June 9th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Over 10% of teen girls and 3% of boys reportedly binge eat or purge at least once a week, according to a new study from the Children’s Hospital in Boston. These results are both surprising and concerning and the study’s authors caution both parents and physicians to stress healthy behaviors and not overemphasize the issue of weight to the children. In this study, teasing and negative comments about weight were linked with an increased risk for disordered eating.
An eating disorder is not just a behavior that a child can control. It is a medical condition that requires professional medical attention and treatment. If you suspect your child has a problem with disordered eating, call your doctor or health care provider for advice and referrals to qualified mental health professionals who have experience treating eating disorders in kids.
Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine/Medscape, June 2008
June 6th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Only 77% of Americans wash their hands after using public washrooms, according to a new study reported at the Interscience Conference on Anti-Microbial Agents and Chemotherapy. This is unfortunately down from 83% when the survey was conducted in the same locations two years ago.
The single most important thing we can all do to protect ourselves and others from infectious diseases is to wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water and use alcohol gels when a sink is not available. Door knobs, especially those in bathroom stalls, are loaded with viruses and bacteria. Touch the door knob, then touch your face or your food, and you’ll be very lucky if you don’t get some kind of a nasty bug.
Everybody should always carry a small bottle of alcohol gel in their pocket or purse. Use it immediately after touching money, door knobs, elevator buttons, TV controls, grocery cart handles, the public pen used to sign for a credit card purchase, or anything else that has been handled by the public or someone who’s potentially sick. If you’re at a restaurant, be aware that simply looking through the menu or pulling in the chair with your hands are good routes for the spread of germs. Using the alcohol gel just before beginning a meal is a great way to avoid exposing yourself to a variety of viruses and bacteria.
via MedPage Today, June 2008
June 4th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
The FDA has identified an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in those taking drugs for the treatment of epilepsy. In their recent analysis of eleven different drugs used to treat epilepsy and other conditions such as nerve pain, migraine headaches, bipolar disorder, and other conditions, patients receiving antiepileptic drugs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal behavior or ideation compared to patients receiving placebo. The results were generally consistent among the following eleven drugs:
- Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
- Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)
- Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)
- Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)
- Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)
- Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal)
- Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)
- Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)
- Topiramate (marketed as Topamax)
- Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon)
- Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)
The FDA issued the following alert for patients, family members, and caregivers of patients on drugs in this list or any other drug in this category:
- Taking antiepileptic medicines may increase the risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions;
- Do not make any changes to the medication regimen without first talking with the responsible healthcare professional;
- Pay close attention to any day-to-day changes in mood, behavior and actions. These changes can happen very quickly so it is important to be mindful of any sudden differences.
- Be aware of common warning signs that might be a signal for risk of suicide. Some of these are: Talking or thinking about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life, withdrawing from friends and family, becoming depressed or having your depression get worse, becoming preoccupied with death and dying, and giving away prized possessions.
- If these or any new and worrisome behaviors occur, contact the responsible healthcare professional immediately.
via FDA, Feb 5, 2008
June 3rd, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the developed world yet little research, until now, has been done regarding its harmful effects. Researchers are now finding a link between long-term heavy cannabis use and shrinkage in certain areas of the brain.
The naive notion that smoking pot is harmless takes its toll on our society. Marijuana is not harmless and it is addictive. More young people are now in treatment for marijuana dependency than for alcohol or for all other illegal drugs combined.
via Arch Gen Psychiatry 2008;65(6):694-701, June 2008
via Office of National Drug Control and Policy
