CDC: Childhood Arthritis
KEY POINTS Overview Arthritis that develops in children is called childhood arthritis (or juvenile arthritis). Childhood arthritis begins when the immune system becomes overactive, leading to joint and body swelling. Childhood arthritis can cause pain, loss of motion, and permanent damage in the joints. Living with childhood arthritis About 220,000 U.S. children under 18 have […]
FDA: Braces Have Changed, From Metal to Tooth-Colored to Clear
Your dentist tells you that you need braces, bringing back not-so-fond memories of kids being called “metal mouth.” Take heart. Braces have evolved and new alternatives in both look and materials are available. The FDA is responsible for reviewing these devices for safety and effectiveness and, as appropriate, granting marketing authorization for the devices before […]
CDC: Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
WHAT TO KNOW Opioid-related deaths are rising Drug overdose deaths 2021-2022 Three waves of opioid overdose deaths From 1999-2021, nearly 645,000 people died from an overdose involving any opioid, including prescription and illicit opioids. This rise in opioid overdose deaths can be outlined in three distinct waves. First wave The first wave began with increased […]
FDA: What You Need to Know About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
The FDA is working to answer questions about the science, safety, and quality of products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds, particularly CBD. Potential harm, side effects and unknowns You may have noticed that cannabidiol (CBD) seems to be available almost everywhere, and marketed as a variety of products including drugs, food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and […]
CDC: Raw Flour and Dough
AT A GLANCE Risks of raw dough Flour doesn’t look like a raw food, but most flour is raw. That means it hasn’t been treated to kill germs that cause food poisoning, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella. These harmful germs can contaminate grain while it’s still in the field or flour while it’s being made. Steps […]
FDA: Help the FDA Prevent the Sale of Tobacco Products to Young People
It’s important to keep all tobacco products out of the hands of young people. Find out how you can help. While overall smoking rates have declined over the years, youth tobacco use remains a concern. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, in 2023 about 2.8 million youth reported current use of any tobacco product, including […]
CDC: Heated Tobacco Products
AT A GLANCE What’s the bottom line? Heated tobacco products heat processed tobacco leaf, allowing users to inhale nicotine into their lungs. Some brands of heated tobacco products permitted for sale in the United States include IQOS and Eclipse. More research is needed to understand the short- and long- term health effects of heated tobacco products. The use […]
FDA: What To Know If Your Child Wants Contact Lenses
Improper use of contact lenses can cause serious injury. Is your child ready? These days, eyeglasses can look pretty cool. Still, the day may come when your child asks you for contact lenses. There are pros to consider — and cons. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates contact lenses and certain contact lens care […]
CDC: Health Effects of Smokeless Tobacco
WHAT TO KNOW Smokeless tobacco is associated with many health problems Using smokeless tobacco: Fact Using smokeless products can cause serious health problems.Protect your health; don’t start. If you do use them, quit. Addiction to smokeless tobacco Smokeless tobacco and cancer Smokeless tobacco causes cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas. Many smokeless tobacco products […]
FDA: Whole Genome Sequencing: Cracking the Genetic Code for Foodborne Illness
A person commits a crime, and the detective uses DNA evidence collected from the crime scene to track the criminal down. An outbreak of foodborne illness makes people sick, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses DNA evidence to track down the bacteria that caused it. Sound far-fetched? It’s not. The FDA has […]