Author Archive: U.S. FDA

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Embryonic stem cells (Photo: Nissim Benvenisty)

Beware of stem-cell scams, says FDA

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.

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January 8, 2012 | 0 Comments More
How Gastric Banding Works A surgeon places a circular silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The narrowed opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach controls how fast food passes to the lower part of the stomach. The band is connected with tubing to a button-like part (port) placed close to the skin above the stomach. A doctor can adjust the band, without surgery, by inserting a needle through the skin into the port to add or remove fluid in the band. This changes the size of the opening, which controls how fast food passes into the lower stomach. The band limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, helping people to feel full sooner and eat less.

FDA targets gastric band weight-loss claims

“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.

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December 26, 2011 | 0 Comments More
FDA warns dieters to ‘steer clear’ of HCG weight-loss products

FDA warns dieters to ‘steer clear’ of HCG weight-loss products

FDA warns consumers to steer clear of “homeopathic” human chorionic gonadotropin weight-loss products, which are typically marketed with dangerously low-calorie diets.

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December 6, 2011 | 0 Comments More
The snake oil salesman is still alive — and on the Internet

The snake oil salesman is still alive — and on the Internet

The FDA has created a new online resource to help consumers recognize and protect themselves from health scams, fraud and bogus health products:

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December 4, 2011 | 1 Comment More
Decorative contact lenses: Is your vision worth it?

Decorative contact lenses: Is your vision worth it?

Laura Butler paid $30 for her decorative lenses and $2,000 in medical bills. And she nearly lost an eye.

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October 12, 2011 | 0 Comments More
Photo by the QFamily

How to protect your family from Listeria — FDA Update

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.

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October 8, 2011 | 2 Comments More
Giving acetaminophen to children safely

Giving acetaminophen to children safely

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.

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August 8, 2011 | 0 Comments More
FDA proposes guidelines for health ‘Apps’

FDA proposes guidelines for health ‘Apps’

Medical apps could present a risk to patients if the apps don’t work as intended.

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July 25, 2011 | 0 Comments More
Barbecue Bliss: Keeping bacteria at bay

Barbecue Bliss: Keeping bacteria at bay

How to prevent food poisoning from ruining your summer cookout — Tips from the FDA

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June 27, 2011 | 0 Comments More
Are breast implants safe? — an FDA update

Are breast implants safe? — an FDA update

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.

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June 22, 2011 | 0 Comments More
Photo by Brainloc

Have food allergies? Read the label — FDA

First look for the ‘Contains’ statement and if your allergen is listed, put the product back on the shelf. If there is no ‘Contains’ statement, it’s very important to read the entire ingredient list to see if your allergen is present. If you see its name even once, it’s back to the shelf for that food too.

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May 11, 2011 | 1 Comment More
Salivary glands: 1) Parotid gland, 2) Submandibular gland, 3) Sublingual gland

Dry mouth? Don’t delay treatment — FDA update

Almost everyone’s mouth is dry sometimes. But if you feel like you have cotton in your mouth constantly, it may be time for treatment.

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May 9, 2011 | 0 Comments More