10 cases of the mosquito-borne infection have turned up in five states this month, and it's spreading rapidly south of the border
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/health-officials-battle-to-contain-the-zika-virus/
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
High-frequency ultrasound may ease cancer pain
Researchers in London are testing a new therapy to relieve pain in bone cancer patients
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/high-frequency-ultrasound-may-ease-cancer-pain/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/high-frequency-ultrasound-may-ease-cancer-pain/
Small number of doctors behind many malpractice claims
New study reveals that some pysicians are much more "claim-prone" than others
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/small-number-of-doctors-behind-big-share-of-malpractice-claims/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/small-number-of-doctors-behind-big-share-of-malpractice-claims/
Government: Theranos lab a danger to patient health
Blood-testing startup says it's working to fix safety problems identified by the top federal overseer of clinical labs
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-theranos-lab-a-danger-to-patient-health/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/government-theranos-lab-a-danger-to-patient-health/
Scientists uncover clues to schizophrenia
New discovery about how this severe mental illness develops may help lead to prevention, treatments
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientists-uncover-clues-to-schizophrenia/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientists-uncover-clues-to-schizophrenia/
Clues to Schizophrenia's Origins Uncovered
Analysis found gene variant prompts too much 'pruning' in brain during teen years
From: http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/news/20160127/scientists-uncover-clues-to-origins-of-schizophrenia?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Soy May Counter BPA Effects in Women Having IVF
Soy-rich diet combats harmful chemical in those undergoing in-vitro fertilization, researchers report
From: http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20160127/soy-may-counter-effects-of-bpa-in-women-undergoing-fertility-treatments?src=RSS_PUBLIC
The caregivers
Raising a family of special-needs children
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/caregivers-raising-family-of-special-needs-children/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/caregivers-raising-family-of-special-needs-children/
Young women with melanoma tanned indoors earlier, more
Women were two to six times more likely to develop melanoma if they had tanned indoors
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/women-under-40-with-melanoma-indoor-tanned-earlier-more/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/women-under-40-with-melanoma-indoor-tanned-earlier-more/
Cold and flu warning: The dangers of too much acetaminophen
Cold and flu season is here.
Peruse the aisles of a local pharmacy or grocery store and you will find more than 30 over-the-counter medications available to treat the symptoms of fever, headache, sore throat, and achy muscles. Many of these “multi-symptom” products contain acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. This means cold and flu sufferers who are using multiple combination cough and cold remedies may inadvertently be taking more acetaminophen than they intend — and putting themselves at risk for a serious complication: acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity.
Acetaminophen is the most commonly available pain-relieving and fever-reducing medication. It is an ingredient in more than 600 over-the-counter and prescription medications, and it has a remarkable safety profile: the dose at which potential toxicity occurs (8,400 milligrams, or mg) is dramatically higher than the amount that most adults need to effectively treat their symptoms (650 to 1,000 mg). Moreover, acetaminophen does not cause the unwanted effects that are associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription opioids. As a result, acetaminophen is known as a very safe and effective over-the-counter medication for the treatment of pain and fever, and is taken by millions of people.
The problem with too much acetaminophen
Nevertheless, you may not realize that acetaminophen is an active ingredient in a combination medication unless you read the label carefully. For example, NyQuil, Theraflu, and Percocet (oxycodone with acetaminophen) all contain acetaminophen. Unfortunately, using multiple products that contain acetaminophen can result in accidental misuse and overuse, as well as potential liver damage.
Acetaminophen is primarily processed in the liver. The liver breaks down most of the acetaminophen in a normal dose and eliminates it in the urine. But a small portion of the drug is converted to a byproduct that is toxic to the liver cells. If you take too much acetaminophen — all at once or over a period of several days — this toxic breakdown product can build up and cause damage to the liver.
In addition, there is some evidence that people with dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, persistent fevers, or underlying liver problems may be at slightly increased risk of liver damage when taking normally safe doses of acetaminophen. The resulting symptoms of right-sided abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and general malaise may be mistaken for a worsening flu-like illness instead of being recognized as warning signs of liver damage.
