Archive for October, 2008
Drug Samples Endanger Children
p>A new study suggests that free drug samples, which are used as an effective marketing tool by the drug industry, do little to help the poor and may put children’s health at risk. p>The study analyzed an in-depth survey conducted in 2004 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that asked people how they [...]
A Closer Look at the Health Risks Posed by Drugs in Your Drinking Water
p>Scientists say that there are traces of prescription drugs in the water coming from many people’s faucets — everything from antidepressants to heart medication to birth control pills to caffeine. p>While the long-term health risks are unclear, there is evidence that medicines in the water, as well as hormones and chemicals, have negatively affected frogs [...]
Avoid Parkinson’s Disease by Getting Enough of This Vitamin
p>A majority of Parkinson’s disease patients in a new study had insufficient levels of vitamin D. The fraction of patients with vitamin D insufficiency, 55 percent, was significantly more than patients with Alzheimer’s disease (41 percent) or healthy elderly people (36 percent). p>The finding adds to evidence that low vitamin D is associated with Parkinson’s. [...]
Good News on Marriage: Couples Improve With Age
p class=inside-copy>Married couples in their later years often show a great deal of affection, according to author Maggie Scarf, who has spent more than 30 years studying relationships. In the article linked below, she explains the findings of her research — and her marriage of 55 years to Herb Scarf, a Yale professor. p class=inside-copy>Scarf [...]
CDC Ignored Formaldehyde Warnings
p>According to a House subcommittee report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed to act for at least a year on warnings that trailers housing refugees from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita contained dangerous levels of formaldehyde. Instead, the CDC demoted the scientist who questioned the initial assessment that the trailers were safe. p>One year [...]