Health ShortsMay 2005Moving Away from COX-2 Inhibitors
Of 375 back pain patients taking COX-2 inhibitors prior to the withdrawal of Vioxx and Bextra from the market, 42 percent had moved to other painkilling drugs (mostly nonprescription) while 9 percent were taking dietary or herbal supplements and 13 percent were foregoing any medication while awaiting further information, according to one recent survey. About 36 percent were continuing to use Celebrex, the COX-2 inhibitor still on the market.
[SOURCE: "Majority of US Patients Have Discontinued Use of COX-2 Inhibitors," Pharma Marketletter, April 11, 2005] Confidence in FDA Declines
Amid the recent controversy surrounding COX-2 inhibitors and other prescription drugs, a survey of 1,000 Americans found that confidence in the Food and Drug Administration had declined in recent months and that a majority would like to see the FDA's regulatory powers either increased or kept at current levels.
[SOURCE: "Survey: Public Opinion of FDA Sliding," Bioworld Week, March 7, 2005] COX-2 Gastro Protection Overstated?
Pain relieving medications known as COX-2 inhibitors were introduced as a "safer" alternative to conventional nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they were less likely to cause ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. This benefit may have been overstated, however. While patients taking COX-2 inhibitors have had fewer ulcers and gastrointestinal symptoms, long-term studies have not shown a significant reduction of the most serious complications such as bleeding or perforation. Two of the three COX-2 inhibitors approved by the FDA have been removed from the market by their manufacturers because of studies showing an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes among those taking the medications.
[SOURCE: "Benefit of COX-2s vs Conventional NSAIDs?" Pharma Marketletter, January 17, 2005] A Pill a Week to Keep the Yeast Away
If you're bothered by recurrent yeast infections, you may be able to prevent them by taking an antifungal pill once a week. In a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine [August 26, 2004], 91 percent of women taking weekly doses of fluconazole (but only 36 percent of those taking placebo) for six months remained free of Candida albicans infections. Over time, however, yeast infections tended to recur. Over the next six months, 43 percent of subjects taking fluconazole and 22 percent of those taking placebo were free of yeast infections.
[SOURCE: "Study Shows Regular Drug Regimen Can Prevent Recurrent Yeast Infections," Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week, September 18, 2004] Women on Warfarin: Avoid Antifungals
Women taking warfarin, the prescription blood-thinner, should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using an over-the-counter medication to treat a yeast infection. Miconazole, an ingredient in many of these preparations, has been found to cause abnormal blood clotting in persons taking warfarin. This adverse reaction might manifest itself as abnormal bruising, bleeding gums or nosebleeds.
[SOURCE: Food and Drug Administration; "Yeast Infections; Lifestyle Tips," NWHRC Health Center-Yeast Infections, February 22, 2002] Weeding Out Risky Foods
When tested, about 50 percent of conventionally grown produce and even some organically grown products show pesticide residues. In all cases, the amount is small enough that regulatory bodies do not consider it a health threat. According to the Environmental Working Group, foods most likely to be contaminated (in descending order of toxicity) are: strawberries, bell peppers and spinach (tied for second), U.S.-grown cherries, peaches, Mexican cantaloupes, celery, apples, apricots, green beans, Chilean grapes and cucumbers. This nonprofit group recommends seeking organic sources for such foods, if possible. The group found the lowest levels of pesticide on avocados, sweet corn, bulb onions, cauliflower, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, U.S. grapes, bananas, plums, scallions, watermelon and broccoli.
[SOURCE: Susan Jane Cheny, "Organics: Are They worth the $$?" Vegetarian Times, November, 1999] How Healthy Is Kosher Food?
Kosher food sales are climbing, at least in part because of the perception that the label ensures stringent standards. A bodek, or Jewish food evaluator, inspects meat to make sure it's been slaughtered according to Old Testament directives but also to ensure a safe, healthy product. A typical bodek, according to some sources, rejects more meat than a federal inspector. A bodek, for example, might reject an entire animal if he saw a lesion on a lung whereas a government inspector might require only that the lung be discarded unless there were signs that the animal's health had been affected. A bodek, on the other hand, is not trained to inspect an animal's glands for signs of infection-something that government inspectors routinely do. The kosher label indicates nothing about nutrition or additives. Kosher hot dogs contain nitrites and lots of fat and salt. They may in fact have more sodium than other hot dogs since salt is used to remove excess blood.
