Opioid overdose-related visits to U.S. emergency departments rose by nearly one-third during the COVID-19 pandemic last year. That’s the key finding in a new analysis of data from 25 emergency departments in Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, North Carolina, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. “COVID-19, and the disruptions in every part of our social and work lives, made…  read on >  read on >

Plenty of seniors may struggle with problem drinking, but a new study shows that less than half of them discuss their alcohol use with their health care providers. “Older adults are at high risk for the harms of alcohol use, especially for those with existing chronic disease and who take prescribed medications,” said lead study…  read on >  read on >

THURSDAY, July 29, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — Deaths related to atrial fibrillation appear to be on the rise, especially among younger adults, a new study suggests. Atrial fibrillation – often called AFib – is an irregular heartbeat that sometimes leads to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications. The condition is…  read on >  read on >

U.S. pharmacists will now be able to automatically substitute a cheaper biosimilar for a more expensive brand-name insulin, the U.S Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday. The agency’s approval of an “interchangeable” biosimilar could save diabetics and health plans millions each year, the Associated Press reported. Until now, doctors have had to specifically prescribe a…  read on >  read on >

McCormick & Co. on Wednesday announced the recall of several of its popular seasonings because of potential salmonella contamination. Included in the recall are McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning and Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning. The products were shipped between June 20 and July 21 to more than 30 U.S. states…  read on >  read on >