Month: December 2010

Confusion in Children’s Medications

A new study published reports on the confusion and inconsistency in dosing instructions for over-the-counter children’s liquid cough, cold, allergy, pain and stomach medicines.

The report, published online this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at 200 of the best-selling medications of this type, examining the new packaging put in place since the FDA’s publication of voluntary packaging guidelines in 2009.

Their findings cast doubt on the effectiveness of the FDA’s voluntary guidelines. “The current guidance does not contain a timeline for compliance or specify consequences for non-compliance,” explained study co-author Dr. Ruth Parker, of the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. “Standards and regulatory oversight will likely be needed to ensure that all products contain label information and dosing device markings that match and are understandable and useful.”

The researchers found that one in every four of the medications failed to contain a dosing device; of those that did, the measuring markings on the enclosed cup, dropper or syringe were inconsistent with the dosing instructions; and more than half of the drugs did not use standard abbreviations for measurement terms.

More than half of the children in the U.S. take one or more drugs weekly, the report stated, and of those, more than half are over-the-counter medications.

Too Many Vitamins?

An Institute of Medicine committee report released yesterday may have overturned popular wisdom. It is commonly believed that many North Americans suffer from calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies. However, the committee found that most are getting sufficient amounts of both vitamins and may actually damage their health by taking additional supplements.

“We are aware of reports and media attention to the idea that Americans and Canadians might have widespread Vitamin D deficiency,” announced Catherine Ross of Pennsylvania State University, a nutritionist and leader of the study.

Vitamin supplements are big business. The Nutrition Business Journal estimates sales of calcium supplements to have reached $1.2 billion in 2009, with Vitamin D sales rising 82% that year to $430 million. Adults in North America require 400 International Units of Vitamin D, while those seventy-one or older may need a daily dose of up to 800 IU. But even with no exposure to natural sunlight, the study found that most North American get enough Vitamin D.

“National surveys in both the United States and Canada indicate that most people receive enough calcium, with the exception of girls ages nine to eighteen, who often do not take in enough calcium, the report stated. “In contrast,” the report continued, “post-menopausal women taking supplements may be getting too much calcium, thereby increasing their risk for kidney stones.”

Pumpkin Pie is Perfect for Your Health

/Pumkin-PiePumpkin pie is said to increase the length of lives. No joke. The alpha and beta-carotene found in pumpkins and other fruits and vegetables are very good for your health. When consumed, the body converts them to Vitamin A. Researchers believe that the conversion of beta-carotene is more efficient than that of alpha-carotene.

Alpha-carotene, on the other hand, is said to defend the DNA from attacks and malfunctions. Regular consumption is believed to help avoid cancer.

Both of these nutrients are from the carotenoid family, which is indeed similar to the word ‘carrot’, as the substances cause the orange color in many vegetables.

So for all you pumpkin pie lovers – enjoy this season’s meals to their fullest!

Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe

Here’s a unique recipe for your leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes called “Creamy Mashed Potato and Leek Soup.”
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 leeks, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 bulb fennel, cut into 1/4-inch pieces, plus 2 tablespoons fronds
• kosher salt
• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• crisps or crackers (optional)
Directions
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks, fennel pieces, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Add the mashed potatoes and broth and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 4 to 6 minutes.
3. Puree the soup in the pot using a hand-held immersion blender (or, working in batches, in a standard blender).
4. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the fennel fronds. Serve with the crisps (if desired).

To Flu Shot or Not To Flu Shot?

Doctors and friends have recommended that you get this shot for months now, but you are still hesitating. Is it worth it? Is it effective? Will it just make you sick?

The flu, or influenza, is very common in the winter months. It is a respiratory virus which generally causes conditions such as a cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, headaches, chills, fatigue, nausea/ vomiting and more unpleasant symptoms. The virus is usually transferred when touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth, but can also be spread through breathing in some cases as well.

The vaccine is easy to get, and is offered at every clinic and doctor’s office. Getting the shot can protect both you and the people around you from a real threat. True, the flu is normally harmless, but complications of this disease cause around 25,000 deaths every year. Most of these complications occur in people over 65, so if you spend a lot of time with an older relative or client you should consider getting the vaccine for his or her safety, and not just your own. You will also benefit from the shot, though. It will make your season more pleasant, lower your amount of sick days, and just keep you healthier.

Health care services recommend that everyone over 6 months of age get the vaccine. Pregnant women, people with young babies and people with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to getting or spreading the flu, which can be dangerous. If you are still unsure, consult with your doctor regarding your personal situation.