FDA Warns on Tissue Damage from All-Metal Hip Implants
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raises the alarm over pain and soft-tissue damage that may stem from metal-on metal hip implants, according to online media reports. The complications which may arise from the use of all-metal hip replacement devices may also require additional surgery to correct or replace the implant, cites the FDA, after a series of hip implant recalls in recent years, including the so-called DePuy ASR hip systems device recall which was conducted in 2010.
Metal-on-metal implants were designed to last longer than traditional implants with a combination of ceramic, metal, or plastic components, but have instead raised several health concerns and caused extreme discomfort in a large number of recipients. All-metal implants which comprise of a metallic ball and cup may shed metal where two components connect, which in turn may cause damages to tissues surrounding the implants, as was cited by the US FDA. The agency advises surgeons to possibly use metal-on-metal implants in certain patients where benefits may outweigh those offered by conventional hip replacements.
Source:
reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/us-fda-hips-idUSBRE90G0W520130117
According to Research, Vitamins May Ease Depression
Due to the many negative analysis on Zoloft, a number of patients are now finding safer ways to treat depression. For more inputs on this, refer to sites discussing the birth defects attributed with Zoloft. The good news is that certain vitamins may be effective alternatives for antidepressants. research studies show. These vitamins are Omega-3, folates, SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) and St. John’s wort.
An increasing evidence noted that omega-3 fatty acids, aside from being essential for cardiac health, may also help in easing depression. Based on studies published in 2009 in the journal of the American College of Nutrition, the rate of depression is lower in populations that consume an omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet, which includes fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines.
Various studies have also shown that folates combined with antidepressants improved the effectiveness of the prescription drugs and have been known to reduce some side effects.
References:
• healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=703942
• womentowomen.com/depressionanxietyandmood/antidepressants.aspx
• antidepressantsfacts.com/before.htm
Fresenius Internal Memo Prompted FDA to Launch Investigation
The New York Times reported that an internal memo is being circulated by Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMC) to its clinics as early as November of 2011. The internal memo reflected 941 dialysis patients who suffered cardiac arrest at 667 Fresenius dialysis clinics. The company further investigated these numbers by comparing them to more than 80,000 other dialysis patients in the same dialysis clinics. Generally, the data showed that too much bicarbonate, or alkalosis, could result to a considerable increase in heart risks among hemodialysis patients. Thus, the memo prompts its medical officers and clinicians to adjust the dialysis prescription for patients in FMC owned clinics. However, ethical issues were raised as to why the company did not notify other clinics or physicians who are using their machines and formulation; at least, not until March this year. Even the communiqué issued to non-FMC renal care providers were found wanting by RenalWEB, which said that the memo was “scientifically-ambiguous… with far less actionable information.”
The FDA followed suit by announcing an investigation on the delay. It is not far from imagining how GranuFlo lawyers would find the repercussions of the investigation a bane to Fresenius’ future legal defense.
It is intriguing to note that, although Fresenius notified employees internally, there was no notification made to the public or any regulatory bodies prior to March 2012. In fact, the company was only prompted to clarify their failure as the FDA began an investigation following a receipt of the memo from an anonymous source.
“One needs to question whether or not Fresenius had an opportunity to limit exposure to the solution earlier than it did,” Jeffrey S. Berns, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine stated at New Jersey newspaper interview. “I don’t really know that. I suspect that will be investigated.” He added.
On its part, Fresenius released a statement that reads:
“FMCNA will continue its process to place updated labels on its NaturaLyte and GranuFlo Acid Concentrate products, and to update its hemodialysis machine operator’s manuals. To date, FMCNA has notified more than 90 percent of its customers of these two labeling updates, and will continue with that effort until it is complete. The FDA’s action does not involve the removal of any FMCNA products from the marketplace.”
Source:
mpo-mag.com/news/2012/07/24/fresenius_faces_recall_investigation
Genetics Linked to Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a known deteriorating disease causing brittle bones. Many osteoporotic patients find comfort taking drugs like Fosamax, not knowing the adverse effects of it which include femur fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw, thus motivating its users to visit resource and information sites like www.fosamaxinjurylawsuitcenter.com. There are some genetic risk factors for osteoporosis, including deviations in genes encoding estrogen and collagen receptors.
Strong bones balance their continuous loss and gain of tissue while in osteoporosis balance is not achieved, thus resulting to low bone mass where bones are likely to fracture.
Bone density is the determining factor of bone strength, an inherited trait. Daughters of women with osteoporosis have lower bone density. While many genetic factors affect the bone, its contribution is minor, so there is no single gene that causes osteoporosis.
Type I collagen is a major component of healthy bones. Changes in genes for type I collagen are related with osteoporosis. People that have SS or Ss COL1A1 genotype are three times more likely to fracture their spine than to people with the SS genotype.
