Archive for January, 2009
January 15th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Compression devices on both lower legs, used an hour per day, completely relieved the symptoms of Restless Legs in a third of Restless legs Syndrome patients during a recent study from Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Compression devices have long been used to improve blood flow in the legs in order to improve edema and also prevent the development of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in a vein) in high risk patients.
Using a compression device regularly may be impractical for some because it does require an hour of immobility per day, but most patients have symptoms in the evening when they are relaxing anyway, and this would be an ideal time to use the device.
via “Compression Devices Ease Restless Legs Symptoms” MedPage Today, January 14, 2009
via “Pneumatic Compression Devices Are an Effective Therapy for Restless Legs Syndrome”
Chest, January 2009
January 14th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
The likely source of the national salmonella outbreak has been identified in a container of peanut butter at a Minnesota nursing home. The 5-pound container of King Nut peanut butter, which tested positive, appears to be manufactured for sale in large containers to institutions such as nursing homes, cafeterias, etc.
Salmonella Typhimurium has been reported in 43 states since Sept. 3. The infections have been linked to 400 illnesses and three deaths — two in Virginia and one in Minnesota.
The distributor of King Nut peanut butter has taken voluntary action to withdraw its peanut butter products from the marketplace. The FDA, CDC, and state health agencies are continuing to investigate whether these products are the source of the national outbreak.
via FDA, January 12, 2009
January 12th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
More and more products with unidentified and harmful ingredients are finding their way into the U.S. marketplace, and the FDA is quickly taking action to file criminal charges and help ensure that these products are removed from the store shelves. It is an extensive process, however, and dangerous products are still advertised on the TV and radio and readily available online as well as on the shelves of local grocery stores, pharmacies, and health food stores in the U.S.
Most of the dangerous and illegal products are for weight loss, but there are also many for erectile dysfunction, diabetes and hair loss. Usually they are labeled as dietary supplements or supplements. Often the manufacturer is not listed on the label or in the advertisements. However, the FDA has discovered that most of the products with illegal and undeclared ingredients have been manufactured in China.
Some of these ingredients are known to be carcinogenic and cause damage or mutations to DNA. Other known side effects include increased blood pressure, stroke, tachycardia, seizure, depression, anxiety, insomnia, aggressiveness, and suicidal thoughts.
The FDA urges all consumers to be aware of the following signs of health fraud:
- Promises of an “easy” fix for problems like excess weight, hair loss, or impotency.
- Claims that the product is safe because it is “natural.”
- Claims such as “scientific breakthrough,” “miraculous cure,” “secret ingredient,” and “ancient remedy.”
- Impressive-sounding terms, such as “hunger stimulation point” and “thermogenesis” for a weight loss product.
- Undocumented case histories or personal testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results.
- Promises of no-risk, money-back guarantees.
In other words, if it’s too good to be true, it is. The only OTC drug approved for weight loss in the United States is Ally. Orlistat is the active ingredient in Ally which helps produce weight loss by decreasing the intestinal absorption of fat. Some people have lost weight with Ally, but there are a number of people who shouldn’t take Ally. Click on the link below for more about Ally.
Read more:
January 11th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Most of the flu in the United States this season is resistant to the leading oral antiviral drug Tamiflu. The prescription antiviral medication Tamiflu can be used to prevent influenza as well as to treat it if started within the first 2 days after the first symptoms of the flu.
For this reason, it may be more important than ever, that people receive their flu shot this year. It is not too late to get vaccinated and the CDC reports that this year′s influenza vaccine is expected to be effective against currently circulating influenza A (H1N1) viruses.
Fortunately this has been a below-average flu season so far and the chief strain circulating is still susceptible to other drugs such as Relenza, or combination therapy of Tamiflu and rimantadine. Some people have trouble with Relenza, however, as it is a powder that must be inhaled. It can cause lung spasms in some people, and it is not recommended for children under 7.
About the Flu
Prevention of the Flu
About Flu shots
Locate Flu Shots
Symptoms of the Flu-What’s the difference between a cold and the flu?
Diagnosis and Treatment of the Flu
via CDC, January 9, 2009
January 9th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Osteonecrosis of the jaw, as a complication of dental procedures, has occurred in 4% of patients taking oral alendronate (Fosamax), whereas none of those who didn’t take the drug experienced any complications.
Fosamax, as well as Boniva and Actonel, are oral bisphosphonates. Fosamax is the most widely prescribed oral bisphosphonate, and in 2006 it was the 21st most prescribed drug overall.
