There are over 175 million iPod users in the world today. Blasting your iPod or another portable music player has now been shown to cause temporary and possibly permanent hearing loss. Occupational noise exposure can lead to noise-induced hearing loss but less is known about the long term and short term effects of recreational noise. Here are some of the facts we’ve learned from the University of Colorado and the Children’s Hospital of Boston research: Many people assume there device has a maximum volume default setting that is safe. Current devices will produce noise up to 115 dB at maximum volume, the level of noise from a chainsaw or rock… Continue Reading Recreational Noise: Are You Using Your iPod/Ear Buds At Too High A Volume?
06
Feb
2012
The peak time for people getting Influenza, the “flu”, is just getting started in the United States. Typically, the months of February and March are when the highest number of Americans suffer from the “flu” and the complications of this viral disease. If you did not receive a flu shot back in the fall of 2011 it’s not too late! Getting your shot now will protect you within the next two weeks as the incidence of flu revs up. Who should get it: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months of age or older. Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease the… Continue Reading Vaccinate Against The Flu: It’s Not Too Late!
30
Jan
2012
Salt has always been suspected of causing health problems if too much is consumed. Recent studies have shed new light on how reducing salt intake can reduce blood pressure and ultimately the incidence of strokes and heart attacks. Salt was originally discovered by the Chinese as a way to preserve food over 5000 years ago. With the advent of refrigeration, salt consumption declined. With the rise of consumption of processed foods in Western society, salt consumption has again risen to dangerously high levels. The current average intake of sodium in the US is greater than 3400mg per day. Current recommendations are to limit total sodium to 1500mg to 2300mg per… Continue Reading Should We Be Lowering The Amount Of Salt In Our Diets?
23
Jan
2012
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers that some Web sites sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs that may not be safe to use! The FDA says that consumers should know how to recognize a legal Internet pharmacy and how to buy medicines online safely. Buying prescription and over-the-counter drugs on the Internet from a company you don’t know means you may not know exactly what you are getting. Although there are many Web sites that operate legally, there are also many “rogue Web sites” that offer to sell potentially dangerous drugs that have not been checked for safety or effectiveness. These sites often sell unapproved drugs, drugs that contain… Continue Reading Is Buying Medicines Over The Internet Safe?
16
Jan
2012
Forty four percent of all prescriptions written in the United States are filled as generics. Generics can cost 30 to 90% less than branded medications. How do branded medications become generic: New drugs are developed by innovators. Patents protect these companies’ investments by giving them sole rights to produce and sell the medication. When patents are near expiration other manufacturers can apply to the FDA to sell generic versions. Commonly asked questions about generics: What are generics? They are simply a copy of the original drug. Are generics safe? Yes, the FDA regulates all generic manufacturers similar to brand name manufacturers. Are generics as strong as their branded counterparts? Yes,… Continue Reading Generic Drugs: Should You Be Taking These Cheaper Medications?