CDC: About Cardiomyopathy
KEY POINTS What it is Cardiomyopathy represents a collection of diverse conditions of the heart muscle. These diseases have many causes, symptoms, and treatments and can affect people of all ages and races. When cardiomyopathy occurs, the normal muscle in the heart can thicken, stiffen, thin out, or fill with substances the body produces that […]
FDA: You and Your Medicines as You Age
As you get older you may be faced with more health conditions that you need to treat on a regular basis. It is important to be aware that more use of medicines and normal body changes caused by aging can increase the chance of unwanted or maybe even harmful drug interactions. The more you know […]
CDC: About Atrial Fibrillation
KEY POINTS What it is Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib or AF, is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is when the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or in an irregular way. When a person has AFib, the normal beating in the upper chambers of the heart (the two atria) […]
FDA: Safe Drug Use After a Natural Disaster
Before a Natural Disaster An emergency plan is especially important for those with health concerns, particularly if the power goes out. Taking precautions for storing medications and supplies is key to being prepared. Patients should: After a Natural Disaster The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) at FDA offers the following information on the […]
CDC: About Heart Disease
KEY POINTS What is heart disease? The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack. Symptoms Sometimes heart disease may be “silent” and […]
FDA 101: Product Recalls
What Is a Recall? A recall is an action taken by a company to correct or remove from the market an FDA regulated product that violates U.S. laws and regulations. Recalls may be initiated voluntarily by a company, or at the request of the FDA. Recalls are important because they protect the public from products […]
CDC: About Blood Cholesterol
KEY POINTS What is cholesterol? Blood cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver. Blood cholesterol is essential for good health. Your body needs it to perform important jobs, such as making hormones and digesting fatty foods. Your body makes all the blood cholesterol it needs, which is why experts recommend that people eat […]
FDA: Safely Treating Molluscum, a Common Skin Condition
If you’re bothered by bumps on your skin, don’t try to diagnose yourself or treat your condition with products that haven’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Instead, visit a health care professional for a proper diagnosis and to make a treatment plan. One common condition that some people try to self-diagnose […]
CDC: Can People With Diabetes Have Dessert?
KEY POINTS The dessert dilemma You’ve heard the saying, “Life’s too short, eat dessert first.” With so many delicious options out there, it can be tempting. But living with diabetes can make indulging in your favorite sweet treat a little more complicated. If you have diabetes, too many carbohydrates (carbs), found in sugary and starchy […]
FDA: Do Not Use – Black Salve is Dangerous and Called by Many Names
You may have seen websites selling certain salves or creams (commonly known as “black salve”) claiming to treat or cure cancer, boils, moles and skin tags (benign, or non-cancerous, growths of the skin). These claims are false. Salve products containing corrosive ingredients, including black salve, are dangerous and are not approved by the U.S. Food […]