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 'health & safety'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:35:42 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086172&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Foverwhelmed-ers-continue-to-rise-to-the-challenge%2F2011.07.31 Last night I was contacted by a physician in the local urgent-care.   I like him, and we made polite, but brief, conversation.  ‘So, are you guys busy?’ I gave him the status report.  ‘Well, yeah.  We have about 25 people waiting to be seen the waiting room is full and every patient room is full.  Also, we just received a gun-shot wound to the head by EMS.’ ‘Wow, sounds terrible!  So, here’s what I need to send you…’ What he sent was, in fact, reasonable.  A young woman with signs and symptoms of meningitis (who was treated earlier in the day for and upper respiratory virus…with Amoxicillin, of course.) She needed a lumbar puncture, which I performed and which was  negative. But I had this thought.  I could probably have said, (more…) *This blog ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086172 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 21:00:39 +0100 5086172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653326&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fstop-using-soladek-vitamin-solution-fda-warns.html The Food and Drug Administration this week warned consumers to stop using Soladek, a vitamin-solution product marketed by Indo Pharma, S.A., of the Dominican Republic, because the product might contain dangerously high levels of vitamins A and D. The FDA said it received seven reports of serious health problems in people using the product. They include decreased kidney function, elevated levels of calcium in the blood, fatigue, abnormal heart rate or rhythm, vomiting, and diarrhea. The FDA advised Soladek users to seek medical care immediately if experiencing those symptoms or symptoms of vitamin A toxicity (which include anemia, anorexia, hair loss, joint pain, bone weakness, bulging eyes, liver abnormalities, and birth defects) or vitamin D toxicity (which include weakness, fatigue, ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653326 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:50:00 +0100 4653326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382758&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F01%2Fvitamin-d-supplements-should-you-get-your-vitamin-d-level-tested.html Several million people are expected to undergo lab testing of their vitamin D levels this year, according to a report in this week’s New England Journal of Medicine. But before you roll up your sleeve, ask your doctor why you should get tested and what, if anything, might be done based on the test results, especially if they're only kinda low. Doctors are finding it “challenging” to interpret results that are only slightly below normal, says the author of the article, Clifford J. Rosen, M.D., from the Maine Medical Center Research Institute in Scarborough and a member of an Institute of Medicine committee that recently released new recommendations for the vitamin. The implications of such results are “incompletely understood,” he says, for many reasons. For one thing, the... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382758 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:07:16 +0100 4382758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4275317&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fechinacea-for-colds-echinacea-anti-cold-claims-hugely-overrated-how-to-prevent-colds.html Americans spent $132 million on echinacea supplements in 2009, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. For what? Not much, apparently. A study in the Dec. 21, 2010 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine found that the possible benefits from the herb in treating colds were so small that they could have been due to chance. And even if they were real, the researchers said that most people would probably think they're too insignificant to matter. The investigators divided 719 adults with early symptoms of a cold into three groups—one got a pill they knew was echinacea, another got either echinacea or a placebo, and the final group got no pill at all—and followed them for two weeks. The 10-percent reduction in symptom severity among those who took echinacea was not statistically... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4275317 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 22:01:00 +0100 4275317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4097923&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F10%2Fpet-diarrhea-pet-vomiting-halloween-pets-safety-chocolate-and-pets-halloween-can-be-no-treat-for-pets-pet-safety.html Our associate director's kitten, Freya, will munchon pet-friendly treats, not including this pumpkin. According to the National Retail Association, this Halloween is expected to scare up nearly $6 billion in US consumer spending, averaging just over $66 spent per individual—a significant gain over the previous Halloween. An average of $20.29 per person will be spent on candy and chocolate. While the vast majority of those sweets will be gobbled up by us bipeds, some will unfortunately fall into the paws and mouths of our four-legged friends. As we have noted in the past, candy can be quite toxic to Fluffy or Fido. Chocolate in any form—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs especially. Symptoms of significant chocolate consumption can include... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4097923 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:35:24 +0100 4097923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055710&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F10%2Ffolic-acid-health-benefits-another-blow-against-vitamins-now-its-folic-acid-preventing-heart-attacks.html Our recent Ratings of multivitamins reported on the mounting evidence that vitamin and mineral supplements don’t cut your risk of disease. Now a large analysis, which appears today in the Archives of Internal Medicine, adds to that message. It found that supplements of folic acid, a B vitamin sometimes touted as a heart protector, did nothing to prevent heart attacks, strokes, or cancer over a median of about five years. The analysis reviewed eight clinical trials involving 37,485 people at a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Those who took folic acid did have lower levels of homocycsteine—a chemical linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease—than people who took a placebo. But that didn’t translate into significantly fewer heart attacks or strokes. Nor did it reduce th... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055710 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 20:02:00 +0100 4055710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929227&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fcalcium-supplements-liquid-calcium-how-to-get-more-calcium.html Are liquid calcium supplements absorbed better than calcium pills? —H.C., Ferndale, Wash. Possibly. Liquid or chewable supplements give the body a head start on absorption because they’re already broken down when they reach the stomach. If you prefer pills, calcium carbonate has the highest percentage of calcium and usually costs less. Pick products that bear the seal of the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), which ensures they’ve been tested for purity and potency. You can also check your supplement’s solubility by putting it in a glass of vinegar for 30 minutes and stirring periodically. If it doesn’t dissolve, it probably won’t be absorbed well in your stomach. Read more on supplements to avoid and those worth considering. If you're taking a supplement, you can check up on&nbs... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929227 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:49:31 +0100 3929227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3822915&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fdietary-supplement-risks-dangerous-supplements-if-youre-taking-a-supplement-tell-your-doctor.html About a month ago, a 44-year-old insurance executive came to see me with complaints of headaches and muscle cramps. His pain was caused by the typical cluster headache located behind one eye, accompanied by one-sided tearing and nasal congestion, and often triggered by occasional wine or chocolate. The muscle cramps mainly affected the legs and seemed to worsen after exercise. When I got the results of his lab work, I was surprised to see an elevated muscle enzyme level (creatine phosphokinase or CPK). When I called my patient with the result, he admitted that he had been taking creatine supplements a few times a week to improve his workout and help him increase his weightlifting. He said the product promised that his exercise recovery time would be shortened as well, so he was willing t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3822915 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:00:00 +0100 3822915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3816393&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fcalcium-supplements-risks-calcium-for-bone-health-calculating-the-risks-of-taking-calcium.html If you're one of the millions of older Americans who take calcium supplements, you might have been startled by this recent headline (or a variation of it): "Calcium supplements linked to increased risk of heart attacks." Pretty worrying stuff, although the increase in risk noted in the study was actually quite small. Nonetheless, these findings raise an important question: do the benefits of taking calcium supplements outweigh the risks for most people?You might expect the answer to be yes, considering that many older people don't get enough calcium from their diet, and this can increase their risk of thin and weak bones that break easily (osteoporosis). Women are especially vulnerable to brittle bones as they get older. However, studies have raised doubt about whethe... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3816393 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:06:25 +0100 3816393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3816394&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fdangerous-supplements-risky-nutritional-supplements-all-natural-supplements-not-so-much.html No sooner did we send our article featuring dangerous nutritional supplements that harbored hidden prescription drugs to the printer than we received announcements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of six more such products: • July 8: Que She, advertised as a "Slimming Factor Capsule" and "an all-natural blend of Chinese herbs," contained four pharmaceuticals, including fenfluramine, a drug withdrawn from the U.S market in 1997 after studies showed that it caused serious heart valve damage. • July 16: One lot of Slim-30 Herb Supplement, had traces of the prescription appetite suppressant sibutramine (Meridia), which, the FDA said "is known to substantially increase blood pressure and / or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a hi... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3816394 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 09:55:00 +0100 3816394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798552&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Fmineral-oil-health-risks-oils-and-vitamin-d-getting-more-vitamin-d.html You reported in April that mineral oil can lower vitamin D levels. Do olive or other oils pose the same risk? —C.L., Thornhill, Ontario, Canada No, because they don’t interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients in the gut. Unlike animal fats or vegetable oils, mineral oil—which is made from petroleum—isn’t digested by the body; rather, it passes unabsorbed through the gut and out the bowel, taking with it any of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) that have hitched a ride. In contrast, vegetable or fish oils and their dissolved vitamins are digested in the intestine and absorbed into the body. In fact, cod-liver oil is an excellent source of vitamin D, and many vegetable oils contain vitamins E and K. Find out why you need vitamin D and how to get yo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798552 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:39:25 +0100 3798552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746732&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Ftravel-health-tips-how-to-be-healthy-at-30000-feet-preventing-motion-sickness-.html This article first appeared in the July 2010 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.   (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746732 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:08:34 +0100 3746732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3621673&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F06%2Fwhen-clutter-is-unhealthy-hoarding-mental-health-treatments-.html This article first appeared in the June 2010 issue of Consumer Reports on Health. For more on compulsions, such as hoarding, see our section on diagnosing and treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3621673 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:45:10 +0100 3621673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607493&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F05%2Fsupplement-risks-and-safety-government-watchdog-looks-at-safety-and-marketing-of-supplements.html The U.S. Government Accountability Office, a government watchdog agency, released a report Wednesday on its investigation of deceptive or questionable marketing and sales practices for dietary supplements popular among seniors, including ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, and chamomile. Those herbals and botanicals are loosely regulated under the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which expressly prohibits claims that they diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. In addition they must carry a label disclaimer that statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The most egregious practices included suspect marketing claims that a dietary supplement prevented or cured cancer, heart problems and other extremely serious diseases, according to the report. Other dietary su... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607493 Thu, 27 May 2010 16:16:56 +0100 3607493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538083&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F05%2Fshould-all-preemies-be-given-healthy-bacteria.html Babies born too early (especially before 34 weeks) need a great deal of special care and are vulnerable to many health problems, including infection. They may need help with breathing and feeding, if their organs are not sufficiently developed to do these jobs independently. One serious problem for preemies is an infection affecting the digestive system, called necrotizing enterocolitis. This affects about 7 in 100 babies born prematurely. One theory is that premature babies are vulnerable to this because they don’t have sufficient healthy bacteria in their intestines, to prevent colonization by other, more dangerous bacteria. So doctors have been looking at giving preemies a supplement containing healthy bacteria. These types of supplements are often called probiotics. You may have s... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538083 Thu, 06 May 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3538083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471780&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fantifreeze-supplement-what-is-polyethylene-glycol-supplement-safety-tips-.html I bought a dietary supplement that lists polyethylene glycol as an ingredient. Is that chemical also used in antifreeze? —D.E., by e-mail No. The poisonous liquid that cools your car is ethylene glycol, a toxic cousin of polyethylene glycol. The latter is a popular ingredient in many drugs and personal-care products and appears to pose few risks when used in appropriate amounts. It’s sometimes taken by itself as a laxative (MiraLax) and as a bowel cleanser before a colonoscopy (CoLyte, GoLYTELY). It’s also added to drugs to hold them together or slow their release in the body, and it’s often included in skin lotions, soaps, and toothpastes, among other products.Concerned about the ingredients your supplements? Find out what you can do to avoid risky supplements a... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471780 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:37:48 +0100 3471780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3435029&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fflashback-friday-dont-kiss-me-i-have-tuberculosis%2F This vintage WPA poster (for sale at vintagraph.com) is a rather charming way to address serious public health threats, don’t you think? Just imagine what kind of art they would’ve commissioned for swine flu. Vintage WPA Poster, for sale at vintagraph.com Post from: BlissTree Flashback Friday: Don't Kiss Me! (I Have Tuberculosis) (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3435029 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:51:35 +0100 3435029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3432873&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F04%2Fhow-safe-is-your-acupuncturist.html I blogged last year about the billions of dollars Americans spend each year on alternative medicine. It’s likely that a fair chunk of this money went to acupuncturists, with more than 3 million Americans choosing this treatment each year. According to microbiologists from Hong Kong University, those 3 million people should be careful when choosing their acupuncturist. There have been more than 50 reports from around the world describing serious bacterial infections after acupuncture, usually originating with contaminated needles or swabs. Skin infections seem to be the most common problem, but there have been cases of deeper infections affecting joints or the tissues around the heart, spine, or brain. Viral infections can also be transmitted by acupuncture. Worldwide, more than 80 peop... