Consumers have been using a common over-the-counter oral decongestant known as phenylephrine for years, but that may not continue much longer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has asked a panel of its advisors to reassess the drug’s effectiveness. The medication’s safety isn’t in question, just whether it actually does what it claims to do.… read on > read on >
All Food:
Young Americans Face Rising Rates of Obesity, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes
Young adults in the United States carry an increasing burden of heart health risk factors, making it more likely they’ll suffer a heart attack and stroke as they age, a new study warns. More adults ages 20 to 44 are obese and diabetic than a decade ago, and they are more likely to have poorly… read on > read on >
Keto, Paleo, Vegan: How Does Your Diet Affect the Planet?
Swapping that steak for a fish filet or a veggie burger is not only good for your health, but the planet’s, too, a new study suggests. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ranked various diets based on two measures: nutritional quality and “carbon footprint.” And overall, non-meat diets came out on… read on > read on >
Though Often Prescribed, Diuretic Pills May Not Prevent Kidney Stones
A new study is raising questions about the effectiveness of medications long used to prevent painful kidney stones, but experts say there’s no reason for patients to toss their prescriptions out at this point. Anyone who has ever passed a kidney stone would prefer to avoid a repeat experience. And for many years, doctors have… read on > read on >
Following Infection Outbreak, Experts Offer Guidance on Safe Use of Eyedrops
An outbreak of serious bacterial infections in 13 U.S. states linked to use of artificial tears has prompted experts to offer tips for keeping dry eyes safe. Five of the 58 people infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa had vision loss, and one person died, leading to the recall of EzriCare and Delsam Pharma artificial tears. Some… read on > read on >
Could the Mediterranean Diet Help People With MS?
A Mediterranean diet may help multiple sclerosis (MS) patients ward off damage to their thinking skills. New research finds that a diet rich in veggies, fruit, fish and healthy fat reduced their risk of developing memory loss as well as losing the ability to concentrate, learn new things or make decisions. A loss of such… read on > read on >
FDA Panel Backs Second RSV Vaccine for Older Americans
Following hours of discussion over safety concerns, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on Wednesday recommended approval of a second RSV vaccine, this one made by GlaxoSmithKline, for use in Americans ages 60 and older. The panel’s recommendation was based largely on the results of a trial that tested the GlaxoSmithKline vaccine in… read on > read on >
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Takes Big Toll on Mental Health
When Dr. Yezaz Ghouri sees patients with the cramping, abdominal pain and diarrhea that are hallmark symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), he’ll typically ask how life’s going. More often than not, his patients say they are experiencing stress in their lives. Now, Ghouri’s team has established a link between IBS and anxiety, depression and… read on > read on >
Colon Cancer Is Being Spotted in Younger People, and at Later Stages
Colon cancer continues to rise among younger U.S. adults, with the American Cancer Society reporting a doubling of cases in people younger than 55 in about 25 years. Also, significantly more Americans are being diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease, the cancer society says. As of 2019, 20% of colon cancer cases occurred in… read on > read on >
Bed Rails Can Help and Harm: FDA Gives Guidance
While adult bed rails are marketed with safety in mind, they need to be used with caution, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises. “Many death and injury reports related to entrapment and falls for adult portable bed rail products and hospital bed rails have been reported to the FDA and the CPSC [U.S. Consumer… read on > read on >