In an article in MedPage Today, the the researchers are quoted as saying, “…if patients are using bisphosphonates, dentists should consider alternate treatment options for non-necessary extractions and good oral hygiene should be achieved before extractions to minimize microbial load. Also, follow-up should be more vigilant and a chlorhexidine rinse pre- and post-operatively ‘can be effective’ in ensuring socket and wound healing and mucosal coverage of exposed bone…”
These findings are preliminary, but if you’re taking any one of the bisphosphonates, be sure to let your dentist know, especially before any dental procedures.
via MedPage Today, January 2009
January 8th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently reported that the industrial chemical melamine and a byproduct cyanuric acid have now been detected in four of 89 containers of infant formula made in the United States.
In a recent article in Yahoo, Finance, “In November, The Associated Press reported previously undisclosed FDA tests, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, showing that out of 77 containers of domestic infant formula tested, a can of milk-based liquid Nestle Good Start Supreme Infant Formula with Iron contained traces of melamine while Mead Johnson’s Enfamil LIPIL with Iron had traces of cyanuric acid.
The FDA has now updated its response to the AP’s FOIA request by posting results of 89 tests on its Web site. Those results show that two additional containers of Enfamil LIPIL with Iron had traces of cyanuric acid.
Separately, a third major formula maker — Abbott Laboratories, whose brands include Similac — told AP in November that in-house tests had detected trace levels of melamine in its infant formula.”
This contamination has been found to be extremely minute, at levels safe for babies, according to federal regulators.
The FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk or milk-derived ingredients from Chinese sources. Certain foods have been found to be contaminated with melamine and consumers have been advised not to consume any of these products. As of January 8, 2009, the list of products includes:
- Topaz Wafer Rolls with Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling
- New!Topaz Wafer Rolls with Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored Cream Filling New!
- Topaz Wafer Rolls with Vanilla Flavored Cream Filling New!
- Topaz Wafer Rolls with Mocha Cappuccino Flavored Cream Filling New!
- G&J Hot Cocoa Stuffer Item 120144
- G&J His and Hers Hot Cocoa Set Item 120129
- G&J Cocoa item 120126, sold in 2 flavors: French Vanilla Cocoa and Double Chocolate Cocoa
- Wonderfarm “Successful” Assorted Biscuits
- Wonderfarm “Royal Flavour” Assorted Biscuits
- Wonderfarm “Lovely Melody” Assorted Biscuits
- Wonderfarm “Daily Life” Assorted Biscuits
- Topaz Hazelnut Wafer Rolls with Hazelnut Chocolate Flavored Creme Filling (photo page)
- Sweet Time Christmas Dressy Bear with Chocolate Bar
- Fresh and Crispy Jacobina Biscuits
- Koala’s March Crème filled Cookies
- YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink
- YILI Brand Pure Milk Drink
- Blue Cat Flavored Drinks
- White Rabbit Candies
- Mr. Brown Mandehling 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-in-1)
- Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1)
- Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)
- Infant formula manufactured in China
via FDA, January 2009 http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/melamine.html,
Photo above courtesy of the FDA
January 6th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
If you have a blood relative who has had shingles, you may be a greater risk of developing the disease.
Shingles is a very painful rash that can last from one to three months. In May of 2006, the FDA licensed a new vaccine to reduce the risk of shingles in older Americans. Zostavax, a live virus vaccine, is given as a single injection and is recommended for use in people 60 years of age and older.
View photos and read more about Shingles from Bay Area Medical Information, www.BAMI.us
via Archives of Dermatology, May 2008
via FDA, “Shingles Vaccine”, 2008
January 5th, 2009 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
1. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and grains. Read about the top power foods.
2. Minimize high-fat foods and meats in your diet. Read and understand food labels
3. Be active and stay fit. Get started on a regular exercise program that you will enjoy. The 18 benefits of exercise and how to get started.
4. Drink minimal alcohol, if you drink at all. How much is unhealthy?
5. Don’t start smoking, and if you do smoke, make every effort to stop as soon as possible. Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society. Stop smoking, get results, change your life!
6. Shield your skin from the sun. Sun damage to deeper layers of skin eventually can cause cancer.
7. Get regular pap smear screening and colonoscopy as recommended for your age, family history, and medical history. Pap smear screening is an important method of detecting early cervical cancer. Colonoscopy both prevents and detects colon cancer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Read about colonoscopy.
8. Girls age 11-18 should get the vaccine for HPV (human papilloma virus). A decision about whether a woman aged 19 to 26 years should get the vaccine should be based on an informed discussion between the woman and her health care provider.
9. Be aware of and try to avoid environmental carcinogens.
10. Ask your doctor about checking a blood test for Vitamin D levels. Many recent studies have found that adequate levels of Vitamin D appear to be critical in preventing cancer and many other serious, chronic diseases, yet the deficiency is widespread in the U.S. and worldwide. This has prompted a recent surge in the number of general practitioners and pediatricians who are now routinely screening for adequate blood levels of Vitamin D and recommending Vitamin D supplementation.
Photo courtesy of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
