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FDA takes action against the use of OTC benzocaine teething products due to serious safety risk, lack of benefit

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that over-the-counter (OTC) teething products containing benzocaine pose a serious risk to infants and children. The agency today announced that OTC oral health products containing the pain reliever benzocaine for the temporary relief of sore gums due to teething in infants or children should no […]

FDA restricts sale and distribution of Essure to protect women and require that patients receive risk information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued an order to restrict the sale and distribution of the Essure device to ensure that all women considering use of the permanent contraception device are provided with adequate risk information so that they can make informed decisions. The FDA is taking this step after becoming aware […]

FDA issues warning about popular antibiotic

FDA is advising caution to physicians about prescribing the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin) to patients with heart disease because of a potential increased risk of heart problems or death that can occur years later. Clarithromycin is used to treat many types of infections affecting the skin, ears, sinuses, lungs, and other parts of the body, […]

Millennials prefer healthy habits, less likely to choose opioids to manage pain

(BPT) – Often spending their days hunched over phones, tablets or computers and their free time at spin class or playing sports, millennials are the next generation poised to experience chronic pain. Even at their young age, millennials say acute and chronic pain are already interfering with their quality of life.

But while older […]

Health officials warn of increased pertussis cases in Alabama

Pertussis

The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Immunization Division is warning citizens that pertussis cases are significantly higher in Alabama and continue to be on the rise. Immunization data reveals an increase from 113 reported cases in 2016, to 151 reported cases thus far in 2017. Pertussis cases have occurred statewide in 2017, […]

FDA approves first generic Strattera for the treatment of ADHD

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic versions of Strattera (atomoxetine) to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pediatric and adult patients. Apotex Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., Aurobindo Pharma Limited and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited today gained approval to market atomoxetine in multiple strengths.

“Today’s approvals mark an important step forward […]

FDA approves first drug to specifically treat giant cell arteritis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approved use of subcutaneous Actemra (tocilizumab) to treat adults with giant cell arteritis. This new indication provides the first FDA-approved therapy, specific to this type of vasculitis.

“We expedited the development and review of this application because this drug fulfills a critical need for patients […]

Could a Chicken Virus Cause Obesity?

 

New research seems to prove that it does.

 

How would a virus like Ad-36 cause fat? Atkinson explains, “There are three ways that we think Ad-36 makes people fatter: (1) It increases the uptake of glucose from the blood and converts it to fat; (2) it increases the creation of fat molecules […]

Are bedbugs in your vacation plans?

Bedbug

 

 

(BPT) – The summer travel season is upon us, offering an opportunity for families across the U.S. to reconnect. The goal is simple – to make memories that last a lifetime. For example, the Smith family is in vacation-planning mode. Mrs. Smith typically takes the lead with dreams and aspirations […]

Two New Cases of Zika Virus in Alabama

Pregnant women are urged to stay out of the infected areas.

 

 

The Alabama Department of Public Health reports the fourth and fifth travel-related cases of the Zika virus in Alabama residents. The positive specimens were from residents of Houston and Jefferson counties. In February and March, Zika cases were reported in residents […]

ADPH Says North Alabama Water Contaminated with Cancer Causing Chemicals

 

 

 

 

The Alabama Department of Public Health is working with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and federal agencies to determine any potential hazards related to perfluorinated compounds in drinking water in eight north Alabama water systems.

The FDA says these compounds are known to cause cancer in lab animals […]

Shoals area teen mom: “Life is not what movies make it out to be,”

In today’s society, teenagers are having sex more frequently, at younger ages. Does it in fact, help the problem that kids are watching puberty videos in school, or does that promote sex? Shouldn’t parents have “the talk,” with their children at home, where it is more secure? Why are teachers passing out condoms in […]

Pilgrim’s Pride Chicken Recall

 

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2016 – Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 4,568,080 pounds of fully cooked chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, including plastic, wood, rubber, and metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

 

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Measles in Memphis

Memphis health officials have confirmed an outbreak of 6 cases of measles. […]

Oral Diflucan may cause miscarriage

This morning, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an alert and is evaluating the results of a Danish study that concludes there is a possible increased risk of miscarriage with the use of oral fluconazole (Diflucan) for yeast infections.

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Shedding for the wedding: Your 3-month guide

 

(BPT) – The dress, the tux, the guests, the honeymoon — there are so many details that go into your wedding day. All eyes are on you from the moment you walk down the aisle until the last dance of the night. Understandably so, brides and grooms often feel a lot of pressure […]

Innovative treatment for a common heart condition

(BPT) – An estimated 3 million Americans have atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib), which is the most common cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat). AF increases in frequency and severity as patients grow older and can cause serious health complications, including stroke.

 

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Yoga 101: How to get started with this accessible, balanced form of exercise

(BPT) – More than half of all Americans exercise regularly, according to a 2015 Gallup poll, but there’s still room for most people to improve their fitness. Even if you’re exercising a few times a week, that may not meet recommended activity levels. If you’re looking for a type of physical activity that fits […]

New prostate cancer treatment coming to Alabama patients

Human prostate cancer cells

BIRMINGHAM — Patients in Alabama seeking prostate care with minimally invasive high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy no longer have to travel out of state. Vituro Health is pleased to announce its partnership with Urology Centers of Alabama to provide a total prostate management program which includes the newly […]

Alabama’s first confirmed case of Zika virus 50 miles from Shoals area

 

MORGAN COUNTY-The Alabama Department of Public Health reports the first confirmed travel-related case of Zika virus in an Alabama resident. The positive specimen was from a resident of Morgan County. Tests are being conducted from Alabama resident specimens with a travel history to areas where Zika virus outbreaks are ongoing. In addition to […]