Since estrogen levels play a major role in postmenopausal women, change of the estrogen receptor (ER) gene may be connected in some cases of osteoporosis. In fact, in some populations, polymorphism of the ER gene has been correlated with bone mineral density (BMD).
Source:
csa.com/discoveryguides/archives/osteo.p
Fosamax Lawsuit Information Video
Read MoreThe Importance of Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture has been pioneered by New York City as part of its projects to provide the people of New York healthy and fresh local produce that goes well with its 
environmental advocacies. Organizations such as the New York Sustainable Agriculture Working Group made sure of this. They encourage sustainable agriculture practices and sustainable local food systems. The government of New York also supports this cause as it will eventually lead to utmost benefits in the long run.
The US Department of Agriculture defines sustainable agriculture as an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term; satisfy human food and fiber needs, enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends, make the most efficient utilization of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls, maintain the economic viability of farm operations, and improve the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
On sustainable agriculture, the United Nations (UN) says in a research that sustainable agriculture has come forward as an alternative agricultural system that addresses the many constraints faced by resource-poor farmers and at the same time guarantees environmental sustainability. It refers to the ability of agriculture to contribute to overall welfare by providing sufficient food and other goods and services in ways that are economically efficient and profitable, socially responsible, while also improving environmental quality.
The UN also notes the key principles towards sustainable agriculture, namely:
1. Economic sustainability;
2. Environmental sustainability;
3. Social sustainability.
Modern ways in providing quality produce have often turned to scientific and chemical processes. This has proven to take a toll on the environment which lead to the prejudice of people’s health. Presently, steps have been made by New York authorities to provide a solution. And one way of doing this is through sustainable agriculture.
Read MoreNew York Food Systems
When I think of a certain place, I think of the food that originates from that place. When I think of New York, the first things that go to my mind are pizzas, burgers, hotdogs and cheesecake. Living in New York inevitably means that you will need to live and move your life into the fast lane. Since schedules are tight, meal time is often not enjoyed and even less prepared for most people. Moreover, there is lesser regard for health consciousness and the bigger implications of our everyday food choices.
New York Food organizations such as Food Systems Network NYC work toward universal access to nourishing, affordable food. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, the group aims to establish a just and vibrant regional food and farm economy that promotes human and environmental health and prevents hunger.
New York City Council speaker Christine C. Quinn says that New York must identify ways to move from an unsustainable food system to one that promotes health, environmental sustainability, and a thriving economy. She says that New York City food system is not fully secure. Additionally, our food system faces a number of issues that compromise its long-term sustainability. Agricultural production is energy intensive, greatly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and is not economically viable for many farmers. “For most New Yorkers, our connection to food begins in a restaurant or grocery store, far removed from the farm,” Quinn says.
Going green and going healthy requires for a higher appreciation of the agricultural bounty by the New Yorkers. There should be lesser consumption of unhealthy foods and higher demand of fresh produce. Not only does fast food give extra calories and unhealthy options, it burdens the economy and environment as well. The advocacy for sustainable agriculture has now become a major concern for most first class cities, especially New York.
Read MoreKeeping It Fresh
Fresh foods offer high contents of vitamins and minerals that no fast food chain can offer. A number of diseases have behest the American population such as depression, osteoporosis, femur fractures, diabetes and obesity. All of these diseases somehow found a link towards a healthy diet that most Americans have missed. Getting healthy requires going for healthy foods.
According to an article in the New York Times, Americans have been eating genetically engineered foods since the 1990s. Another article from the same news outfit says that preliminary results from a New York State Health Department study show that more than half the eggs tested from chickens kept in community gardens in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens had detectable levels of lead, unlike store-bought counterparts. Also reported in the New York Times were poor urban neighborhoods are food deserts, bereft of fresh fruits and vegetables. Such neighborhoods, the article says, not only have more fast food restaurants and convenience stores than more affluent ones, but more grocery stores, supermarkets and full-service restaurants, too.
This fact going about in the City of New York not only impacted Health issues but also environmental and economic issues. The movement for sustainable agriculture, being beneficial to the environment and the economy as well, has won the hearts of many advocates but still needs massive support from all sectors within the society. There is now a stronger call to turn to fresh food retail sources such as the farmer’s market or grocery stores rather than going to take out zones and fast food outlets.
The Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) says that studies have found strong correlations between diet-related diseases and lack of access to supermarkets offering healthy foods. Additionally, greater access to healthy and affordable food can affect obesity rates and fruit and vegetable consumption. In another study the CDC says that Food at farmers’ markets is generally fresh and of high quality, and prices are often lower than at grocery stores. The CDC also approves of community supported agriculture.
Read More