FDA: Paws Off Xylitol; It is Dangerous for Dogs
This sugar substitute, found in some human foods and dental products, can be poisonous to your dog. Your six-month-old puppy, Hoover, will eat anything that isn’t tied down. Like many dog owners, you know chocolate can be dangerous to your pooch. But you may not know that if Hoover sticks his nose in your handbag […]
CDC: Testing for Tuberculosis
KEY POINTS Why get tested Getting tested and treated for TB can protect yourself, your family and friends, and your community. You may need a TB test if you have: You may need a TB test even if you do not feel sick. TB germs can live in your body for years without making you feel sick. […]
FDA: Don’t Overuse Acetaminophen
You have flu symptoms, so you’ve been getting some relief by taking a cough and flu medicine every few hours. Late in the day, you have a headache and think about grabbing a couple of acetaminophen tablets (Tylenol, paracetamol and panadol) to treat the pain. Stop right there. You might not realize that more than […]
CDC: About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
KEY POINTS What it is Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person exposed to alcohol before birth. These conditions can affect each person in different ways and can range from mild to severe. People with FASDs can have lifelong effects, including problems with behavior and learning […]
FDA: Tianeptine Products Linked to Serious Harm, Overdoses, Death
People seeking to treat their ailments sometimes mistake a product as being safe because it’s easily available, whether online or even at gas stations. But availability is no indication of effectiveness or safety. This is especially true of tianeptine products, which have been associated with serious health risks and even death. Tianeptine, a drug, is […]
CDC: The Benefits of Physical Activity
KEY POINTS Immediate benefits By age Some benefits of physical activity for brain health happen right after a session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Benefits include improved thinking or cognition for children 6 to 13 and reduced short-term feelings of anxiety for adults. Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you […]
FDA: Is Rinsing Your Sinuses With Neti Pots Safe?
Little teapots with long spouts have become a fixture in many homes to flush out clogged nasal passages and help people breathe easier. Along with other nasal irrigation devices, these devices — commonly called neti pots — use a saline, or saltwater, solution to treat congested sinuses, colds and allergies. They’re also used to moisten nasal […]
CDC: Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis
KEY POINTS Signs and symptoms Active TB Disease Symptoms of active TB disease depend on where in the body the TB germs are growing. TB germs usually grow in the lungs (pulmonary TB). Active TB disease in the lungs may cause symptoms such as: Other symptoms of active TB disease are: Symptoms of active TB disease in […]
FDA: Gardenia (Genipin) Blue Color Additive Approved While Encouraging Faster Phase-Out of FD&C Red No. 3
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it had granted Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s (GBIG) color additive petition to use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods, at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice. It is the fourth color derived from natural sources approved by the FDA for use in foods in the […]
CDC: Choking Hazards
AT A GLANCE As your baby learns to chew and swallow foods, they may choke. Choking hazards can exist even after your child is feeding themselves and eating most foods. Choking prevention The way food is prepared may increase the risk of choking. For example, some foods served uncooked, whole, or in certain shapes or sizes can […]