The Health Blog

A study conducted by Oceana found high mercury levels in fresh tuna, swordfish and sushi, they tested from a variety of grocery stores in 26 different cities across the US.

Oceana found out that:

• Mercury levels in tuna were much higher than the FDA data suggest
• One-third of sushi tuna samples exceeded the FDA “action level” of 1 part per million
• Nearly 90 percent of seafood counter attendants either did not know the FDA advice about mercury in fish, or gave a wrong interpretation of this warning
• Two-thirds of swordfish tested were above the FDA “action level”, which would permit the administration to remove these fish from sale
• Sushi tuna samples, on average, contained higher levels of mercury than fresh tuna samples from Oceana’s grocery stores and the FDA’s data on fresh tuna
• Average mercury levels in sushi tuna were higher than king mackerel, a fish the FDA advises women of childbearing age and children to avoid due to high mercury levels

A new study finds out. This study was a follow up on previous researchers on the effects of coffee, caffeine particularly, on expectant mothers. Previous studies suggest that drinking just a couple cups of coffee a day doesn’t pose much of a threat. However, the latest research proves this these findings wrong.

The study founds out that women who said they drank more than two cups of coffee per day had nearly double the risk of miscarriage compared with women who consumed no caffeine.

Rinsing with a special saline nasal wash made from Atlantic seawater improves symptoms in children with colds and flu, and may prevent recurrence of these infections, a new study claims.

It was just few months ago when FDA recommended a ban for over-the-counter cough and cold medicines (containing at least one of the following ingredients: decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines, and antitussives). for children younger than six. And just few weeks ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued its new advisory stating that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to infants and children under the age of 2. The agency has not come to a final decision on the use of such products in children aged 2 to 11. Reasons provided for this ban include questions about its safety and little evidence to prove its ineffectiveness in young children.

Since then, consumers especially moms, are asking for ways on how they could fight common colds in their children. Researchers as well, seek to alternative and answers.

A new study looked for an alternative to the many cough and cold medications – the saline nasal wash.

Associated Press – Nearly all American women are in danger of heart disease or stroke and should be more aggressive about lowering their risk – including asking their doctors about daily aspirin use, the American Heart Association said Monday in new guidelines.

It is the first time guidelines have urged all women to consider aspirin for preventing strokes, although specialists warn that it can cause ulcers and dangerous bleeding. They said it is probably not a good idea for young women with no big health problems.

“We do not want women to go to the drugstore and just start taking this themselves. It is critical that every woman talk to her doctor,” said Dr. Lori Mosca, director of preventive cardiology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and chair of the expert panel that wrote the guidelines.

Consumers are now turning to online buying of medicines due to its convenience. But not most of them are aware of the health risks it brings.

According to FDA, some websites that sell medicine:

• aren’t U.S. state-licensed pharmacies or aren’t pharmacies at all
• may give a diagnosis that is not correct and sell medicine that is not right for you or your condition
• won’t protect your personal information

Some medicines sold online:

• are fake (counterfeit or “copycat” medicines)
• are too strong or too weak
• have dangerous ingredients
• have expired (are out-of-date)
• aren’t FDA-approved (haven’t been checked for safety and effectiveness)
• aren’t made using safe standards
• aren’t safe to use with other medicine or products you use
• aren’t labeled, stored, or shipped correctly

In a recent press release of Food and Drug Administration, they warned the consumers of buying medicines through the internet. A few number of consumers who placed orders for specific drug products over the Internet, instead received a product that contains haloperidol, which is a powerful anti-psychotic drug.

Several consumers who have brought the drug containing haloperidol had to seek emergency care after taking the pills. The pills are known to cause difficulty in breathing, muscle spasms and muscle stiffness after ingesting the suspect product. Haloperidol can cause muscle stiffness and spasms, agitation, and sedation.

The origin of these tablets is unknown but the packages were postmarked in Greece. FDA said those who have received medications from an Internet seller should compare them to photos of the faulty orders, which can be seen on the FDA’s Web site. If the tablets received from an Internet seller resemble those in the photos and haloperidol was not specifically ordered, do not take these tablets.