Health News Digest, September 2023 | |
|
Injuries caused by artificial turf
When NY Jets star Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in his first (and therefore last) game of the season, the NFL players association (NFLPA) pointed out that artificial turf is more harmful to athletes than natural grass. And a few days later, Dallas Cowboys star Trevon Diggs suffered a season-ending torn ACL during practice. For professional athletes and for children, playing on artificial turf can lead to more frequent and longer lasting injuries than natural grass. The NFLPA has called for the NFL to ban artificial turf fields because of the dangers. Read our summary of the research evidence here.
| |
|
Everything you need to know about the new weight loss drugs
In 2023, there has been a major spike in sales of “new weight loss drugs” because of claims of improved health as well as lower weight. Prescriptions exceeded 9 million in the last 3 months of 2022! It can be tricky sorting through all the information to find out what is true and what is misleading. Our new article about these drugs tells you what you need to know here, including up-to-date information about how safe and effective these drugs are – or are not.
| |
How to choose safe cosmetic products
Cosmetics are not just make-up – they include shampoo, soap, and other products used by men, women, and children. U.S. consumers use, on average, 6 to 12 cosmetic products daily, containing nearly 200 chemicals. This chemical exposure can be risky, especially if all the ingredients haven’t been tested to make sure they are safe and effective for everyone. Find out what the law requires and doesn’t require, and learn about ingredients in cosmetics that can be harmful to your health. Read our article here.
| |
|
Senators write to FDA Commissioner questioning long-term opioids
NCHR was pleased to work with U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) as they wrote a letter to FDA Commissioner Califf to reject a biased study that FDA was planning to study the use of long-lasting opioids for chronic pain. The type of study, referred to as Enriched Enrollment Randomized Withdrawal (EERW), is controversial because it puts patients at risk of increased dependence on opioids but also studies only patients who have previously had a good experience with long-term opioid use. To read a news article about the Senators’ letter, see here.
| |
|
NCHR endorses Senate bill to improve drug safety information
NCHR was proud to endorse the new Updated Drug Labeling for Patient Safety Act, which will enable generic drugs to update safety information about their products, thus providing essential safety information for patients and consumers. Currently, generic drugs are not allowed to improve safety warnings on their labels. The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Chris Coons (D-DE) To learn more about this important bill, see here. Click this link to contact your Senators to ask them to co-sponsor..
| |
|
NCHR supports improved communications around medical device recalls
NCHR was also proud to endorse the new Medical Device Recall Improvement Act, which would improve communication between medical device manufacturers, hospitals, health care professionals, and patients when medical devices are recalled. Currently, device manufacturers are required to notify the physicians and facilities that buy their devices when there is a recall, but patients are often not informed – even for life-threatening implanted devices that are in their bodies. The bill was introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). To learn more about the bill see here. Click these links to contact your Senators and Congressman to ask them to co-sponsor.
| |
We're Speaking Out for You | |
NCHR comments on the safe at-home disposal of opioids
Flushing medications down the toilet is a bad idea because the drugs get into our water supply. This is especially harmful for opioids. But what are the safer alternatives? In our comments to the FDA, we advocate for safe, tested in-home disposal methods to get rid of these drugs effectively. We also push the FDA to make use of pharmacies and pharmacists to educate patients and consumers about how to properly dispose of medications. Read our comment on our website here.
| |
|
As they implement a new law, FDA’s guidance recommends that companies that make cosmetic products should register with the FDA and make public a list of the ingredients used in their products. Cosmetic products have had a history of containing dangerous chemicals including phthalates, and NCHR says this will help improve consumers’ health. Read our comments on FDA's guidance here.
| |
|
Tattoos are more popular than ever in the United States, and experts estimate that one-third of Americans with tattoos had contaminated ink. These inks have also been found to include dangerous chemicals, heavy metals, and even printer toner. Read our comment on the FDA guidance here.
| |
|
Too many companies have not completed studies that they were required to conduct after their drug or product is allowed to be sold in the U.S. Approximately one-third of the companies have not completed their studies on time, putting patients at risk because it is not certain whether the product is safe and effective. FDA needs to enforce these requirements. Read our comment here.
| |
What can we do to prevent younger children from killing themselves?
A new study found that the number of mental-health related emergency room visits for children ages 5-11 has increased by 24% since the Covid pandemic, or additional 157 cases per 100,000 ER visits. Other research shows that the same statistic has increased by 31% in children aged 12-17 since the pandemic, or an additional 779 cases per 100,000 ER visits. This article discusses strategies that we can reduce these suicide attempts and improve the safety and well-being of children across the country.
| |
|
Check us out!
Did you know that artificial turf and rubber playground surfaces contain chemicals that can cause attention problems, obesity, early puberty, asthma, and cancer? Are your children or grandchildren getting exposed when they play? Follow us @safe.to.play
| |
|
Our new Instagram account and Threads provides free information about new medical research, programs, and policies to help health experts, patients, and the public improve the health of individuals and communities. | |
|
|
National Center for Health Research
Facebook: @nationalresearchcenter
| |
|
|
Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund
Facebook: @CancerPreventionAndTreatmentFund
| |
|
Your Contribution Can Make a Difference | |
We do not accept any funding from drug companies, device companies, chemical companies, or other sources that could influence our work and compromise our integrity. That's why so many people turn to us when they need help. Donations are tax deductible. Please consider giving to the National Center for Health Research online or by mail to the address below. You can also contribute to our Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund online, by mail, or through the Combined Federal Campaign using CFC# 11967.
| |
To sign up for these monthly updates, click here.
| | | | |
