Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the production of plastics and resins, such as some water bottles and the coatings of some food cans. It has generated controversy about its impact on human health and development, but the FDA has concluded that the scientific evidence at this time does not suggest that the very low levels of human exposure to BPA through the diet are unsafe.
Federal health officials are warning consumers not to use skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, or lotions that might contain mercury after products with the toxic metal turned up in at least seven states.
The FDA has approved only one stem cell product, but desperate patients are often vulnerable to unscrupulous providers of unproven, potentially harmful stem-cell treatments.
“I lost 90 pounds with the Lap-Band!,” read the billboards. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? But there are serious risks with the weight-loss surgery promoted by these ads.
FDA warns consumers to steer clear of “homeopathic” human chorionic gonadotropin weight-loss products, which are typically marketed with dangerously low-calorie diets.
The FDA has created a new online resource to help consumers recognize and protect themselves from health scams, fraud and bogus health products:
Laura Butler paid $30 for her decorative lenses and $2,000 in medical bills. And she nearly lost an eye.
Unlike most bacteria, Listeria germs can grow and spread in the refrigerator. So if you unknowingly refrigerate Listeria-contaminated food, the germs can contaminate your refrigerator and spread to other foods.
Acetaminophen is generally safe if you follow the directions, but if you give to much it can cause nausea and vomiting — and even liver failure and death.
Medical apps could present a risk to patients if the apps don’t work as intended.
How to prevent food poisoning from ruining your summer cookout — Tips from the FDA
The longer a woman has a breast implant, the more likely she is to have complications and need to have the implants removed or replaced, the FDA says.
LocalHealthGuide is a health news and information web service for Seattle and the Puget Sound Region. We are independent and unaffiliated with any hospital, medical association or insurer. If you have questions or if your group has an upcoming event that you would like us to cover, please let us know by going to our "Contact Us" page and dropping us a note. -- Michael McCarthy, Editor
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Lost in translation: Lack of trained interpreters can lead to medical errors
Interpreter services at hospitals and other medical settings are often inadequate, forcing family members, including children, to step in, or the task falls to medical staff members who may not speak the language well.
Some insurers deny ER coverage to people who have been drinking
Laws in more than half the states permit insurers to deny payment for medical services related to alcohol or drug use. Faced with the prospect of not getting paid for care, some ER personnel sidestep the problem by simply not testing patients’ blood or urine for alcohol.
Travel insurance can protect your wallet — and your health on vacation
Think your regular health insurance policy will cover you if you get into medical trouble overseas?
Don’t bet on it.
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