In a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control last week, stomach bugs are on the rise, and they are packing a punch. According to the report, deaths almost doubled from 1999 to 2007, and a large percentage of the deaths were among the elderly.
Who is at risk?
The study showed that elderly people who lived in nursing homes were the highest risk, particularly after they took a course of antibiotics. In fact, taking antibiotics prior to infection was a common factor even if the patient did not reside in a nursing home.
Because antibiotics kill bacteria indiscriminately, this might
New Cigarette Warning Labels
by Lori Sciame December 5th, 2011 | Health News
In September 2012, if all goes as planned, cigarette companies will have to place graphic warning labels on their packaging. Considering it has been 25 plus years since there has been any change in these labels, it seems to be time for this to happen.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sees this change as important, as they state that “Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature and preventable death in the United States, and claims almost half a million lives each year. Requiring larger, more prominent warnings on cigarette packaging and advertisements is part of a
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The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sees this change as important, as they state that “Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature and preventable death in the United States, and claims almost half a million lives each year. Requiring larger, more prominent warnings on cigarette packaging and advertisements is part of a
Danger Ahead: Prescription Pain Killers
by Lori Sciame November 7th, 2011 | Health News
A new danger threatens Americans – death by overdose of prescription pain killers. Information supplied by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web resource, Vital Signs, states that “deaths from prescription painkillers have reached epidemic levels in the past decade. The number of overdose deaths is now greater than those of deaths from heroin and cocaine combined.â€
Why is this happening? First, pain medications have become more available to the general public. As compared to 1999, there were 4 times as many prescription drugs supplied to medical providers in 2010. In addition, patients have begun to shop around for doctors
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Why is this happening? First, pain medications have become more available to the general public. As compared to 1999, there were 4 times as many prescription drugs supplied to medical providers in 2010. In addition, patients have begun to shop around for doctors
Alzheimer’s: Another Reason to Exercise
by Lori Sciame October 10th, 2011 | Health News
In the 1980’s my grandfather succumbed to the devastating disease, Alzheimer’s. The once vigorous man, who loved to play jokes almost as much as he loved Cubs baseball, lived the last months of his life unable to even recognize his wife. In those days, not much was known about preventing this devastating disease, but now scientists have determined ways to help prevent the onset of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s.
First, make sure to keep exercising as you age. A study by the National Academy of Scientists showed that walking helps to build a part of the brain called the hippocampus.
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First, make sure to keep exercising as you age. A study by the National Academy of Scientists showed that walking helps to build a part of the brain called the hippocampus.
Avoid Health News That’s Not Credible
by Lori Sciame September 12th, 2011 | Health News
News outlets bombard us with health information. From television talk shows hosted by a crew of doctors, to national news channels, we must sift through a plethora of stories and determine which ones are most important to us.
If you have a family member suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, maybe you stay tuned for developments in treatment of that disease, or if you’ve put on a few pounds, you may welcome news accounts of medications to assist with suppressing the appetite; however, whatever health concern you may be most interested in, you need to realize that there are credible sources of
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If you have a family member suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, maybe you stay tuned for developments in treatment of that disease, or if you’ve put on a few pounds, you may welcome news accounts of medications to assist with suppressing the appetite; however, whatever health concern you may be most interested in, you need to realize that there are credible sources of