Archive for May 2008

Adderall, a drug used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, may become the next ADHD drug abused for its side effects. Several Hollywood celebrities have been known to have used it for weight loss. Adderall can have serious effects on the heart and liver, and can cause hallucinations. Full story.

A 30-year-old Frenchman has become the first person to ever receive a total face transplant. Partial face transplants have been done previously in France and China. The Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston will attempt a similar surgery in the near future. Full story.

A recent study shows a tremendous need for more pediatric endocrinologists in order to keep up with the rising number of children diagnosed with diabetes. Childhood type-2 diabetes in the US continues to increase due in part to its association with the obesity epidemic. Full story.

Gardasil is currently the only cervical cancer vaccine on the market. It is only recommended for girls and women from 9 to 26 years of age. However, the FDA may expand the use to include women up to 45. The decision is expected by this summer.

Eating a low sodium diet may not be as easy as you think since salt can lurk in almost any food, especially ones high in sugar, fat, and calories. Therefore, being conscious of your salt intake may lead to a healthier diet overall, which reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation released their new guidelines for osteoporosis this past week. For the first time the NOF is recommending that men over the age of 70 receive bone-mineral density x-rays, the same standard test that women 65 and older receive.

NOF summarizes the new recommendations in its 5 Steps to Bone Health:
1. Get the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
2. Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise.
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
4. Talk to your healthcare provider about bone health.
5. Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate.

Speak to your doctor about bone health at your next appointment.

Here’s a secret you may already know – quitting smoking has immediate benefits, which is why doctors are constantly pestering smokers to quit. Believe it or not, physiologic changes occur just minutes after a cigarette is extinguished – your blood pressure and pulse rate decrease and you get more circulation to your hands and feet. After 24 hours your chances of having a heart attack decrease. And the benefits continue years later – after 10 years of being smoke-free your risk of lung cancer (the number one killer cancer in America today) is half of those who continue to smoke. What’s more striking is that after 15 years, your risk of coronary heart disease becomes essentially the same as someone who has never smoked in their life.

Even if you are not a smoker, chances are we all know someone who is. (I even know some doctors who smoke.) The point is whenever you hear the phrase “It’s never too late to quit,” it really is true. Which is why I urge you to remind those you care for about the benefits of quitting. However, keep in mind that quitting smoking is never easy. It may even take a few tries before it happens! Therefore, always congratulate and support those who are, or are thinking about, stopping smoking.