[SOURCE: "Health or Hype? The Lowdown on Natural Foods," PDR Family Guide to Nutrition & Health, January 1, 2003] Bovine Growth Hormone: Pro & Con
Since 1993, milk produced in the United States may come from cows given a genetically engineered bovine growth hormone to boost milk production. The label need not indicate the use of synthetic bovine growth hormone, and the milk is identical to that coming from untreated animals. An FDA-sponsored review of 120 studies over a 30-year period found no indication of health risks from milk produced with bovine growth hormone, and both the American Medical Association and the American Dietetic Association have approved its use. A comprehensive Canadian review also found no health hazards, but the Canadian government declined to approve the hormone, primarily because of its unfavorable safety profile on cows. Cows given synthetic growth hormone are 25 percent more likely to have udder infections (requiring use of antibiotics), 18 percent more likely to become infertile and 50 percent more likely to become lame.
[SOURCE: "Health or Hype? The Lowdown on Natural Foods," PDR Family Guide to Nutrition & Health, January 1, 2003] 'Natural' Chicken Is Healthy Choice
The "natural" chicken which has started to appear on fast food menus has been minimally processed and is free of hormones, antibiotics and artificial ingredients. Panera has been selling natural chicken in selected sandwiches and salads and eventually plans to serve only natural chicken. The Chipotle Mexican chain sells natural chicken in some areas of the country. Arby's is testing "All Chicken Chicken" in some areas and plans to convert systemwide to natural chicken by the end of 2005.
[SOURCE: "'Natural' Chicken Finding Its Way onto Fast Food Menus," The Food Institute Report, February 7, 2005] Organic Food Goes Mainstream
Sales of organically grown food have been growing at a steady rate of 20 percent a year since 1990, and 49 percent of sales are now in mainstream supermarkets. Health food stores account for 48 percent of sales; the remainder come from farmers' markets, farm stands, farm subscriptions and mail orders.
[SOURCE: Michael D. Jawson, "Adding OOMPH to Organic Farming," Agricultural Research, February, 2002] Is Organic Food Healthier?
Of about 30 studies that have compared the nutrient content of organic and conventionally grown food, organic products showed a higher nutrient level 40 percent of the time while conventionally grown foods came out ahead in 15 percent of comparisons. Generally, organic foods had more vitamin C, better protein quality and fewer nitrates.
[SOURCE: Virginia Worthing, "Is Organically Grown Food More Nutritious?" Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, October, 2001] Suburban Pesticides Pose Risk
Your cupboards may be full of what some call suburban cosmetic pesticides-bug sprays, flea collars, hair treatments for lice and lawn and garden pesticides. Although the evidence is inconclusive, several studies have suggested that exposure to these chemicals may pose a risk to children who are exposed from early childhood or even before birth. One study found a five-fold increased risk of childhood brain cancer in households using pesticide bombs, no-pest strips and flea collars. Another study concluded that the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was seven times more likely in children exposed to household pesticides and chemicals used by professional exterminators.
[SOURCE: Bruce Lofquist, "Residential Pesticidies Pose Threats to Children's Health," Alternatives Journal, Winter, 2002] Kids Safer in Full Harness Seats
Children weighing 20 to 40 pounds are safest when they travel by auto in forward-facing child safety seats with full harnesses, a recent study confirmed. Toddlers riding in shield booster seats had more severe injuries to the head, chest and abdominal/pelvic region and more intensive care unit admissions after automobile accidents, with longer average stays. As a result of previous research, use of the shield booster seats for toddlers is discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway traffic Safety Administration.
[SOURCE: Patrice G.W. Norton, "More Injuries Are Seen When Shield Boostger Seats Are Used: Study Finds Specific Injury Patterns," Family Practice News, April 15, 2004] | 
