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Biogen Idec Discontinues Work on ALS Drug

A company called Biogen Idec has decided to discontinue work on an experimental drug that was designed to treat Lou Gehrig’s disease (which is also called A.L.S.). The drug failed to work in a late stage clinical trial. There is another company that is continuing to work on a different drug for the disease. Lou Gehrig’s disease is also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This long, multi-syllabic, name is often shortened to A. L. S. when it is discussed. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and in the spinal cord. According to the ALS … Continue reading →

Chicken Jerky Treats Cause Canine Illness

Resist the begging, for chicken treats at least I always hate reporting sad stories, but when it comes to alerting pet owners to dangerous food contamination or anything similar, the facts are too important to ignore. According to MSN Vitals, the Food and Drug Administration has released a warning about the danger of chicken jerky dog treats. At first I thought this was yet another pet food recall, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Instead, it appears that chicken jerky treats for dogs, no matter the brand, might cause serious canine illness. The warning was issued after the … Continue reading →

Gifted Kids More Likely to Use Drugs as Teens

A study shows that kids who have a high IQ are more likely to use illicit drugs when they become teenagers and adults than are their peers (who have a lower IQ). Parents of gifted kids need to be aware of the reasons that influence smart kids to use drugs. You might want to have that talk about the dangers of drugs before your child becomes a teenager. A study was done by researchers from Cardiff University and University College London. They found that kids who score high on IQ tests are more likely to grow up to become a … Continue reading →

FDA Approves Cancer Drug for Canines

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When our four-legged friends battle cancer, they often do it using the same medications used to fight cancer in humans. Until this week, human cancer drugs were the only type of cancer drug available to veterinarians. But now the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Palladia — a drug made specifically for treating cancer in dogs. Palladia was made to treat cutaneous mast cell tumors — a type of cancer that is to blame for approximately one out of every five cases of skin cancer in dogs. Some of these tumors are small and easily removed; in some dogs, … Continue reading →

Protect Yourself Against Drug Interactions

With all the drugs (both prescription and over the counter) people take these days, it can be hard to keep track of what you’re taking and what you shouldn’t be taking. The following tips can help you protect yourself against potentially dangerous drug interactions. Be sure to tell your doctor EVERY medication you are taking. That includes prescription medicine, over the counter medicine, vitamins, herbal remedies, and other supplements. Ask your doctor if your new prescription is safe with all the medications you already take. Don’t just assume that it is! Doctors are humans, and humans make mistakes. Try to … Continue reading →

Too Many Babies Take Reflux Drugs

A recent study was done where doctors and researchers looked at 44 infants who were thought of by their parents as having reflux issues. Interestingly, only 8 of those babies actually fit the diagnostic criteria for having GERD. However, all but two were on anti-reflux medication. The study was prompted by a pediatric gastroenterologist who was receiving increasingly more referrals for spitting up issues. It is known that approximately 70% of babies spit up, up to four times per day. The doctor also points out that second hand ciagarette smoke, gas, constipation, and colic are much more common causes of … Continue reading →

The Effects of Illegal Drugs on the Fetus

Studies have shown most illegal drugs to have a negative effect on the baby. The effects can vary according to the drug taken, the amount or frequency of the drug use and the time in pregnancy when the drug is taken. It’s best to refrain from all drug and alcohol use during pregnancy. Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in America. There are no conclusive studies on the effect of marijuana on the fetus. One reason for the lack of conclusive evidence is that most mothers who smoke marijuana also tend to smoke cigarettes. This makes it difficult to … Continue reading →

Combating The Signs Of Aging

We recently spent an enjoyable Easter with a boatload of family members… and I have the pictures to prove it. Yesterday, I had several rolls of film developed, and while most of the shots are wonderful (mainly the ones with my daughter and nephew) others (any of the ones I am in) leave less to be desired. I am not a fan of botox, nor do I have the time or money to indulge in fancy peels or facials… and frankly, you can tell. The signs of aging on my face are MORE than apparent. After looking at the Easter … Continue reading →

Borderline Personality Disorder: Causes and Treatment

Borderline Personality Disorder is one of the most common of the personality disorders, affecting approximately 15% of the population. Sufferers typically indulge in intense but stormy relationships, have difficulty exerting control over their emotions, display marked impulsivity in their behaviors, fear abandonment and may indulge in self-harming behaviors and suicidal thoughts. Sufferers of borderline personality disorder often have associated mood disturbances with up to 70% also experiencing major depression. Eating disorders are also common: up to 25% of bulimics have a co-diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Well over 50% of substance abuse sufferers also show signs of borderline personality disorder. … Continue reading →

Cancer Drug can Cause Heart Failure

Novartis announced that Gleevec, a cancer drug they produce, could cause diminished hear function in some patients. This is tremendously important for cancer patients who also suffer from heart disease, or an unrelated heart condition. The active drug imatinib mesylate is used in two types of cancer: chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). Patients with heart disease or a heart condition who need this drug can still take it, if no other alternatives are suggested by the doctor, however they have to be closely monitored for heart failure. It is not wise to discontinue the drug without talking … Continue reading →