Distribution): USDA releases list of retail stores that sold Salmonella-contaminated ground beef recalled by Beef Packers, Inc.Food Safety Advisory: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control urges residents to discard oysters harvested from Gulf of Texas’ San Antonio Bay after the oysters are linked to an outbreak of Norovirus gastroenteritis.Food Safety Advisory: Minnesota Department of Agriculture advises consumers to avoid drinking Minnesota Harvest brand apple cider after department labora... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3071497 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:00:00 +0100 3071497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3036065&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Frecall-roundup-november-27-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.EuropeAllergy Alert (Finland): Oy Arvid Nordquist Finland Ab recalls Piasten Amore Mio chocolate confections (with cherry brandy filling) due to the presence of undeclared residues of peanut, nut and wheat.Food Safety Alert (Denmark): Food Agency warns that pork and beef sold from the address Hjørring Road 14, 9400 Nørresundby comes from animals that did not either before or after the slaughter has been subject to any control by the food authorities. Furthermore, the slaughters carried out without authorization and under unsanitary conditions. Food Saf... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3036065 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:36:00 +0100 3036065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3030134&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Frecall-roundup-november-25-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesFood Recall: Food City advises customers that Log Cabin Original Syrup 24 oz has been recalled.Pet Treat Recall (Updated 6:45 p.m. with information provided by the manufacturer): Food City advises customers that the manufacturer has recalled SnawSomes! Beef & Chicken Flavor Snausages (dog treats) 9.75 oz. According to the manufacturer, Del Monte Foods, "SnawSomes Beef & Chicken Flavor Snausages are safe for your pet to eat and have not been formally recalled by the Company. We have been notified that some consumers have seen what loo... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3030134 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:50:00 +0100 3030134 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999882&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Frecall-roundup-november-16-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.EuropeFood Safety Recall (EU #2009.1576): Salmonella enteritidis in raw shell eggs from Spain; distributed in FranceFood Safety Recall (EU #2009.1575): high content of lead in beef meat from the Slovak Republic; distributed in ItalyFood Safety Recall (EU #2009.1574): Salmonella enteritidis (Phagetype 14B) in raw shell eggs from Spain; distributed in the United KingdomFood Safety Recall (EU #2009.1573): Salmonella in frozen marinated chicken breasts from Germany; distributed in SloveniaFood Safety Recall (EU #2009.1570): Escherichia coli and Salmonella in... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999882 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:38:00 +0100 2999882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2992870&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Frecall-roundup-november-14-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesFood Safety Alert: The California Department of Public Health warns consumers not to eat Santa Cruz County sport-harvested shellfish because the clams, mussels, scallops or oysters may be contaminated with domoic acid, a dangerous toxin that is harmful to people. The warning does not apply to commercially harvested shellfish.Some supermarket chains post recall notices on their web sites for the convenience of customers. To see whether a recalled food was carried by your favorite supermarket, follow the live link to the supermarket's recall w... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2992870 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:08:00 +0100 2992870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890910&cid=t_107662_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FMhzGcecNCs0%2Fis-alert-system-needed-for-people-with.html A survey by the National Association of State Units on Aging found that many states were concerned that the Silver Alert had been over-used or abused in their state. That was among the concerns cited by former Gov. George E. Pataki when he vetoed a New York Silver Alert bill in 2003 for fear it would make the alerts too “common.” To read this story go here. Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email Popular articles on the Alzheimer's Reading Room Worried About Alzheimer's? The Holy Grail of Exercise The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver (Part One) Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away Is it Really Alzhei... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890910 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:26:14 +0100 2890910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842769&cid=t_107662_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FLrpChSx2ukU%2F50-solution-to-alzheimers-wandering.html "When he approached him and asked if he was ok, he recognized the signature on his bracelet which is with the Safe Return program at the Alzheimer's Association, as far as I am concerned that saved his life." The Alzheimer's Association Medic Alert + Safe Return bracelet cost $50. The bracelet carries the name of the person suffering from Alzheimer's, and a toll free number that can be called if the person is unable to provide their address or phone number when lost. Current estimates indicate that sixty percent of persons suffering from Alzheimer's wander away and get lost. The bracelet is a great solution to this problem. Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email Enrollment in the MedicAlert + Safe Return program includes: Individualized emblem engraved with MedicAlert + S... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842769 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:30:38 +0100 2842769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807905&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Frecall-roundup-september-17-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesAllergy Alert: Y.S.Trading Corp. (Long Island City NY) recalls its 161 gram waxed cardboard boxes of "Crown Cookie"(Choco Sanddo) because they may contain undeclared milk. The affected packages (batch codes 2008, 12. 01 & 2009, 11.30) were distributed in retail stores in New Jersey and New York City.Allergy Alert: Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation, a Private Label food manufacturer, recalls Great Value Berry Crunch cereal (lot code 07 21 10 N02) due to the presence of undeclared almonds. The recalled cereal was available in Walmart stores in ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807905 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:13:00 +0100 2807905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2725319&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Frecall-roundup-august-21-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesAllergy Alert: The Kroger Co. recalls Kroger brand Super Kids Enriched White Sandwich Bread because it may contained undeclared milk. The bread was sold in Jay C Food stores in Indiana, in Food 4 Less stores in Illinois and Indiana, and in Kroger stores in 13 states, including: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia..Food Recall: De La Rosa recalls De La Rosa Super Giant Marshmallows (30 oz.) because the product may be contaminated with mo... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725319 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:34:00 +0100 2725319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2716174&cid=t_107662_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fwayback-wednesday-tattoos-for-life.html Yup, tattoos still seem like they’d be the perfect solution for PWDs who resist wearing the all-important medical ID jewelry.  And yet the concerns over infections remain. Dr. Bill Quick reports that the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) is all for medical tattoos these days, and has some excellent tips on avoiding infection. Meanwhile, one [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2716174 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:43:58 +0100 2716174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2702552&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Frecall-roundup-august-14-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesFood Safety Recall: Sterling Pacific Meat Co. (City of Commerce, CA) recalls 3,516 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The FatBurger and Stock Yards brands of ground beef patties were produced on May 18, 2009 and supplied to restaurants in Arizona and California. The contamination was discovered during a review of establishment records by USDA.Food Safety Recall: California Department of Public Health advises consumers that Omo brand green onions – recalled earlier this week due to Salmonella conta... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2702552 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:08:00 +0100 2702552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699824&cid=t_107662_134_f&fid=36985&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsugarstats%2F%7E3%2FwRxfwPrHGUs%2F The FDA says: This is to alert you to the possibility of falsely elevated blood glucose results when using GDH-PQQ glucose test strips on patients who are receiving therapeutic products containing certain non-glucose sugars. These sugars can falsely elevate glucose results, which may mask significant hypoglycemia or prompt excessive insulin administration, leading to serious injury or death. The following provides background information on this problem, a summary of fatality reports FDA has received, and recommendations to reduce the risk. This problem can occur wherever these products are used including in-patient and out-patient healthcare facilities, and at home. This seems to be a recurring topic, here's a FDA warning video from 2008: (Source: SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Su... SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699824 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:04:47 +0100 2699824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699911&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Frecall-roundup-august-13-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesFood Safety Recall: Peregrina Cheese Corporation (Brooklyn, NY) recalls all products manufactured in its Brooklyn, NY plant from March 17, 2009 to the present because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was initiated under a consent decree between FDA and Peregrina.CanadaFood Safety Recall: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume Pidy brand Pur Mamba (peanut butter-piment) described below because the product, which was imported from Haiti, may be contamina... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699911 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:15:00 +0100 2699911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667423&cid=t_107662_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fmaking-hospitals-safer-by-making.html At my July 24, 2009 HC Renewal post "Inquiry to Joint Commission on points raised in my July 22, 2009 JAMA letter on HIT", I reproduced a letter I sent to the Joint Commission seeking their opinions on the issue of Health IT "hold harmless" and "defects nondisclosure" contractual terms. (See "Health Care Information Technology Vendors' Hold Harmless Clause - Implications for Patients and Clinicians", JAMA 2009;301(12):1276-1278 and my HIT difficulties website essay here.)Those contractual terms cause hospital executives to violate Joint Commission safety standards and their own fiduciary responsibilities to people both providing and seeking care in hospitals. My inquiry was acknowledged, and I await a reply.In Making Hospitals Safer for Patients, New York Times, Aug. 2, 2009 , Mark R. Cha... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667423 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:19:00 +0100 2667423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2638027&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Frecall-roundup-july-24-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.CanadaAllergy Alert: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency advises that various Surasang and Cremon brands of snack foods, imported from the Republic of Korea, have been recalled because they contain undeclared egg or milk.EuropeAllergy Alert (UK): 99p Stores withdraws some Elgorriaga Chocolate con Leche, because the product contains undeclared peanuts and almonds.Australia & New ZealandFood Safety Recall (Australia): Grand Continental Food Company Pty Ltd recalls Dried Whole Anchovies (100g and 500g packets), due to the presence of histamine, a biotox... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2638027 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:39:00 +0100 2638027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2637802&cid=t_107662_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Finquiry-to-joint-commission-on-points-i.html As I posted here, my letter "Health Care Information Technology, Hospital Responsibilities, and Joint Commission Standards" was published in JAMA on July 22, 2009. A preview of the letter can be seen here, or a full version here if you subscribe to JAMA.This JAMA letter covered some of the same points I addressed extensively at my Drexel HIT website essay "Hold Harmless and Keep Defects Secret Clauses", including the major point that hospital executives signing HIT "Hold Harmless" and "Defects Nondisclosure" contracts are in violation of Joint Commission standards for conduct related to safety, and in violation of their fiduciary responsibilities towards patient and employee safety and freedom from undue liability.I've sent the following inquiry to Paul M. Schyve, M.D., Senior Vice Presid... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2637802 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:08:00 +0100 2637802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2626303&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Frecall-roundup-july-21-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.United StatesParalytic Shellfish Poisoning Alert: Oregon Department of Agriculture has extended the area closed to recreational mussel harvesting to include the entire coast, from the mouth of the Columbia River to the California border. The closure is due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning or PSP toxins and includes mussels on all beaches, rocks, jetties, and at the entrance to bays along the Oregon Coast. Cosmetic Product Recall: Celeste Industries Corporation recalls all lots of SimplySmart™ "Remove" Make Up Remover in the US and Ca... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2626303 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:18:00 +0100 2626303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2622079&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Frecall-roundup-july-20-2009.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.EuropeFood Safety Recall (UK): The Food Standards Agency advises that Active brand peanut butter, Active brand groundnut paste and peanut butter made by Jesu Aka Ltd contain excessive aflatoxin and should not be consumed. The peanut products, manufactured in Ghana and imported into the UK by Mardoro Ltd., are sold mainly in food stores that sell African or African-Caribbean foods. Enforcement officers have been instructed to visit stores in their area that may be selling these products and ensure that the products are removed from sale. Aflatoxin is a na... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2622079 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:42:00 +0100 2622079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580350&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fcaffeine-cures-alzheimers-and-other-misleading-headlines%2F Not really, but I’d imagine that headline caught your eye and grabbed your attention, which is what it was supposed to do. The study on which that claim is based was widely and often quite misleadingly trumpeted across the Internet yesterday (July 6, 2009). Although some responsible sites included in the headline that the tests were done in mice, many concealed this important fact until you were well into the article and had already been exposed to whatever advertising was on the page. I’d already seen several misleading headlines before I realized the studies were in mice and I’m sure that many people didn’t ever get the full story. The entire webisode was set in motion by the University of South Florida Health’s press release, a slick piece of PR entitled &#... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580350 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:37:16 +0100 2580350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2528172&cid=t_107662_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FqMa0hQ26IYo%2F You’ll notice a link to a company that makes medical ID jewelry in the sidebar and below–  not a bad idea to wear one if you are taking Suboxone.  I think that a year ago it was less important, only because many EMT’s didn’t know what the heck Suboxone was!  But realize that if you have been in an accident and are in pain, it will take significantly higher doses of narcotic (usually morphine in an ambulance or ER) to get any pain reduction– sometimes as much as 10-fold higher doses!  Even if you are able to speak, a bracelet or necklace with the name of the drug will likely be taken more seriously than whatever words you are able to put together in the confusion of an accident scene.  I think an imprint of either ‘Suboxone’ or ‘buprenorp... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2528172 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:41:01 +0100 2528172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511649&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fnestle-toll-house-cookie-recall-the-ecoli-mystery%2F Although Nestle has recalled some 300,000 cases of its refrigerated Toll House cookie dough from store shelves, as of June 22, 2009, none of their product had actually tested positive for the E. coli that’s caused illness in at least 70 people in 30 states. And since it’s highly unusual for E. coli, an intestinal bacterium of cattle (i.e., it’s in their feces) to be present in something like cookie dough, investigators are so far at a loss to explain exactly what is going on. But, since all of the people who became sick ate the same raw cookie dough product, it seems obvious that it’s the cookie dough that’s to blame. The question is, from where did the E. coli come? If it were inadequately cooked hamburgers that were responsible, it would be easy to link E. c... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511649 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:33:31 +0100 2511649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2464268&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2F16-reasons-not-to-use-someone-elses-prescription-medicine%2F Using someone else’s prescription medicine is a lot like playing Russian roulette – you might get away unscathed, and then again you might not. And it could have devastating consequences. Just because we see prescription medicines advertised on TV doesn’t mean they are safe for everyone. There are good reasons why you can’t buy them over the counter. A physician takes many factors into account before prescribing a medication for you, including your current condition, your past medical history, your other medications and the likely risks and benefits of the drug to you as an individual. After making this decision he or she will then explain how to take the medication, when to take it, how much and how long to take it, what else you can and can’t take with it, and what to expect af... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2464268 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:56:42 +0100 2464268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452872&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fcell-phone-elbow-isnt-always-due-to-cell-phone-use%2F Recent media activity has called attention to a repetitive use syndrome called ‘cell phone elbow,’ which can cause pain, numbness or tingling in the forearm and hand.  But cubital tunnel syndrome, as it’s known medically, isn’t only caused by excessive cell phone use. In fact, it can be caused by any repetitive activity in which the elbow is bent at a greater than 90 degree angle. This could include holding any kind of phone to the ear for long periods of time. It just happens that because cell phone use has increased exponentially and because people can now use their phones while walking, while driving, literally anywhere, some people are spending much more time on the phone than they did previously. And some of them are paying the price with painful hands and arms. Cubit... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452872 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:08:14 +0100 2452872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452752&cid=t_107662_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FYbgShDXJJCY%2F The sky isn’t falling in. We’re not all going to be wearing space suits to stay healthy. And no, we don’t have to panic, which is what some people may do when they read headlines such as the one above. That being said, the fact that the World Health Organization is considering raising the pandemic level to 6 - the highest level - is newsworthy. Some people feel that pandemic automatically means something like the Spanish flu of the early 1900s. That’s not so. A pandemic, by definition, is an illness that has been found to be spreading beyond local areas, across the world. An epi demic is a situation where you have an outbreak of illness in a few specific areas, pan demic crosses borders and oceans. Illnesses that are subject of pandemics aren’t necessarily fat... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452752 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:35:55 +0100 2452752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447802&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fprepare_your_kids_against_head_lice_this_summer.php © downing.amanda LiceMD® is introducing pediatric doctors and nurses to a pesticide-free breakthrough treatment that will help take control of lice outbreaks while restoring households with some peace... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447802 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:43:32 +0100 2447802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442054&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fdoes-obesity-increase-swine-flu-risk-and-age-decrease-it%2F You may have heard or read news reports, such as the one in the Washington Post, announcing the findings of a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) survey, which found that obesity “is as much of a risk factor for serious complications from the [swine] flu as diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy, all known to raise a person’s risk.” But I suggest you take the CDC report with a large grain of salt because the survey was based on a very small number of patients and was not designed to provide data from which such conclusions could be drawn. The survey looked at only 30 patients hospitalized with swine flu in California. Of those, only four were obese. So the conclusion that obesity might be an independent risk factor for severe swine flu was based on four patients! Not only that, but ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442054 Thu, 21 May 2009 19:58:13 +0100 2442054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424273&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fglymetrol-a-scam-targeting-people-with-diabetes%2F I’ve recently seen a number of TV commercials for a product called Glymetrol that are extremely troubling. In fact, I find the marketing of Glymetrol offensive on so many levels it’s hard to know where to begin telling you about it. First is the cavalier manner in which this “natural” product is being marketed to people with diabetes, a potentially life-threatening disease, with severe long-term consequences if not managed properly, even though it has neither been reviewed nor approved by the FDA. People with diabetes should be under the close care of a physician fully knowledgeable about their condition, their blood sugar levels, their diet, their weight, their insulin sensitivity and their medications. Only at the bottom of the Glymetrol FAQs page does it even remotely suggest co... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424273 Wed, 20 May 2009 17:02:59 +0100 2424273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405652&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Ftestosterone-gel-warningsnew-information%2F If you or someone you know uses topical testosterone gels (AndroGel or Testim) there’s important new information from the FDA on their safety. Because these gels are applied by hand to the skin of the shoulders and upper arms, or the abdomen, it is extremely important that those hands be washed thoroughly with soap and warm water after every application. The reason for this is to avoid any possibility of transferring the drug from the hand to the skin of a child. Testosterone is the male sex hormone and some men need to take it as a medication to supplement their own naturally made testosterone because, for any number of reasons, their natural levels are low. But if it gets on the skin of a child it can be absorbed and cause premature sexual effects in the child. The FDA has received rep... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405652 Thu, 14 May 2009 17:21:59 +0100 2405652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405514&cid=t_107662_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fwb5nrcJfD9E%2F Medical alert bracelets, and more recently necklaces, have been around in many forms for quite a while. We see them for people who are allergic to certain things, have chronic illnesses, or special medical issues, like organ transplants. But many people don’t like to wear them. Would a tattoo be the solution? According to this USA Today article, Tattoos being used for medical alerts , tattoos alerting people of their medical condition is becoming an option for some people. And it’s more common that we probably realize. There’s a Wikipedia entry for medical tattoos , and there are discussions about them on various blogs and sites, like Diabetes Advocacy and The Diabetic Lifestyle Journal. What do you think? Is it a good solution or - in your opinion - a drastic one? I ha... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405514 Thu, 14 May 2009 00:16:00 +0100 2405514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405659&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Ffamilies_fighting_flu_launches_h1n1_awareness_campaign.php © hmerinomx Families Fighting Flu (FFF) is a non-profit organization made up of parents who have all lost a child to seasonal flu. FFF is dedicated to educating people about the severity of influenza ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405659 Wed, 13 May 2009 09:10:26 +0100 2405659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405568&cid=t_107662_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2009%2F05%2F10%2Falert-fatigue-and-clinical-decision-support%2F Clinical Decision Support has been called out as an important part of an EMR system. You’ll get no argument from me on this. What I have been thinking a lot about is what people call “Alert Fatigue.” For those unfamiliar with the term, it basically means that a doctor gets so many alerts that they grow numb to the alerts and stop looking at them. For those that are married, it’s like your wife’s nagging. It happens so much that you stop listening (ok, that was a joke. I hope none of us do that or have reached that point. I’m just lucky to have a wife who doesn’t nag). I think this concept of “alert fatigue” is really important and I think it will be impossible to create an EMR that strikes the perfect balance. Some EMR offer too many al... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405568 Sun, 10 May 2009 16:45:53 +0100 2405568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398950&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fpreventable-causes-of-death%2F While the media fans the flames of mass hysteria over swine flu, which has infected only a small number of people and killed almost none, they routinely ignore the more common, if not widespread, causes of death, many of which are completely, or nearly completely, preventable if only people were educated and motivated enough to make changes to their lifestyles. Imagine if just a fraction of the energy that people are putting into avoiding swine flu were put into efforts to reduce smoking, high blood pressure and obesity, which together are responsible for over one million premature deaths every year. “To have hundreds of thousands of premature deaths caused by these modifiable risk factors is shocking and should motivate a serious look at whether our public health system has sufficie... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398950 Thu, 07 May 2009 21:27:04 +0100 2398950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390064&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fprotect-yourself-from-swine-flu-scams%2F It’s an unfortunate reality, but as a widespread, somewhat mysterious illness that has more questions than answers, the swine flu is a ripe target for scam artists. So along with protecting yourself and your family from infection, you’ve also got to be on guard against unscrupulous and shady marketers. There are three main types of swine flu-related scams: Swine spam Swine malware Swine “cures,” “remedies,” and “vaccines” Swine spam are e-mail messages that have the words “swine flu” in the subject line. The senders are simply using swine flu as a hook to get you to open the e-mail. When you open a spam e-mail, the sender may be notified that yours is a valid address and that you are amenable to opening messages. At a minimum they can collect these “good” addres... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390064 Tue, 05 May 2009 16:27:00 +0100 2390064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390068&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fepas_national_drinking_water_week.php © Julien Harneis Sunday, May 3rd was the first day of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Drinking Water Week. Where are you getting your recommended eight glasses of water every ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390068 Mon, 04 May 2009 18:32:30 +0100 2390068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380945&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fwho-warns-of-likely-pandemic%2F Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has elevated their swine flu pandemic alert to phase 5, the number of confirmed cases as of April 29, 2009 remains extremely low, with most cases mild and rarely fatal. In fact, although you may hear about some 2,500 cases in Mexico with 152 deaths, only 26 cases and 7 deaths have actually been confirmed as being due to swine flu. Around the world only 148 cases are confirmed. The one death of the 91 cases in the United States was in a Mexican child who contracted the illness in Mexico before visiting the U.S. The only thing newsworthy about these numbers is that they are so low and yet the reaction to them so high. It’s important also to remember that “pandemic” simply means worldwide spread. An epidemic is a localized outbrea... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380945 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:59:51 +0100 2380945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376400&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fpreventing-the-swine-flu-to-mask-or-not-to-mask%2F The current swine flu outbreak has many people worrying, and even more wondering, about how to avoid getting sick. And because of all the media photos and videos of people in Mexico walking around wearing face masks, people in this country naturally want to know if these are an effective means of prevention? Unfortunately, however, as with many aspects of this unusual epidemic there aren’t adequate answers for all the questions. It turns out, that there just haven’t been enough studies to say whether or not wearing a face mask would help prevent infection. Some people will doubtless say that it’s obvious that wearing a mask would reduce the chance of your inhaling a respiratory virus that can be spread by coughing and sneezing. But it’s not nearly as obvious as they would have you ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376400 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:27:19 +0100 2376400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376401&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fthe-swine-flu-can-the-flu-vaccine-protect-you%2F As I wrote earlier if you’re an average person living in the U.S. there’s absolutely no reason now to panic about the current swine flu situation in spite of the media hysteria. That may change as time passes, but it could just as easily go the other way and not become a full-blown pandemic. That’s what happened in 1976, when a swine flu scare led to emergency vaccination of some 40 million Americans in 10 weeks but the feared pandemic just never panned out. The Los Angeles Times has a nice piece on that story. But many people have questions about the flu vaccine right now. Does this year’s vaccine cover the current swine flu strain? Why doesn’t the flu vaccine cover all strains? Why do I need to get a new flu immunization every year when I don’t have to... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376401 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:55:17 +0100 2376401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376402&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fswine-flu-separating-hysteria-from-fact%2F As of today, Monday April 27, I agree completely with President Obama when he says that while swine flu is an issue of concern, it is “not a cause for alarm.” There are several reasons why you should not panic in spite of the incessant media drum beat and the minute by minute updates. First, so far this is an extremely uncommon illness affecting a very small number of people in the United States, all of whom had mild illness and recovered without incident. Yes, it might spread further, but even so, let’s take a step back and remember that we’re talking about influenza, not Ebola or smallpox. And while full-blown influenza is no walk in the park, for most people it’s not even remotely life-threatening. It’s an unpleasant upper respiratory illness with systemic symptoms of fever,... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376402 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:53:24 +0100 2376402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2357686&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Flouisiana_supreme_court_rules_in_favor_of_board_certified_interventional_pain_physicians_ensuring_patient_safety.php Here is new information regarding the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) and their recent victory in Louisiana preventing non-physicians from performing interventional pain tec... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2357686 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:41:09 +0100 2357686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2318536&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fasthma-treatment-not-always-helped-by-ppis-like-nexium%2F This study demonstrates that silent GER does not play a role in worsening asthma symptoms and control,” said Robert A. Wise, M.D., a coauthor of the paper and a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Based on these results, we also believe that doctors do not need to test for GER in asthma patients unless the patient is reporting symptoms of acid reflux.” If you have asthma and are taking a PPI like Nexium, talk to your doctor about whether it’s necessary. (Source: Dr. Z's Medical Report) Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2318536 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:40:19 +0100 2318536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2318539&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fits-time-to-cut-back-your-red-meat-consumption%2F Eating red meat increases your chances of dying prematurely. That’s the stark finding of a very large and very well done clinical study just published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.  The study found that eating red and processed meat was associated with increases in total mortality, cancer mortality, and cardiovascular disease mortality. They found that eating just 4 ounces of red meat a day raises your overall risk of dying prematurely, raises your risk of dying from cancer and raises your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. I’d say that means it’s time to decrease your consumption of red meat, which includes beef, pork and processed meats like sausage, bacon and cold cuts. There are a number of reasons why eating red meat might be bad for your health. Red... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2318539 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:05:39 +0100 2318539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2297362&cid=t_107662_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fdismissed-on-diabetes-alert-day.html Just a note to let you all know that my group was automatically dismissed from Jury Duty today,  so I am officially off the hook.  I can hardly believe it.  Let’s hear a communal sigh of relief everyone, please. Why, thank you!  And thank you for all your great insights and suggestions as well.   And now [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2297362 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:05:36 +0100 2297362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2290613&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fwalking-is-good-medicine%2F I’ve written about the benefits of walking before, but there’s a few new reasons to talk about it again. First is a newly published study that figured out how fast you need to walk in order to achieve a “moderate” level of intensity. That’s important because the current recommendation is that you should get 30 minutes of “moderate intensity” exercise five times per week. But if you didn’t know what “moderate intensity” was that recommendation wouldn’t be of much help. More details below. The second newsworthy item is that April 8 is National Start! Walking Day.  According to the American Heart Association (AHA), “On this day, employees are encouraged to wear sneakers to work and take at least 30 minutes out of their day to get up and walk. It’s pretty simple ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2290613 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:36:51 +0100 2290613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2284471&cid=t_107662_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fquacktitioner-alerts-2009.html Andrea Street, 34, and Jennifer Ansell, 39, told a mother it was not necessary to feed her baby boy vital medication, the Nursing and Midwifery Council heard   Source++++++++++Another sad but classical example of the results of dumbing down health care. A doctor prescribes antibiotics for a new born baby for sound clinical reasons. The midwives do not understand those reason. Well, not their fault. They have not been to medical school, so why should they understand? They don’t know what they don’t know. But what is their fault is their arrogance in not following the instructions of someone who is superior to them, and does know what he is doing.Arrogant midwives have always been a nightmare, particuarly when they go "independent" but they do not have a monopoly of stupidity. This so... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2284471 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:56:00 +0100 2284471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2290621&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Ftips_for_following_mrs_obamas_healthy_footsteps.php Two-thirds of Americans are overweight and almost one-third of Americans are obese. With these startling statistics, it is clear why US First Lady Michelle Obama has made it a priority on her agenda t... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2290621 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:06:32 +0100 2290621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258806&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fmarch_is_dvt_deep_vein_thrombosis_awareness_month.php It is important to stay knowledgeable in the risk of DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis. The sixth annual National DVT Awareness Month has been kicked off. The Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258806 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:28:00 +0100 2258806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249492&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fif-you-take-plavix-read-this-now%2F If you or someone you know takes Plavix (clopidogrel), which is an anticlotting medication (often referred to as a blood thinner), you should take note of recent findings suggesting a potential problem when it is taken along with other drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that reduce stomach acid and they are often prescribed along with Plavix because it can irritate the stomach in some patients. The PPIs help to reduce the stomach irritation. But recent findings are suggesting that PPIs might reduce the effectiveness of Plavix, which could be a problem since Plavix is most often prescribed for people who are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke and if it didn’t work they could be at risk of serious problems. So if you do take Plavix and if... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249492 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:47:47 +0100 2249492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2234066&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fif-you-take-plavix-read-this-now%2F If you or someone you know takes Plavix (clopidogrel), which is an anticlotting medication (often referred to as a blood thinner), you should take note of recent findings suggesting a potential problem when it is taken along with other drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that reduce stomach acid and they are often prescribed along with Plavix because it can irritate the stomach in some patients. The PPIs help to reduce the stomach irritation. But recent findings are suggesting that PPIs might reduce the effectiveness of Plavix, which could be a problem since Plavix is most often prescribed for people who are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke and if it didn’t work they could be at risk of serious problems. So if you do take Plavix and if... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2234066 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:01:33 +0100 2234066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2204991&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fpsoriasis_drug_raptiva_found_linked_to_rare_brain_infection.php The US FDA has recently issued a public health advisory regarding the psoriasis drug Raptiva. Raptiva - a product of Genentech - is once-weekly injection approved for adults with moderate to severe... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2204991 Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:31:54 +0100 2204991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195224&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fplanning-a-pregnancy-read-this-first%2F Most women are aware of the need to follow certain nutrition and lifestyle guidelines after they become pregnant, but did you know that it’s actually important to begin these regimens well before you begin to start a family? Most likely you knew about recommendations to take pre-natal vitamins and not to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes during pregnancy, but it’s equally important to start these behaviors much earlier, before you plan to become pregnant, so that you’ll be “covered” from the moment pregnancy occurs. But recent research has found that few women follow pre-pregnancy recommendations. In fact, a study just published online in the British Medical Journal found that only three percent of women who became pregnant were taking the recommended vitamins... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195224 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:11:30 +0100 2195224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195225&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fan-intro-to-dr-zs-medical-report%2F As Stephen Colbert would say: “Welcome to the Report ladies and gentlemen.” Dr. Z’s Medical Report has a new home here on Everyday Health, and I am happy to welcome both old and new readers to my blog, which began in 2006 on HealthTalk. Although HealthTalk no longer exists as its own website, much of its content has been incorporated into the Everyday Health website, including all the postings of Dr. Z’s Medical Report. You can still search the blog using the little search box on the right side of the page and can still subscribe to it via RSS. Nothing has changed except for the owner of the website; namely, Everyday Health and I’m happy to be part of their team. For those new to the Report, here’s a brief overview. I usually write twice a week with post... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195225 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:57:14 +0100 2195225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195226&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fsalmonella-and-tainted-peanut-butter%2F A nationwide outbreak of Salmonella caused by tainted peanut butter has already resulted in the recall of hundreds of products with more being added to the list every day. Consumers are being advised not to consume any peanut butter containing products until more information becomes available on which brands may be affected and to destroy any that already have been identified. The majority of affected products are packaged prepared foods such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream. To avoid consuming tainted foods you should take the following precautions: Go to your pantry or any other food storage areas and look carefully for packaged products that might contain peanut butter. Be sure to check the labels of any product with “nuts” in the name to see if the... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195226 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:04:41 +0100 2195226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195227&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fkinoki-detox-foot-pads-officially-a-scam%2F The first time I came across Kinoki detox foot pads I knew immediately that they were a scam and wrote a piece in these pages entitled “Kinoki detox foot pads - a scambuster report.”  In that blog I went so far as to say that Kinoki foot pads were such a blatant scam that they gave other scams a bad name. That blog became one of the most widely read items I’ve ever written, generating nearly 500 comments at last count. While some respondents disagreed and said that the pads had helped them, many writers agreed with my assessment of Kinoki as being a scam. Well, now the federal government has weighed in and guess what? They agree with me and have officially called Kinoki detox foot pads a scam. I’d always held that it was just a matter of time before the feds came d... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195227 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:44:49 +0100 2195227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195228&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fthe-number-one-killer-of-women-heart-disease%2F Friday February 6, 2009 is National Wear Red Day, which is a day for all Americans to be aware of heart disease in women and to wear red in support of The Heart Truth: A National Awareness Campaign for Women About Heart Disease. Everyone can participate by wearing a favorite red dress, sweater, shirt, tie or even the specially designed Red Dress Pin on Friday. Despite the emphasis on wearing red, this year’s message, is that “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear - It’s the #1 Killer of Women.” Every woman needs to know about heart disease. While you hear a lot about breast cancer in the media, the fact is that heart disease is the number one killer of women with one in four American women dying of heart disease. In fact, as the picture below graphically il... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195228 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:10:41 +0100 2195228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2122058&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fthe-vitaminwater-scam%2F I’ve long held that most bottled water is a scam either because it’s simply way overpriced or because it’s falsely and/or misleadingly advertised as being good for you thanks to some added ingredient gimmick its marketers came up with. In fact, I previously wrote Water: A scambuster report, which deals with the issues of cost, the amount of water you need to drink each day, and safety (as in which is safer, tap or bottled water?). So it came as no surprise to me, and with a resounding “here, here” when I learned that the Center for Science in the Public Interest  (CSPI) had sued the Coca-Cola company for “deceptive and unsubstantiated claims” on its vitaminwater line of beverages.  The vitaminwater products are made by a company Coke owns called ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2122058 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:15:05 +0100 2122058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2115931&cid=t_107662_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F4CHgUzLckI8%2F Silver Alert for the elderly, more specifically those wandering because of dementia or Alzheimer’s, is similar to the Amber Alert for youngsters.  A number of states have instituted them and more are considering legislation for implementing this law. Learn more about the National Silver Alert to help find missing seniors and/or other adults with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorders. Tags: Alzheimer's Notes, Alzheimers, Amber Alert, dementia, missing seniors, National Silver Alert, silver alert, Silver Alert legislationShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2115931 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:45:29 +0100 2115931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2111192&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Ftoxin-alert-arsenic-in-fangocur-mineral.html January 16, 2009The UK Food Standards Agency has alerted consumers to the presence of dangerous levels of arsenic in Fangocur mineral supplement drink, a product of Austria.Fangocur is sold only over the Internet, and is not available in stores in the UK.The UK government has received two reports of illness in the Chelsea area that appear to be linked to consumption of these drinks. Reported symptoms included dizziness, heart palpitations and stomach cramps.Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral with several industrial uses. Acute arsenic poisoning can produce gastrointestinal upsets, kidney failure and liver damage. Arsenic also is a know carcinogen. The Food Standards Agency offers the following advice to consumers:"You should not drink this product. If you have consumed this product ... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2111192 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:08:00 +0100 2111192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2104805&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ffour-reasons-to-get-your-eyes-checked-even-if-you-see-perfectly%2F According to the American Optometric Association, even if you have perfect vision it’s still a good idea to have your eyes examined every two years if you’re under 60 and annually if you’re over. That’s because there are a number of diseases without symptoms, which can be identified during an eye exam. And at least one of these, which can cause blindness, can only be found by an eye doctor. In this regard, I’m talking about an optometrist. Unless you’ve got some eye-related medical symptoms there’s no need to see an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor specializing in diseases of the eye) for a routine eye exam. The most important eye disorder that can only be identified by an eye doctor is glaucoma. Even if your regular physician looks in your eyes w... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2104805 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:05:11 +0100 2104805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2095336&cid=t_107662_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Ftoxin-alert-ciguatera-toxin-in-frozen.html January 10, 2009The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public that some School of Fish brand Frozen Leatherjacket may contain ciguatera toxin and should not be consumed.The following items, which are products of China, have been recalled by the importer, Frobisher International Enterprise Ltd.Production code HI04; Size 100/200; UPC 8 74718 00074 0Production code HI04; Size 200/400; UPC 8 74718 00073 3The fish was distributed in British Columbia and Ontario.According to CFIA, ciguatera poisoning is caused by "... an accumulation of marine biotoxins in fish." Symptoms may include gastroenteritis, itching, and cold inversion (i.e., hot items feel cold and cold items feel hot), begin 1-12 hours after consumption of toxin-contaminated fish, and can persist for several months. The to... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2095336 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:24:00 +0100 2095336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2086900&cid=t_107662_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fin-joint-commission-sentinel-events.html In "Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert On Healthcare IT" I applauded the Joint Commission (the organization that accredits U.S. healthcare organizations such as hospitals) for releasing a Sentinel Event Alert in December 2008 on the risks of improperly implemented health IT. At "A 21st Century Plague? The Syndrome of Inappropriate Over-Confidence in Computing" I pointed out that prior to this Alert, those who have written on the issue of HIT risk when improperly designed and implemented have taken reputational hits as alarmists.Finally, at "The Health IT Clueless, Or, Mr. Obama Gets Wrong Cautions on HIT" I wrote that resistance to, or lack of acknowledgement of the findings in this Alert were leading to bad advice on Health IT challenges to the incoming administration. The administrati... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2086900 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:01:00 +0100 2086900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075153&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fchristmas-trees-and-allergies-a-survival-guide%2F It’s been a wild and wooly holiday season in the greater Seattle area this year with temperatures below freezing and lots of snow on the ground - both distinctly unusual phenomena in this neck of the woods. The roads have often been impassable and there’ve been widespread power outages, which have caused us to spend a lot of time at home, hunkered down by the fire and the Christmas tree. This in turn led me to recall a piece I wrote a year ago about Christmas trees and allergies, which I thought I’d reprise for today, December 25. Both real and artificial Christmas trees can cause problems for some people with allergies. It’s not known how many people suffer from Christmas tree-related allergies. But if you find yourself with a runny nose, itchy eyes or maybe even i... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075153 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 18:40:08 +0100 2075153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2033847&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ftop-5-health-scams-of-2008%2F It’s the time of year when annual “top” lists begin appearing everywhere like so many ornaments on the tree. So here’s Dr. Z’s roundup of the top five health scams of 2008: Kinoki Detox Foot Pads Kinoki and all other so-called detox foot pads top the list because of the sheer audacity involved in their shameless marketing and the utter lack of either a scientific basis through which they might work or any medical studies proving that they do. Yet we’ve received over 400 comments on my blog about them, attesting to the surprising interest people have in these worthless products. Despite their having been debunked on National Public Radio and the ABC news program “20/20″ inquiring minds still want to know, likely due to relentless marketing a... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2033847 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:00:36 +0100 2033847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2013911&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fct-angiography-a-scambuster-update%2F Not long ago, I recommended you avoid CT angiography as a screening test for heart disease unless you were absolutely convinced that it was necessary and not just being ordered either because it’s a new, extremely cool, technology, or because your doctor has an equity position in the machine (meaning he or she or the practice profits every time the test is run because they own or lease the equipment). I noted that as a screening test for people without symptoms of heart disease, CT angiography has yet to be proven effective. Moreover, even though the test is quite short, there is significant radiation exposure from the X-rays used to obtain the high-tech images (orders of magnitude greater than that used in a simple chest X-ray).But let’s say that you actually have symptoms of ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2013911 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:27:58 +0100 2013911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1998875&cid=t_107662_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fgallimaufry-of-wibble-professor-keith.html Professor Keith Scott-Mumby MB ChB, MD, PhD, FRCP (MA) My approach to quackery is opportunistic and eclectic. Not for me the commendably rigorous approach of Ben Goldacre, Holford Watch, Dr Aust and DC’s Improbable Science. My interest is usually stirred when a patient, frequently with a Daily Mail tucked under their arm, asks a question. It happened last week when, to coin a phrase, I was more shaken than stirred by an elderly lady with osteoporosis who asked me if it was worth buying a “Hypergravity vibration exercizer”.I am afraid I laughed. I suppose one should be more open minded, but “hypergravity vibration exercizer” sounded like pure wibble. The patient did not share my amusement, particularly when I had to admit that I had never heard of it. She said it had been recomme... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1998875 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:35:00 +0100 1998875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1975220&cid=t_107662_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FpjzhN605zYI%2F Just as there is the Amber Alert for abducted children, should there be an “Autism Alert” when an autistic child is missing? The parents of Kaitlyn Bacile—-who, in September, was found drowned in a canal near her home —-think so, as reported in today’s WSVN (Florida): While it’s too late for Kaitlyn, her parents hope some good can come from their tragedy. Jay Bacile: “We want Kaitlyn’s life not to go in vain, at the very minimum we want to raise awareness. We just want her memory to live on and do good because that’s what Kaitlyn was, was pure goodness. WSVN notes that current programs designed to report that autistic children are missing are “not being used consistently”: The “Take Me Home” program supplies poli... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1975220 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:11:13 +0100 1975220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1976124&cid=t_107662_101_f&fid=36535&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbackboardsandbandaids.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Famber-alert-texas.html The State of Texas issued the Amber Alert on Wednesday afternoon after the child was apparently abducted in Spring Branch, about 15 miles north of San Antonio. The child is believed to be in imminent danger.Jewel Noel Klein is a white female, 6 years old with blond hair and blue eyes, 4 ft., and 60 pounds. She was last seen wearing a red plaid sundress.The suspect is Tonya Renee Martin, a 41 year old white female, 5 feet 2 inches tall, 107 pounds with blue eyes, and blond hair.The suspect vehicle is a blue Hyundai Sonata with Texas tag number 404ZNM.Anyone with information is asked to call the Comal County Sheriff's Office, 830-620-3400 or dial 911. (Source: Backboards and Bandaids, Papers and Projects...) Backboards and Bandaids, Papers and Projects... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1976124 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:54:00 +0100 1976124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939843&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Flean-times-good-or-bad-for-health%2F With the economy slowing (or crashing depending on your point of view), and food prices rising, you may be forced to make some tough choices when it comes to what to eat, where to eat it and how to pay for it. Can you still afford to buy nutritious fresh food, which is notoriously more expensive, or will you turn to more calorie-dense, less nutritious packaged foods? Will you “dine” at fast food restaurants more often, eating their high-fat, high-sugar but low-price offerings? Recent articles in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC.com address this issue. You might think that leaner times would lead to leaner waistlines as people cut back on spending. But it appears that the opposite is true. Adam Drewnowski, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Washington in Seattle ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939843 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:59:58 +0100 1939843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1926766&cid=t_107662_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Ffive-caregiving-steps-for-home-safety.html When an elder's health condition could need emergency care at home caregivers can take the following safety steps. (1) First, put a Vial of Life information form on the fridge door so paramedics can quickly get information about medicines, health conditions, doctors, emergency numbers and allergies. (2) Next, create a caregiving notebook with dividers and information about the following. Put the notebook in the kitchen in a prominent place so paramedics can see it without searching.A. health conditions, diagnoses, allergies, medical historyB. medicines, instructions and dosagesC. emergency phone numbers, doctors, health professionals, relatives, friendsD. info regarding power of attorneyE. healthcare directive and instructionsF. an ongoing journal to list important information, falls, illn... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1926766 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:46:00 +0100 1926766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924861&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fplacebo-prescribing-whats-your-opinion%2F Let’s talk about placebos, and in particular about how you’d feel if you found out that your doctor had prescribed something for you that he or she believed actually had no activity against your illness other than a psychological effect. But instead of calling it a placebo, he or she told you that the prescription was for “a medicine not typically used for your condition but which might benefit you.” Would you be okay with it figuring that your doctor had your best interests in mind and was trying, as best he or she knew how, to help alleviate your symptoms, or would you be angry, feeling that you’d been misled, or worse, the victim of fraud? However you feel, it seems that placebo prescribing may be more common than you think. A new study, conducted in the Un... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924861 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:12:50 +0100 1924861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1906251&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fthe-morning-banana-diet-a-scambuster-report%2F The latest fad weight loss scheme is something called the Morning Banana Diet (MBD), which started in Japan and swept across the country like an unrelenting tsunami. It’s so popular there that bananas literally fly off the shelves as fast as they can be stocked. But you should be forewarned, Japan is known for its fad diets and there have been many others before this one that also were so big they caused product shortages. And, of course, like all fad diets, this one will likely lead to some weight loss in the short run but will fail in the long run, which is why they are always replaced by the next crazy idea. But this one actually has a hidden nugget of gold called resistant starch that I’ll explain a little later. So what is the Morning Banana Diet? Like all fad diets, ther... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1906251 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 23:43:20 +0100 1906251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1883684&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fvitamin-d-recommendations-doubled-for-infants-children-and-adolescents%2F This post is important for all pregnant women, mothers who are breast feeding their babies and for parents of infants, children and adolescents (please forward it to your family, friends and others as appropriate). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has revised their recommendations for vitamin D supplementation of the diets of all newborns, infants, children and adolescents. The new recommendations (detailed below) basically double the amount of vitamin D recommended from 200 IU/day to 400 IU/day. The AAP’s recommendations were described in an October 13, 2008 press release as well as in a more detailed free online Clinical Report. The new recommendations come at a time when the importance of vitamin D in maintaining health and preventing disease, and the near ubiquity of vita... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1883684 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:34:16 +0100 1883684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1848179&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fdriving-on-election-day-is-particularly-hazardous%2F Election day, Tuesday, November 4, is fast approaching and I encourage everyone to register and vote in this historic presidential election. But a new study has found that if you drive on election day during voting hours, you should exercise extra caution. That’s because, as strange as it may seem, there’s an 18 percent increased risk of dying in a motor vehicle accident during voting hours on a presidential election day than on a non-election day. The research was published in the October 1, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The researchers examined all eight presidential elections since 1976 and found a consistent pattern of increased fatalities on election days across the decades. They compared the number of traffic accident-related fatalities on... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1848179 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:17:36 +0100 1848179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1837130&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fchina_melamine_scare_is_a_worldwide_threat.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 4855318 In the US, the FDA has an Updated Health Information Advisory on Melamine Contamination: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting consumers that seven Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products are being recalled by the Taiwanese company, King Car Food Industrial Co. Ltd., due to possible contamination with melamine. King Car Food Industrial Co. used a non-dairy creamer manufactured by Shandong Duqing Inc., China, which was found to be contaminated with melamine. The recalled products are: Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1837130 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 1837130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1825553&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fwarning_on_caffeinated_energy_drinks.php © revjim5000 Energy drinks are caffeinated, we should know this fact by now. Energy drinks also pose as sports drinks - i will say it again - are caffeinated - much more caffeine there is in soda drinks. According to caffeine experts at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, caffeinated energy drinks now on the market should carry prominent labels that note caffeine doses and warn of potential health risks for consumers. Said Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., one of the authors of the article that appears in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence (pdf) this month: "The caffeine content of energy drinks varies over a 10-fold range, with some containing the equivalent of 14 cans of Coca-Cola, yet the caffeine amounts are often unlabeled and few include warnings about the potential health risks of caffeine ... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1825553 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:33:25 +0100 1825553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826316&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fsarah-palin-on-the-risks-of-indoor-tanning%2F Regular readers of this blog will know that I’ve previously written about skin cancer, skin cancer prevention and the skin cancer-inducing risks of indoor tanning. So it will come as no surprise that I was troubled to learn that Alaska Governor and Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin had installed a tanning bed in the Governor’s mansion shortly after taking office in early 2007 and that this was being widely reported in the media. My concerns were that Governor Palin’s apparent endorsement of indoor tanning might lead some people to believe that it’s an okay thing to do. The good news is that Governor Palin apparently knows better than to use an indoor tanning bed. On May 4, 2007, she issued an official statement proclaiming May 2007 as “Skin Ca... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826316 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:02:32 +0100 1826316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815272&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fhealthfindergov_has_a_new_design.php Healthfinder.gov has a new design. The site offers quick and easy prevention information and tools to help people stay healthy and prevent disease. Healthfinder.gov's new Quick Guide to Healthy Living uses everyday language and examples to: Describe "small steps" users can do to improve their healthGive users positive reasons to change their behaviorProvide tools and encouragement, such as personal health calculators, menu planners and recipes, tips for caregivers, and printable lists of questions to take to the doctor The new "myhealthfinder" tool gives users personalized health recommendations based on sex, age, and pregnancy status, from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The redesign of healthfinder.gov was informed by health literacy and usability principles, and the si... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815272 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 1815272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815383&cid=t_107662_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FF7UWIEZgCIE%2F 13-year-old Austin Large, who is autistic, is missing, according to the September 22nd New Durham Region. Austin and his father, Elias Large, were to return from a fishing trip on Monday. When they did not, Austin’s mother contacted police. Police say they could be traveling in a white 1999 GMC Sierra extended truck with a large green tool box. The licence plate number is NE7 917. Austin is described as white, 5′5″ tall, and weighing 160 pounds. He has a heavy build, brush cut, light brown hair and blue eyes. The boy and his father were supposed to have spent the weekend fishing on Lake Nipissing but when they did not return home Monday as planned, Austin’s mother called police. “They did not go to the lake,” said Hamilton Police Detective Sergeant Chris Kiriakopoul... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815383 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:53:29 +0100 1815383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812687&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fthe_federal_trade_commission_on_bogus_cancer_cures.php © A. Belani It is quite tricky to be lured into sellers of cancer treatments especially on the web. We as consumers must be vigilant in determining which one is real or not. When something is too good to be true, it most probably is too good to be true. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently put a stop on peddlers of bogus cancer cures. The Federal Trade Commission today announced 11 law enforcement actions challenging deceptive advertising of bogus cancer cures. The FTC charged the companies with making unsupported claims that their products cured or treated one or more types of cancer. In each case, the company is charged with violating the FTC Act, which bars deceptive claims. Some complaints allege that the companies also falsely touted clinical or scientific proof for th... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812687 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:11:20 +0100 1812687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1802964&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Freduce-your-exposure-to-bpa-bisphenol-a-now%2F While the FDA dithers and the chemical industry stalls, now’s the time for you to act by reducing your and your family’s exposure to the toxic chemical bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA. That’s because the results of the first major epidemiologic study looking at the potential health effects of BPA in humans, published in the September 17, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) , found a significant relationship between the amount of BPA that people had in their body (as measured by its excretion in their urine) and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes (type 2 or what’s typically called adult onset diabetes) and abnormalities of liver enzymes (suggesting some type of liver damage). And while a study of this type can... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1802964 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:47:20 +0100 1802964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1798084&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Franbaxy_generic_drugs_denied_import_to_us_by_fda.php © KB35 The largest maker of generic drugs in India - Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd - has been issued a warning letter and an import alert by the FDA in lieu of 30 generic drugs made in its two plants in India. The two plants whose quality control issues in Ranbaxy's Dewas and Paonta Sahib plants in India. The Warning Letters identify the agency's concerns about deviations from U.S. current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements at Ranbaxy's manufacturing facilities in Dewas and Paonta Sahib (including the Batamandi unit), in India. Because of the extent and nature of the violations, FDA today issued an Import Alert, under which U.S. officials may detain at the U.S. border, any active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) (the primary therapeutic component of a finished drug p... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1798084 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0100 1798084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1755314&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ftv-alert-stand-up-to-cancer-september-5-2008%2F Many HealthTalk members, visitors and readers of this blog will be interested in an upcoming and unprecedented primetime, commercial-free, TV fundraising event this Friday night, September 5, 2008. The event is called “Stand Up To Cancer,” and the following information was taken verbatim from the Stand Up to Cancer Web site. “On September 5, 2008 (8 p.m. EDT and PDT) ABC, CBS and NBC will donate one hour of simultaneous commercial-free primetime for the nationally televised fundraising event aimed at rallying the public around the goal of ending cancer’s reign as a leading cause of death. The special will feature stars from film and television who will perform as well as present filmed content giving viewers insight into cancer. Various screening tests will be demonstra... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1755314 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:08:57 +0100 1755314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1679486&cid=t_107662_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FKY_4VFh5z7A%2F I wrote in June about the silver alert system for people with Alzheimer’s Disease. Here’s what Congressman Tom Latham, one of the original co-sponsor of legislation known as the Silver Alert Grant Program Act. Congressman Latham is no stranger to the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease as his own father suffered from it. I wrote in June about the silver alert system for people with Alzheimer’s Disease. Here’s what Congressman Tom Latham, one of the original co-sponsor of legislation known as the Silver Alert Grant Program Act. Congressman Latham is no stranger to the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease as his own father suffered from it. I wrote in June about the silver alert system for people with Alzheimer’s Disease. Here’s what Congressman Tom Latha... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1679486 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:39:56 +0100 1679486 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1648983&cid=t_107662_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F07%2F23%2Fspeak-up-for-the-women-who-suffer-perinatal-mood-disorders%2F Hey there World of Psychology readers. You’re probably saying to yourselves “This is NOT Dr. John Grohol. I detect a Southern accent.” Very intuitive. My name is Katherine Stone and I write Postpartum Progress, the most widely-read blog in the U.S. on perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression, antepartum depression, postpartum OCD and postpartum psychosis. For some reason, Dr. Grohol has seen fit to give me the keys to his blog. Before he changes his mind, I thought I’d sneak in and talk to you while I had the chance … The timing of my post is very important. Later this week, the United States Senate may be voting on the Advancing America’s Priorities Act. This package of bills, introduced by Senator Harry Reid this morning, includes... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1648983 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:59:04 +0100 1648983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1603010&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Ffda_warning_fluoroquinolone_antimicrobial_drugs_increase_risk_of_tendinitis_and_tendon_rupture.php The FDA is requiring a Boxed Warning in the product labeling of fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs concerning the increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. Fluoroquinolones are drugs approved for the treatment or prevention of certain bacterial infections. Like other antibacterial drugs, fluoroquinolones do not treat viral infections such as colds or flu. Manufacturers of such antimicrobial drugs have been notified of the FDA requirement. The FDA has notified the manufacturers of these drugs that a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) is necessary to ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks. The Medication Guide will be considered to be an element of the REMS. The new Boxed Warning and Medication Guide would strengthen warning information already includ... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1603010 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:37:20 +0100 1603010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1561376&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fcell-phones-and-driving-dont-go-together%2F Today new laws go into effect in Washington (where I live) and in California (the most populous state – a full 12 percent of Americans live there!) banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Washington and California join Connecticut, D.C., New Jersey and New York in having such cell phone bans. While I welcome these new laws, I don’t think they go far enough because research has shown that it’s not the number of hands you have available for driving, but rather how much attention you’re paying to your driving that’s important in crash prevention. Yet no state bans all cell phone use while driving, and the ones noted above don’t prohibit hands-free phoning (a list of all the various state laws is provided by the Governors Highway Safety Association). Driver inattent... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1561376 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:14:06 +0100 1561376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1518753&cid=t_107662_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F311727614%2F It’s like an Amber alert but for Seniors and it’s working presently in eight states - Colorado, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucy, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. When issued, it makes everyone aware that someone with Alzheimer’s Disease is missing and accelerates the process of engaging the community in the search and rescue of the vulnerable person. Immediate action includes using public broadcast systems, state transportation department automated road signs and a emergency call-line. Sounds like a program that should be in all 50 states… (source) Tags: Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimers-disease, missing persons, silver alert, wanderingShare This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1518753 Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:39:27 +0100 1518753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1472744&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fshingles-reduce-your-risk-with-vaccination%2F Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, and there are about 1 million episodes of it in the United States every year. If you’ve ever had chicken pox, you are at risk for developing shingles – and your risk increases with age, especially over the age of 50 and increasing thereafter. Recently issued guidelines are now recommending immunization for all individuals over the age of 60 with a vaccine designed to prevent shingles, even if they’ve previously had an episode of shingles and even if they have a chronic medical illness. The vaccine has been available in the United States since May of 2006 and is called Zostavax. It is made using the same virus that’s in the chicken pox vaccine, which is routinely given to children and has been in use since ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1472744 Tue, 27 May 2008 20:11:07 +0100 1472744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1454890&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fdepression-out-of-the-shadows-on-pbs-may-21-2008%2F May is mental health awareness month and there’s an important new PBS documentary on depression premiering on May 21 (9pm ET), which is entitled “DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows.” The film is 90 minutes long and is followed by a 30 minute panel discussion hosted by Jane Pauley, who was herself diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2001, which is titled “ONE STEP: Caring for Depression, with Jane Pauley.” The documentary and panel discussion are part of a multi-dimensional PBS project that includes a Web site and an educational outreach campaign that is being produced by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the YMCA of the USA. With nearly 19 million Americans suffering from some form of depressive illness (according to the National Institute of Mental Health), depressio... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1454890 Tue, 20 May 2008 18:06:23 +0100 1454890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1391330&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fdr-stephen-barrett-of-quackwatch-to-appear-on-health-now%2F Readers of my scambuster reports will want to listen in to our upcoming interview with Dr. Stephen Barrett, founder of the critically important Web site Quackwatch.com. On April 30, 2008, our show Health Now with Judy Foreman will be talking with this pioneering and tireless exposer of health quackery, frauds and scams. You can register for this free program at Health Now. Health Now with Judy Foreman is our weekly live Internet webcast (formerly called HealthTalk Live) in which we explore a wide range of issues and concerns that affect anyone touched by a chronic illness. Health Now features expert guests and listener phone and e-mail questions, and the discussion is always informative and free-ranging. Listen every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern/5:30 p.m. Pacific, and check out the progr... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1391330 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:53:43 +0100 1391330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523820&cid=t_107662_158_f&fid=36019&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fcaregiver%2F%7E3%2FN6-NksE-t6U%2Fleaving-our-loved-ones-unattended.html In continuing the conversation about traveling and leaving our loved ones unattended, I interviewed Midge Norris, Director of Marketing, with The Personal Alert Link. It is an in-home medical alarm service that's cost effective, personalized, bilingual, and links seniors to independence. It simply attaches to any land line phone like an answering machine and whenever you need help, just press the button on The PAL. It instantly connects to our Emergency Call Center where you’ll have full two-way voice communication with a trained, caring Call Center Caregiver. The PAL gets you the help you need, whether it's an ambulance or just a call to your neighbor for help.Looking back, Ginger, the traveling primary caregiver (see her story dated March 30, '08), now wishes she bought one for her dad... Working Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523820 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:06:00 +0100 2523820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1300772&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ffalls-and-fall-related-injuries-are-all-too-common-in-older-adults%2F My father will turn 89 in early April, and he was recently described by a visiting physical therapist as “a fall waiting to happen.” So the March 7, 2008 article in the CDC’s “MMWR” publication about seniors falling is one of personal interest to me. And since the CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injury in persons 65 years and older, it’s likely that this subject will resonate with HealthTalk readers concerned with their personal risk of falls as well as with the risks to their parents, friends and other loved ones. The CDC has estimated that in a three-month period in 2006, about 5.8 million persons over 65 fell and of those about 1.8 million sustained some type of fall-related injury. The overall estimate is that each year in the United Stat... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1300772 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:16:09 +0100 1300772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1290995&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fremaining_fentanyl_skin_patches_in_the_us_recalled_by_actavis.php Last year, the FDA has issued several safety warnings regarding the opiod skin patch Fentanyl. Now, for full safety measure, Actavis (the distributor of Fentanyl Skin Patch) has recalled the remaining Fentanyl skin patch in the U.S. Actavis Inc., the United States manufacturing and marketing division of the international generic pharmaceutical company Actavis Group hf, today announced that its subsidiary Actavis South Atlantic LLC is proceeding with the voluntarily recall from wholesalers and pharmacies of all lots of Fentanyl transdermal system CII patches sold in the United States. Find more details from the FDA News. See full article. Related Entries: Tips and tricks: Eat your way to healthy skin - 13 November 2006 Tips and tricks: Put some oil on your face! - 20 November 2006... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1290995 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:37:34 +0100 1290995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1248048&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Finfluenza-vaccine-why-this-years-flu-vaccine-aint-so-hot%2F You’ve probably heard that we’re in the midst of flu season and that cases are being reported from all around the country. You may have also read that this year’s vaccine isn’t protective against most of the influenza virus that’s circulating around. In fact, it seems as though this year’s formulation is only protective against about 40 per cent of this year’s flu strains. How can this be and who’s to blame? I learned a lot about influenza vaccine when I worked for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals back in the mid-eighties. And one of the main things I want you to understand is that of all the people involved in creating each year’s influenza vaccine, the pharmaceutical manufacturers are in no way responsible for deciding which strains are put into the product. In the case of influen... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1248048 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:18:19 +0100 1248048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1246765&cid=t_107662_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F238603070%2F Cognitive training (the basis for what we call "brain fitness" these days) has a wide array of applications. The most recent one, which is capturing public's imagination, monopolizing media coverage, and creating certain confusion, is Healthy Brain Aging. We are fortunate to have Dr. Joshua Steinerman, one of our new Expert Contributors, offer today his great voice to this conversation. Enjoy! --------------------------- Minding the Aging Brain -- By Joshua R. Steinerman, M.D. Scientists, philosophers, artists, and experts from all fields of human endeavor lament: it ain’t easy getting older. It? Do they refer to frailty and disability? To bodily disease? To life at its essence? It’s all in your head The mind is not set in stone, but it is encased by bone. It’s really all a... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1246765 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:07:29 +0100 1246765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1233351&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fkinoki-detox-foot-pads-a-scambuster-report%2F Just when I think I’ve seen it all, along comes the Kinoki Foot Pad, an adhesive pad that you apply to the sole of your foot while sleeping and which, according to the distributor’s website is alleged to “assist your body in the removal of heavy metals, metabolic wastes, toxins, microscopic parasites, mucous, chemicals, cellulite and much more.” This is such a blatant scam that it gives other scams a bad name! There may also be other suppliers of similar detox foot pads such as Chikusaku Bamboo Vinegar Patches, but they are all basically the same. Under the heading of “What specific benefits can I expect?” they have the gall to list the following: Kinoki Detox Foot Pads may help: • Absorb toxins released by the body. • Relieve the burden on the immune system. • Assist ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1233351 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:17:57 +0100 1233351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1229209&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Ffda_notice_on_botox_and_its_adverse_reactions.php Hey, if you are a long time botox customer or if you thinking of submitting yourself to botox, hear ye: the US FDA recently notified the public that Botox and Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum toxin Type A) and Myobloc (Botulinum toxin Type B) have been linked in some cases to adverse reactions. Such adverse reactions include respiratory failure and death - following treatment of a variety of conditions using a wide range of doses. In an early communication based on the FDA's ongoing safety review, the agency said the reactions may be related to overdosing. There is no evidence that these reactions are related to any defect in the products. The adverse effects were found in FDA-approved and nonapproved usages. The most severe adverse effects were found in children treated for spasticity ... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1229209 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:49:15 +0100 1229209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1216588&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fhawthorne-for-heart-failure-good-news-and-bad-news%2F If you are an advocate of using natural remedies and you suffer from chronic heart failure, there’s good news on the beneficial effects of the herbal extract hawthorn. A recent analysis of 14 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies (the best types of medical studies available) found that oral preparations using hawthorn leaf and flower extracts improved both symptoms and heart function in patients with chronic heart failure. But before you rush off to the pharmacy or use the Internet to order hawthorn products, please bear in mind the following facts: • Chronic heart failure is an extremely serious medical condition that requires careful diagnosis, ongoing monitoring and complex medical therapy • Most of the people in the 14 medical studies were receiving hawtho... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1216588 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:09:39 +0100 1216588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1207293&cid=t_107662_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Ffda_issued_advisory_on_chantix.php Hey, if I told you about considering Chantix to quit smoking, forget about it. The FDA has recently issued a Public Health Advisory on Chantix (varenicline) - alerting health care providers, patients, and caregivers to its new safety warnings. A product of Pfizer, Chantix is a smoking cessation drug approved by the FDA in May 2006. The said advisory states that Chantix can indeed be related to changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and actual suicidal behavior. On Nov. 20, 2007, FDA issued an Early Communication to the public and health care providers that the agency was evaluating postmarketing adverse event reports on Chantix related to changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and actual suicidal behavior. As the agency's r... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1207293 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:01:53 +0100 1207293