McNeil Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Tylenol, has disseminated instructions for the safe use of this product since the 1990s. Advertisements and medication labels warn of the dangers of misusing this medication. The recommended maximum daily dose of acetaminophen in adults has decreased from 4,000 mg (two extra-strength tablets four times daily) to 3,000 mg (two extra-strength tablets three times daily) since the original preparation became available. (Of note, there are also updated warning instructions on the use of products for children with various amounts of acetaminophen, namely infant drops, children’s liquid suspension, and chewable tablets.) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strongly recommended that combination products not contain more than 325mg of acetaminophen per tablet or capsule, and that prescribers not order combination products containing more than 325 mg of acetaminophen.
What this means for your cold and flu season
Acetaminophen is a safe and very effective drug. The vast majority of all patients who take this medication to treat common symptoms of pain and fever will find relief with appropriate use. However, even when in the fog of cold or flu symptoms, be careful to read the label of any cough, cold, or pain medication for the amount of acetaminophen in the drug so that you don’t inadvertently take too much. If unsure, ask a pharmacist for assistance in how to safely use combination medications that include acetaminophen.
Finally, keep in mind that in most cases, viral illnesses such as the common cold and flu generally get better on their own with rest, fluids, and time.
Related Post:
The post Cold and flu warning: The dangers of too much acetaminophen appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
From: Susan Farrell, MD http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cold-and-flu-warning-the-dangers-of-too-much-acetaminophen-201601279065
Excess Weight: 'Unexpected' Boys' Puberty Effect
Sexual maturity slowed in obese kids, but sped up in those who were only overweight, study found
From: http://teens.webmd.com/boys/news/20160127/excess-weight-has-unexpected-effect-on-puberty-onset-in-boys?src=RSS_PUBLIC
USDA Seeks Fellowship Applications for Future Agricultural Scientists, Science Educators
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of $18.9 million in competitive grants to support fellowships and other higher education training projects in food, nutrition, natural resources and agriculture fields.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0027.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0027.xml&contentidonly=true
USDA Renews Agricultural Air Quality Task Force, Appoints Members
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the renewal of the USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force and the selection of its members for the 2016-2018 term. The task force is composed of representatives from agriculture, industry, academia, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and other agricultural and environmental experts.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0026.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0026.xml&contentidonly=true
Open Data from USDA, Microsoft Cloud Technology Become Tools to Strengthen Food Supply Through "Innovation Challenge" Winners
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Microsoft officials today announced the winners of the USDA-Microsoft Innovation Challenge, in which contestants used USDA agriculture production open data to develop online tools that can help make the American food supply more resilient in the face of climate change.
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0025.xml&contentidonly=true
From: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2016/01/0025.xml&contentidonly=true
Family, Friends of Suicide Victims at Higher Risk
Social stigma can isolate those who are grieving, researcher explains
From: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20160126/suicide-risk-rises-among-family-friends-of-suicide-victims-study?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Zika Virus Travel Broadened for Pregnant Women
U.S. agency says those at risk should avoid U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic
From: http://www.webmd.com/news/20160126/cdc-broadens-zika-virus-travel-alert-for-pregnant-women?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Cancer's Financial Burden Tied to Poorer Survival
Economic stress may force patients to forgo vital treatments, experts say
From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20160126/cancers-financial-burden-tied-to-poorer-survival-study-finds?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Parents May Lack Food Allergy Emergency Know-How
Many don't know how, when to use epinephrine, study finds
From: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20160126/parents-often-ill-informed-about-food-allergy-emergencies?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Consumer Reports: "Natural" food labels misleading consumers
More than 60 percent of Americans buy products labeled "natural," but they may not be buying what they think
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/natural-food-labeling-misleading-consumer-reports-fda-lacks-regulations/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/natural-food-labeling-misleading-consumer-reports-fda-lacks-regulations/
El Nino rain spurring growth of deadly mushrooms
Weather phenomenon's rainfall helping drought-stricken California, but not without health risks
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/el-nino-rain-deadly-mushrooms-california/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/el-nino-rain-deadly-mushrooms-california/
New depression guidelines: Who should get screened?
Doctors are being urged to cast a much wider net in the search for signs of depression
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-depression-guidelines-who-should-get-screened/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-depression-guidelines-who-should-get-screened/
Report: Disney still has a big princess problem
Even though the studio has become more progressive with women's roles, researchers found disturbing trends that may negatively influence girls
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/report-disney-still-has-a-big-princess-problem/
From: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/report-disney-still-has-a-big-princess-problem/
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