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3432873 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:45:00 +0100 3432873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3424843&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fnews-on-fish-oil-pills-do-fishoil-supplements-need-warning-labels-supplement-safety.html If you’re taking fish-oil supplements to cut your risk of cancer, heart attack, and stroke, wouldn't you want to know if they contained levels of contaminants that could offset those health benefits? Of course you would. So I had to investigate after I read about the recent lawsuit filed by consumer health activists charging that eight makers and sellers of fish-oil supplements violated California law by failing to warn consumers about their exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their products. After all, under California’s Proposition 65, the public has a right to be "informed about exposure to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm."California’s Proposition 65 not only provides consumers with safety information, but it also has t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3424843 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:33:51 +0100 3424843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416019&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fdietary-supplements-for-muscle-building-protein-pills-for-weight-training-supplements-and-safety.html Is there any reason to take protein supplements as part of a weight-training regimen? —F.J.P, via e-mail  Not if you eat a healthy diet. It’s true that exercise breaks down muscle tissue, and protein helps to rebuild it. But for the average exerciser, the damage is minuscule and any resulting need for protein is more than adequately fulfilled by a typical diet. And while competitive athletes and body builders require far more protein than the average person, their greater caloric intake virtually guarantees sufficient protein from diet alone.  Moreover, protein supplementation could be harmful: Long-term use may increase the risk of dehydration and osteoporosis, and it may worsen kidney disease.Find out when it makes sense to ta... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416019 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100 3416019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3382816&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fdo-female-sexual-supplements-work-supplements-claiming-to-boost-womens-sexual-function-.html Is there any evidence that drugstore supplements claiming to boost women’s sexual function might work? —Y.Y., Shelburne Falls, Mass.  Not much. Only a few small clinical trials, most of them funded by the manufacturer, have tested those ingredients or products in women. One trial found that a supplement containing L-arginine and yohimbe substantially reduced vaginal dryness and boosted arousal in postmenopausal women; the few previous trials of yohimbe alone yielded mixed results. In another small trial, a supplement containing L- arginine plus the herbs ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and damiana increased sexual desire, sensation, and satisfaction. Finally, a trial found that applying a product containing the oils of borage seed and evening ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3382816 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100 3382816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354317&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F03%2Fgetting-vitamin-d-from-sunlight-does-sunlight-passing-through-a-window-expose-you-to-vitamin-d.html You've reported that people generally need some sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. But does sunlight passing through windows trigger production of vitamin D? —D.P., Baie Verte, Newfoundland, Canada No. Glass blocks ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, the type that stimulates vitamin D synthesis by the skin. To get enough of the vitamin, you probably need to briefly expose some skin to direct sunlight a few days a week during the warmer months––unless you take a multivitamin containing D or consume lots of D-fortified milk plus some fatty fish. (Avoid high fatty-fish intake, which may supply excessive amounts of mercury and other toxins.) However, you can get sunburned through a window. That’s because windows don’t block UVA, the other harmful type of radiation ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354317 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:03:00 +0100 3354317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149049&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F01%2Fcod-liver-oil-risks-is-there-any-good-reason-to-take-cod-liver-oil-dangers-of-cod-liver-oil.html Is there any good reason to take cod liver oil these days? —N.G., St. Louis No, since the possible risks outweigh any likely benefits. Some studies have suggested that the oil may lower several risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure, blood-clotting potential, and elevated triglycerides. But the amount of oil needed to provide those benefits also carries a hidden danger: potentially toxic doses of vitamins A and D, which can cause nausea and vomiting and even damage the central nervous system and liver. And there’s too little evidence to support taking even low doses of the oil for other conditions such as high cholesterol, ear infection, osteoarthritis, or lupus. Some people confuse fish-oil pills with cod liver oil. Read more about the benefits of fish oil&nbs... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149049 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:30:00 +0100 3149049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2958845&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F11%2Fare-megadoses-of-vitamin-b-dangerous-information-on-vitamins-b12-b6-thiamin-and-riboflavin.html I take a multivitamin containing 1,000 to 3,000 percent of the daily value of vitamins B12, B6, thiamin, and riboflavin. Are such doses dangerous? —A.R., Riverside, Calif. Probably not, but for healthy people there’s little or no evidence that megadoses of those B vitamins are useful, either. Only B6 has been linked to a possible side effect, nerve damage. And that was at higher doses—7,000 percent of the daily value (DV), taken long-term—than you’re taking. Megadoses of B12 appear to be safe, since studies of pernicious-anemia treatment with injections of more than 40,000 percent of the DV haven’t reported any side effects. Thiamin and riboflavin also appear harmless because the body absorbs only a fraction of the huge doses; the rest is excreted in the urine. Read more on... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2958845 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100 2958845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954511&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F11%2Fare-megadoses-of-vitamin-b-dangerous-information-on-vitamins-b12-b6-thiamin-and-riboflavin.html I take a multivitamin containing 1,000 to 3,000 percent of the daily value of vitamins B12, B6, thiamin, and riboflavin. Are such doses dangerous? —A.R., Riverside, Calif. Probably not, but for healthy people there’s little or no evidence that megadoses of those B vitamins are useful, either. Only B6 has been linked to a possible side effect, nerve damage. And that was at higher doses—7,000 percent of the daily value (DV), taken long-term—than you’re taking. Megadoses of B12 appear to be safe, since studies of pernicious-anemia treatment with injections of more than 40,000 percent of the DV haven’t reported any side effects. Thiamin and riboflavin also appear harmless because the body absorbs only a fraction of the huge doses; the rest is excreted in the urine. Read more on... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954511 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100 2954511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923257&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F10%2Favoid-supplements-claiming-to-help-with-swine-flu-scams-email-bogus.html Whenever a public health or safety issue looms large, a certain segment of our economy tries to profit from the fear and confusion. We’ve seen it happen during the bird flu and SARS scares, and swine flu is no different. Since May, the Food and Drug Administration has warned more than 75 Web sites selling more than 135 products to stop making fraudulent H1N1 influenza virus claims—and they’ve been keeping a list of fraudulent products. Back in May, we reported on the lack of evidence for most flu supplements. There’s little reason to believe that supplements are effective for preventing or treating any flu. And some, such as colloidal silver, can actually be dangerous.A new article from the Associated Press reports that "products making bogus claims to prevent or treat swine... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923257 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:42:03 +0100 2923257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890858&cid=t_363277_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FI8njbT1Um9s%2F Britain’s National Autistic Society is calling for a national strategy to help people with autism get work. the NAS “Don’t Write Me Off” campaign began in light of most of the more than 300,000 working age adults with autism in the U.K. going without work. Only 15% are employed full-time, and the NAS says a key problem is a lack of understanding of autism among agency staff who determine eligibility for benefits and provide employment support. NAS wants the British government to introduce autism coordinators who would work with frontline staff, local employers and employment support services, including services to obtain Britain’s new Employment and Support Allowance. Though the government has pledged support and says it will an autism strategy “in due c... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890858 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:10:26 +0100 2890858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886423&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F10%2Fcod-liver-oil-health-risks-harmful-supplement-interactions.html Between cod-liver oil capsules and a multivitamin, I get 5,500 international units (IU) per day of vitamin A in the retinol form. Could that be harmful? —M.K., El Segundo, Calif. Yes. The body gets vitamin A in two forms: from retinol, or "preformed" vitamin A, and from beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Over time, a high intake of retinol can cause nervous-system and liver damage and increase the risk of birth defects, hip fractures, and premature death. That’s why men and women should get no more than 3,000 IU or 2,300 IU of retinol a day, respectively. Since the evidence on cod-liver oil is limited—just a few studies suggesting that it may reduce depression and certain risk factors for heart disease—you should probably skip it given its retinol con... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886423 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:13:23 +0100 2886423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807584&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fgrapefruit-seed-extract-supplement-hazards-grapefruit-seed-supplement-claims-supplement-risks-.html I’m taking a supplement that contains grapefruit-seed extract, which purportedly fights infections. Is there any good evidence to support that claim? —J.L., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada No. A few studies have found that disinfectants made with grapefruit extract can kill certain bacteria, yeasts, and molds. But that effect probably comes from preservatives in the sprays rather than the extract, since comparable preservative-free products don’t seem to kill the bugs. Moreover, like the fruit itself, grapefruit-seed extract blocks a key drug-metabolizing enzyme, which may lead to increases in the blood levels, risks, and side effects of numerous drugs. If you take medications, talk to your doctor before you start routinely eating grapefruit or taking a supplement that contains it—or bef... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807584 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:30:00 +0100 2807584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785921&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fhealth-risks-of-silver-supplements-benefits-of-taking-colloidal-silver-supplements.html Are there benefits to taking colloidal silver or to buying a "colloidal silver generator"? —R.L.B., Bryn Mawr, Calif. No, and the supplement can be dangerous. Colloidal silver consists of tiny silver particles suspended in liquid. It’s often touted as a treatment for allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and even infections such as anthrax and swine flu. The generators supposedly perform the alchemy necessary to brew your own silver supplement. But there are no known benefits to ingesting silver. Although it does have some mild germ-killing powers, it’s too weak to be used as an antibiotic. More important, it can be toxic. Possible effects include birth defects, permanent bluish discoloration of the skin, nails, gums, and whites of the eyes, and in severe cases, organ d... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785921 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:00:00 +0100 2785921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511649&cid=t_363277_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=2347710&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F04%2Fblood-tests-for-pesticides-fruits-and-vegetables-dangerous-pesticides.html Since I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, I’m concerned about pesticides accumulating in my body. Should I have my blood tested for them? —D.H., by e-mail Not unless you work on a farm or in another job where you regularly handle large quantities of pesticides. Those are the only situations in which public-health officials recommend routine blood testing for them. Nearly everyone has detectable amounts of hazardous chemicals in their blood, including traces of pesticides such as DDT that have been banned in the U.S. for decades. But the levels vary based on what you eat, where it came from, and what pesticides were used. It’s not clear what risks those small amounts carry, if any, or whether it’s possible to remove them once they’re in your body. To reduce your pesticide exposu... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347710 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:37:23 +0100 2347710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2284301&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F03%2Fqvc-to-pay-75-million-to-settle-false-dietary-supplement-claims.html QVC, the TV home shopping channel, will pay $7.5 million to settle charges that it made false and unsubstantiated claims about three types of dietary supplements, and about an anti-cellulite skin cream, the Federal Trade Commission announced today. QVC aired approximately 200 infomercials containing false and unsubstantiated claims about For Women Only weight-loss pills; Lite Bites weight-loss food bars and shakes; and Bee-Alive Royal Jelly energy supplements, according to the FTC. The advertisements allegedly claimed the weight-loss supplements could cause people to lose significant amounts of weight, maintain their weight loss for a long time, prevent carbohydrates from being stored as fat, and prevent dietary fat from being absorbed in peoples’ bodies. In our recent repo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2284301 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:38:28 +0100 2284301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2063234&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F12%2Fdiet-pill-warni.html If you're tempted by the range of weight-loss products on shelves and online during the holiday season, beware. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning on more than 25 products marketed for weight loss. Some of the products claim to be “natural” or to contain only “herbal” ingredients, but actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the product labels. The FDA's analysis found ingredients including sibutramine (a controlled substance and the active ingredient in the prescription drug Meridia), rimonabant (a drug not approved for marketing in the United States), phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication) and phenolphthalein (a chemical solution and laxative used in experiments and a suspected cancer-causing agent). If you've been taking any of the prod... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2063234 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:49:26 +0100 2063234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2043248&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F12%2Fairborne-settle.html The maker of Airborne dietary supplements has agreed to pay $7 million to settle allegations by 32 states and the District of Columbia that it made false claims about the benefits of its products. While the company admitted no wrongdoing, under the settlement, Airborne Health Inc. will discontinue any claims about the "health benefit, performance, efficacy or safety" of its supplements in preventing and treating colds and other ailments. Earlier this year, the company agreed to pay $30 million in a settlement with the Federal Trade Commision for false advertising claims. We've been skeptical of Airborne's claims since 2006, and have more recently advised consumers to leave over-the-counter products that are labeled homeopathic on the shelves. Read more about homeopathic drugs ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2043248 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:07:28 +0100 2043248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2008302&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F12%2Fheadache-cure.html Are you taking 3 or more Advil tablets and 2 Excedrin tablets to treat your headache, yet the pain not only persists but worsens? You could have a condition that affects up to two-thirds of patients who seek help at headache treatment centers in the U.S. known as medication-overuse headache. Medication-overuse headaches are headaches that are present for at least 15 days a month or have developed or markedly worsened because the sufferer took too much medication. If you get a headache, take medication properly and don't use it more than twice a week. See your doctor if the headache persists. If your doctor suggests that you have a medication-overuse headache, work with him or her to taper off the drugs. Ask your doctor whether a drug designed to prevent headaches (a prophylactic agent) mi... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2008302 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:34:20 +0100 2008302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2008303&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F12%2Fkids-flu-shot.html The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which, last year, recommended the annual flu shot to children ages 6 months through 4 years, has now broadened it's advice to include children ages 5 to 18 years old. Rates of infection are highest among children, according to the CDC, with children ages 6 months through 4 years at greater risk of suffering flu complications than older children. It is also advised that the people living with or caring for children younger than 5–and particularly those in contact with children younger than 6 months, such as childcare providers and babysitters–be immunized. Read more about the CDC's flu-vaccine recommendations on our Babies & Kids blog, and have a look at our recent blog on at-risk adolescents and the flu vaccine. Also, be sure to chec... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2008303 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:32:52 +0100 2008303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2000547&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F12%2Fworld-aids-day.html The American College of Physicians (ACP) is doing its part to prevent the spread of HIV by giving doctors a call-to-action to routinely encourage HIV screening to all of their patients older than 13 years. According to the guidelines released today, physicians should offer screening to all patients, and should determine the need for repeat screening intervals on a case-by-case basis. Higher risk patients should be retested more frequently than patients who are at average risk. HIV affects more than one million people in the United States. Every year, about 20,000 new infections are caused by individuals who are unaware that they are infected with HIV. Timely identification of undiagnosed cases of HIV can help prevent further transmission. Read more on the new practice guidelines on the ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2000547 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:05:40 +0100 2000547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985917&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Ftattoos-and-tee.html My friend's daughter, Becky (not her real name), is a radiant, outgoing high school senior who is planning to go to nursing school like her mom. Over the years I've watched her grow into a strikingly beautiful young woman with a flair for style and fashion. So when she recently traded in her braces for nasal piercings and a tattoo, I was taken aback. But perhaps it should have come as no surprise. Tattoos have gone mainstream. Recent data suggest that more than one-third of adults in the U.S. under the age of 35 and about one-quarter of those ages 18 to 50 now sport at least one tattoo. State and local authorities oversee tattoo practices, which vary across the country. There is no standard regulation for training or licensing, no requirements for inspection, record-keeping, informed con... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985917 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:03:39 +0100 1985917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1977492&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Fpregnancy-coffe.html Whether it's a short, bitter shot of espresso or a comforting, milky latte, there's no denying that, when most people think of caffeine, they think of coffee. But it turns out that women who are pregnant or thinking of having a baby may be better off cutting back on coffee, along with other foods and drinks that contain caffeine. In a new study, researchers looked at more than 2,000 pregnant women in Britain. They found that women who were getting more than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day (equivalent to two small cups of coffee) were more likely to give birth to an underweight baby. Some doctors already advise women to go easy on the coffee while pregnant. But in this study, most of the caffeine women consumed came from other sources. About 62 percent was from tea, with 14 percent ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1977492 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:08:23 +0100 1977492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1977493&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Fturkey-cooking.html It's turkey time and it goes without saying that an undercooked bird could put a damper on your holiday—and make you and your family sick. Use a meat thermometer to make sure your turkey gets hot enough to kill harmful bacteria: It should read 165°F for the innermost part of the thigh and for stuffing cooked in the turkey. Two top picks from our recent tests are the Polder THM-360 and the Taylor Weekend Warrior 806. Read more on how to avoid food poisoning, and check out our interview with Food Network host Robin Miller on holiday eating without the guilt. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1977493 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:53:03 +0100 1977493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1970938&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Fflu-shot-side-e.html Thinking of skipping the flu shot because you're worried about the side effects? Flu-shot side effects are uncommon and usually mild, including soreness or redness at the injection site, aches, and mild fever. A small number of people do have a more serious allergic reaction to the shot. And research suggests that roughly 1 out of every 1 million people vaccinated might develop Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder. But the shot's protection against illness, hospitalization, and death far outweighs the risk. Still, if you've had Guillain-Barre syndrome, avoid the spray vaccine and discuss with your doctor whether to get a shot. Finally, there is no convincing evidence linking the mercury-containing preservative thimerosal with autism or other health problems. However, if you're ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1970938 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:34:06 +0100 1970938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1970939&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Fcontact-lens.html If, like me, you're a contact lens wearer, you'll know how hard it can be to comply with all the advice from your optometrist. If you remove your lenses when you go swimming, you can't see the end of the pool. When you run out of saline solution—well, how bad can it be to use tap water to rinse your lenses instead? Actually, it can be pretty bad. You risk a painful eye infection called amoebic keratitis, which can damage your sight if it isn't picked up and treated quickly. Cases of amoebic keratitis are increasing worldwide, probably because of the increase in people wearing contact lenses. It's caused by a microscopic bug called Acanthamoeba, which lives in soil and water, including swimming pools and tap water. Usually, it causes no problems. But if it contaminates your contact lens,... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1970939 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:06:44 +0100 1970939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1956604&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Ffood-safety-lab.html While the majority of Americans regard the overall food supply as safe, nearly half say their confidence in the safety of the nation’s food supply has decreased, and many are concerned with the safety of imported food, according to a Consumer Reports poll released today. The loopholes in “country of origin labeling” (COOL) is among the safety concerns. An overwhelming majority of Americans want specialty meat and fish stores to label their products by country of origin. Meat and poultry sold in butcher shops and fish sold in fish markets—some 11% percent of all meat and fish—are currently exempt from COOL. Ninety-five percent of consumers polled believe that processed or packaged food should be labeled by their country of origin and that COOL for products should always be avail... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1956604 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:44:16 +0100 1956604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1953349&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Fvitamin-e-prost.html The National Cancer Institute has halted the testing of vitamin E and selenium for preventing prostate cancer after early trial results showed that the supplements not only didn’t help but might actually cause harm. An independent review suggested that men in the study who took only vitamin E were slightly more likely to develop prostate cancer than those taking just selenium, a combination of the supplements, or placebos. The study also suggested that those who took only selenium developed more cases of type-2 diabetes. While the NCI said both findings could be due to chance, the study clearly showed that neither mineral, alone or in combination, had the hoped for effect of warding off prostate cancer. Those findings continue the long run of disappointing results for antioxidant supple... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1953349 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:37:50 +0100 1953349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1948559&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Ftoo-sick-to-wor.html I kind of like staying home sick from work. It reminds me of snow days, when I was a kid. My wife, on the other hand, hasn't missed a day for as long as I can remember (unless you count maternity leave, which I don't.) In that way, we're atypical, at least according to a flu survey conducted in October by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. It found that men, in general, are far more willing than women to head off to work with a cough, a cold, a fever, or even diarrhea. Seventy-one percent of women said that last complaint would keep them home, while only 56 percent of men said the same. Overall, more than twice as many men as women say that none of the maladies we listed in our survey would keep them from their appointed rounds (right). Deciding when and whether to stay home... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1948559 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:37:07 +0100 1948559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1948560&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Fmulti-symptom-r.html Drugs that combine cold and flu remedies might seem like a sure-fire way to get relief, but those combo medications have multiple ingredients and can raise the risk of side effects and overdoses if you mix them with other drugs. Instead, choose over-the-counter medications by their active ingredients and buy single-symptom formulas. For more on the best drugstore products to buy, read our report "Medicine cabinet dos and don'ts" (free). And check out our Treatment Ratings (subscribers only) for the common cold. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1948560 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:51:40 +0100 1948560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1941079&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Ferection-proble.html Most men have problems getting an erection from time to time. It's not something many men feel comfortable talking about. But if your partner has trouble with erections a lot of the time, they really need to talk to their doctor. Erection problems can cause heartache and distress for a couple. But they can also be a warning sign of physical problems. About 8 in 10 men who regularly have difficulty getting an erection have a physical cause for their symptoms, like diabetes or early heart disease. In fact, regular erection problems can be seen as an early warning sign that your partner may have a heart attack in the next two to three years, doctors have warned. The risk that an erection may be a warning sign of heart disease is especially relevant to older men. One cause of erection proble... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1941079 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:11:09 +0100 1941079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1941081&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F11%2Fbpa-baby-bottle.html Canada recently announced plans to immediately proceed with drafting regulations to prohibit the importation, sale, and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles containing bisphenol A (BPA). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains in a draft report that products containing the chemical are safe at current levels of exposure. But an FDA Science Board subcommittee that peer-reviewed this draft report said last week said that the FDA assessment had "important limitations." The report concluded that "the Margins of Safety defined by FDA as 'adequate' are, in fact, inadequate." BPA is commonly found in polycarbonate baby bottles and sport bottles as well as in the lining of canned foods, including liquid infant formula. Studies suggest that the chemical can mimic e... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1941081 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:13:40 +0100 1941081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1922212&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F10%2Fcough-syrup-sid.html I was recently prescribed a hydrocodone cough syrup, which cured my cough but left me with severe nausea. Is this typical?—L.F., Valhalla, N.Y. Prescription cough syrups containing the narcotic hydrocodone can cause nausea as well as other side effects, such as constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, vomiting, and psychological dependence. That's one reason that syrups containing hydrocodone—or the related ingredient codeine—should be used only for especially persistent and wrenching coughs, and only for adults. Try milder measures first, such as humidifying the air to moisten dry airways, drinking hot liquids, and sucking on non-medicated lozenges. Most coughs actually stem from postnasal drip associated with the common cold. In those cases, using an over-the-counter antihis... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1922212 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:20:10 +0100 1922212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1903541&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F10%2Fasthma-and-kids.html Moms and dads often have sky-high expectations for their children in the classroom and on the playing field. But when it comes to controlling their child's asthma, many parents' expectations are unnecessarily low, according to a new study. And this may mean kids have too many days with asthma symptoms. Research shows that around 4 in 10 children with asthma don't have adequate control of their condition, and a similar number don't use daily controller medications, which can prevent wheezing, coughing, and asthma attacks. In the new study, researchers explored whether parents' expectations and beliefs about asthma and its treatments might be partly responsible. Researchers surveyed more than 700 parents of children ages 2 to 12 who had persistent asthma. They asked about each child's symp... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1903541 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:03:44 +0100 1903541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1881498&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F10%2Fsudden-infant-d.html Most parents of young babies know the feeling. You wake suddenly in the middle of the night with a sense of panic, and tiptoe to the crib to make sure your baby is still breathing. Losing a baby to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a very real fear for parents. It happens when a baby under 12 months old dies suddenly while sleeping, for no apparent reason. Although not common (it happens to around 1 in every 2,000 infants), SIDS is still the leading cause of death for babies age 1 month to 1 year. Research shows that simple steps, such as putting a baby to sleep on his or her back, can greatly reduce the risk of SIDS. Now a new study suggests that having a fan on while a baby sleeps might help as well. Researchers interviewed 185 mothers who had lost babies to SIDS. They asked sever... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1881498 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:30:31 +0100 1881498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1881499&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F10%2Funnecessary-tes.html One of the major reasons that medical care is more expensive in the U.S. than anywhere else is overtreatment and overdiagnosis. In our fee-for-service system, doctors and hospitals actually profit by overpromoting and overusing unnecessary, unproven, or potentially harmful tests and treatments. Meanwhile, our system actually discourages simple low-cost counseling and treatments that are proven to save lives and reduce suffering by underpaying those who provide these services. We investigated such treatment traps in November 2007, and came up with ten overused tests and treatments. Ranging from back surgery to whole-body CT scans, they have in common the fact that they have unproven benefits or are expensive or both. People with chronic, long-term illnesses or other serious conditions al... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1881499 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:55:23 +0100 1881499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873895&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F10%2Fpalliative-care.html U.S. hospitals often lead the world in providing innovative, life-prolonging treatments for cancer and other serious illnesses. But when it comes to adequately caring for the individual behind the illness, many hospitals aren't making the grade. According to a new report (links to PDF), U.S. hospitals get a C overall for how they care for the sickest patients. The report provides the first state-by-state look at the availability of palliative care programs within hospitals. Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life of seriously ill patients and their families. It typically involves a team of doctors, nurses and social workers who strive to improve patients' comfort, coordinate their care, and provide counseling and support for patients and their families. Identifying each p... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873895 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:13:12 +0100 1873895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1866509&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F10%2Fcosmetics-chemi.html If you've ever tried to decode the ingredients list on a cosmetic product, you know it can be difficult to decipher. But since some of those products contain ingredients that might not be so good for you, knowing what to steer clear of can help. WHAT ARE THE RISKS? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is not required to review cosmetics for safety before they appear on store shelves. Aside from certain color additives and a handful of prohibited ingredients manufacturers can use any ingredient they deem safe, and safety testing is voluntary. Some ingredients you'll come across are linked to known hazards at certain doses. One example is formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that has been used in small quantities as a hardener in nail treatments. Lead acetate is another example. It's a probab... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1866509 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:56:34 +0100 1866509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1866511&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F10%2Fexercise-and-se.html For years I've exercised fairly intensely six days a week, but now that I'm in my 60s I'm developing more muscle aches and minor injuries. Should I exercise less often, or just less intensely? —J.C.R., Fullerton, Calif. Both. As you age, your body needs more rest between strengthening sessions and slightly lower-impact activities. At the same time, flexibility training, which helps maintain balance and mobility, becomes more important. Aim to strength-train twice a week, using somewhat lighter weights and more repetitions (10 to 15, rather than the 8 to 12 recommended for younger adults). Rest muscles for two days between sessions. Stretch each muscle group at least two to three times a week, or consider an activity like Pilates, tai chi, or yoga, which combine strengthening, stretching... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1866511 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:41:08 +0100 1866511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1857435&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F10%2Fmelamine-milk.html No doubt you've heard about the contaminated milk that's sickened more than 50,000 children in China, hospitalized 13,000, and caused fatal kidney damage in at least three. Some 60 countries have now banned or recalled certain Chinese dairy products, including baby formulas and chocolates, because of contamination with melamine. That chemical can produce crystals that block tiny tubes in the kidneys, interfering with the production of urine and damaging the organ. Melamine is the same chemical that contaminated pet food last year and killed many cats and dog. As we warned then, the appearance of a problem in pet food could signal a looming problem for our food supply too. (Marion Nestle, Ph.D., a New York University food expert who has an informative blog that's covered melamine, recently... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1857435 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:09:35 +0100 1857435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1857438&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F10%2Fraking-leaves-a.html My patient, a 54-year-old dentist, was mowing the lawn one recent September when he ran over a nest of yellow jackets, causing them to swarm. He ran to escape but slipped on wet leaves. He fell with his arm outstretched, dislocated his shoulder, and suffered nerve damage. Although it took a year and a half, he ultimately recovered. While winter may be the season most people consider risky for slips and falls, autumn can be equally dangerous.  Accidents sustained in autumn clean-up work keeps emergency rooms hopping and orthopedists busy until spring. If you're not careful, injuries can occur from cleaning the gutters, operating lawn mowers, raking leaves, and hoisting them into bags.  Falls off ladders, foot injuries from mowers, and low back pain from strenuous twisting and lif... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1857438 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:24:15 +0100 1857438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1849033&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F10%2Fceviche-risks.html I love ceviche—raw fish marinated in citrus juice. Does the dish pose a threat from bacteria and parasites? —J.K., New Paltz, N.Y. It could, but proper preparation can minimize the risk. Ceviche is made with raw fish or shellfish and lime or other citrus juice. Over time, the citrus "cooks" the fish by changing its molecular structure, similar to the effect of heat. But the acidity of citrus does not kill bacteria as effectively as heat, especially if you don't marinate the dish long enough. And to kill parasites without heat you have to freeze fish. If you're making ceviche, buy frozen fish or freeze fish at -4º F (-20º C) or lower for seven days. Keep fish cold until you use it, cut it into small pieces so the juice can penetrate the flesh better, and let it marinate in... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1849033 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:03:01 +0100 1849033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1838731&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F09%2Fcountry-of-orig.html Until now, when I bought commodity ground beef, I had no clue where it came from. But as of Sept. 30, 2008, long awaited government regulations require most supermarkets and grocery stores to inform consumers about the nationality of their beef, veal, lamb, pork, chicken, and even goat. These retail stores must also identify where in the world their fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, peanuts, pecans, ginseng, and macadamia nuts were grown. Congress passed the so-called, "country of origin labeling" or "COOL" legislation back in 2002, but under pressure from industry, delayed its implementation—requiring only labeling of wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish—until now. COOL's full implementation is a big step forward for food safety-conscious people. A Consu... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1838731 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:46:44 +0100 1838731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1830903&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F09%2Fbirth-control-p.html You've probably seen the ads: An attractive young woman releases colorful balloons into the air bearing words like "acne," "bloating," "irritability"—the premenstrual symptoms she's ostensibly able to kiss goodbye now that she's taking the birth-control pill Yaz. In a print and Web spot for Lybrel, a similar-looking woman dances in a field, liberated from her period altogether, since Lybrel is taken every day, 365 days a year, with no placebos. And a TV ad for Seasonique features two versions of the same woman—Logical and Emotional—conversing with each other about having just four periods a year while taking that pill. The ads are so visible they've even spawned a Saturday Night Live parody for a fictional, one-period-a-year drug called Annuale. (Warning... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1830903 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:29:16 +0100 1830903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1818959&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F09%2Fnanotechnology.html What does it mean? Nanotechnology, or nanotech for short, refers to the creation of incredibly tiny materials and devices for a whole host of uses, from cancer treatments to food and cosmetics. "Nano" comes from the Greek word for "dwarf," and in the metric system a nanometer is equal to a billionth of a meter. How small is a nanometer? A black strand of human hair is between 50,000 and 180,000 nanometers in size or less, and a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick. Nanotechnologists typically work on materials and devices at the molecular or atomic scale of 100 nanometers in size or less. The principles of quantum physics rule the land of nanotechnology, meaning materials can display characteristics that appear to come from science fiction: Carbon can be 100... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1818959 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:59:32 +0100 1818959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1818960&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2008%2F09%2Fstudy-finds-mor.html Like many parents, I've been schooled in the ABCs of BPA this year. I've learned that bisphenol A (BPA for short) is found in many plastic baby bottles and sippy cups, as well as metal cans and hard-plastic food containers and water bottles. I've read about lab findings that BPA can leach out of plastic baby bottles into milk. And I've heard reports suggesting that this chemical, which mimics the hormone estrogen in the body, may be linked to higher rates of cancer, diabetes, reproductive abnormalities, and other health problems in adults and children. Some experts think that infants and unborn babies might be at particular risk because of their developing brains and bodies. But much of the research on BPA so far has come from studies on animals and in the laboratory. Now the first major... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1818960 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:11:26 +0100 1818960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1535819&cid=t_363277_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F316269559%2F In Newark, Ohio, 9-year-old Dustin Blackburn, who is autistic, wandered into the woods beside his house on Wednesday afternoon and was found in the next hour. Today’s Advocate Reporter reports that Dustin was wearing a wristwatch-like Project Lifesaver device, a wristwatch-like band on his ankle. At 4.35pm, his mother, Beth Blackburn, called 911 within seven minutes of his disappearance. Licking County Sheriff’s Office deputies, as well as an Ohio Highway Patrol airplane and officers, arrived quickly on the scene and found Dustin at 5.25pm. An agency in central Wisconsin is seeking to raise funds to expand Project Lifesaver in its area; here in New Jersey, the Sheriff’s Office in Bergen County has a Project Lifesaver program, as do other New Jersey counties. The Sheriff&#... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1535819 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:00:45 +0100 1535819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=865441&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2007%2F09%2F11%2Fhappy-living-tip-what%2F Next time you’re rocking out to Def Leppard (admit it) on the bus or at the gym, make sure you’re protecting your ears. Scientists have been warning us about the dangerous side effects of headphones (particularly ear buds) for some time, but the most recent study estimates that two-thirds of MP3 users are blasting their buds beyond the safe decibel range of 85 on a regular basis, and that’s enough to cause long-term hearing loss. For comparison, a normal conversation registers in the 60 decibel range; a pneumatic drill, around 100. If someone else can participate in (or perhaps be victimized by) your musical selections, be aware that you are enjoying your tunes at a level that is dangerous to your hearing. There are some easy solutions: use high-quality headphones that f... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=865441 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 03:25:08 +0100 865441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=858266&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2007%2F09%2F10%2Fgangsta-seat%2F In a finding sure to disappoint the baby mamas and the cheerleaders alike, experts are warning that riding in one’s car with the seat reclined is extremely dangerous to health, and worse, government safety warnings have failed to address this serious health issue. Of course, if you read “seat reclined” and this conjured up images of long road trips with screaming toddlers in the back and the aching desire to recline your seat to get, oh, three seconds of sleep before it’s your turn to drive again, congratulations. Not only are you old, but you - along with the car safety experts - are unaware of the single most crucial step in the mating dance of American teenagers. And that step is Gangsta Seat. Riding with your seat reclined until it’s more obtuse than that... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=858266 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:32:36 +0100 858266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=833368&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2007%2F08%2F30%2Fbeef-and-spinach-recall%2F E. coli contamination alert: 20 tons of tainted beef may still be in freezers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Though the beef in question is no longer in stores (thus preventing a more effective recall), there’s a good chance it’s still in people’s homes ready to be grilled this holiday weekend. So far, nine people have become ill. But don’t turn to salads just yet: a major shipment of spinach was found to be contaminated with salmonella. Some of the greens made it to store shelves before authorities discovered the contamination issue, so to find out if you’re harboring bacterial fugitives in your fridge, check the recall tracking codes. Share This (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=833368 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 01:12:16 +0100 833368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=773320&cid=t_363277_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2007%2F08%2F01%2Fblue-balls%2F These frisky little balls of fun are just dying to hop into your laundry and soften things up! If you love the fresh scent of a warm bundle of laundry, but find that the harsh fragrances used in many fabric softeners get your allergies raging, I highly recommend dryer balls. They last for load after load. Dryer balls are hypoallergenic, they reduce drying time, and they only cost $10! Introducing blue balls everyone can appreciate. Even though they’re spiky, you’re gonna love ‘em. These little bouncers are environmentally-friendly, too! Not available in Kansas. Web it out: helpful fragrance allergy information Share This (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=773320 Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:57:13 +0100 773320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=620235&cid=t_363277_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F117488211%2F As Charlie has gotten older, and as I have gotten to know more and more parents of older children and of adults, one topic that has come up a lot is bullying: A child who is “different,” “geeky,” “quirky,” who does not know what to do in social situations and forget about being with the “in” crowd……our kids are ready targets and too often are unsure about how to respond, or who to turn to for help, especially in situations like lunch time in the cafeteria (where do you sit if no one will sit with you?). My own son is never without a teacher or aide when he is at school (and with us or a therapist when at home) and, in view of his severe speech disability—-both understanding what is said to him and being able to respond clear... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=620235 Thu, 17 May 2007 17:00:47 +0100 620235