Health

Medical Product Problems
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA replaced five forms with one, simplifying reporting about adverse reactions and other problems with products it regulates. Products causing problems will come off the market faster under MedWatch - and that means increased safety for consumers.

Bone Marrow Transplants: The Process, Recovery
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
After the transplant, it takes two to four weeks for engraftment - the process by which the new stem cells find their way to the bone marrow space and begin producing blood cells.

Human Tissue Transplants
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Transplants of human tissues, such as cornea and bone, can be modern miracles. But they can also transmit disease such as HIV and hepatitis. FDA has tightened controls of transplanted human tissue to minimize risks, and is considering additional action.

Plastics and the Microwave
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Stories about the dangers of chemicals leaching from plastic into microwaved food have circulated on the Internet for years. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration continues to receive inquiries from concerned consumers.

Biotech Devices: Replacing Test Animals, Improving Diagnoses
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
This first installment of a two-part series tells how the products of bioengineering classified as medical devices are changing the ways pregnancies are confirmed and diseases are diagnosed and treated.

Human Gene Therapy : Special Concern
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
In addition, FDA launched random inspections of 70 clinical trials in more than two dozen gene therapy programs nationwide and instituted new reporting requirements. 'We see the need to get the concept across that this is for keeps,' says FDA's Noguchi.

A Guide to Understanding Informed Consent
by National Cancer Institute
If you and your physician have found a clinical trial that is of interest to you and for which you are eligible (that is, you meet requirements such as type and stage of cancer, age, treatment history, overall health, and others), you will need

Spotting Health Scams
by National Institute on Aging
Unproven remedies promise false hope. Often they offer cures that are painless or quick. Why do people fall for these sales pitches? After all, at best these treatments are worthless. At worst, they are dangerous.

Avoiding Fleas and Ticks : Tenacious Ticks, Debugging
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
A tick has a one-piece body. The harpoon-like barbs of its mouth attach to a host for feeding. Crablike legs and a sticky secretion help hold the tick to the host. When attempting to remove a tick, to prevent the mouth part from coming off and remaining

Buying Medical Devices over the Internet
by Health Canada
If you plan to buy a medical device over the Internet, there are steps you can take to minimize your risks and protect your health. There are nearly 1,800 generic types of medical devices on the Canadian market.

Medical Devices: Safety
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Perfect performance of the nearly 100,000 different types of medical devices on the market is not possible. And when a medical device fails, the Food and Drug Administration wants to know about it.

Human Tissue Transplants : Cost
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA, Congress and industry agree on one critical aspect about pending legislation: Regulating human tissues requires resources. As Kathryn Zoon, Ph.D., director of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, says

Colorectal Exams
by National Institute of Health
Your blood pressure is normal, your blood cholesterol values are good, and you've even shed a few of those extra pounds. But then your doctor asks if you've ever had a colorectal exam.

Telemedicine
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Putting television and medicine together used to mean nothing more than a weekly dose of Dr. Kildare. But video cameras, cable hookups, and computers can now help patients and doctors get medical advice from specialists all over the country.

From Psyllium Seeds to Stoneware: FDA Insures Quality of Imports
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Across the country, FDA inspectors work to make sure that regulated products entering the United States from abroad meet the same high standards as those made here. Every food, drug, or other FDA-regulated import is screened - one way or another.

Summer Safety : Burns From Fireworks and Grills, Foodborne Illness
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Stick with public firework displays handled by professionals. Children should always be closely supervised when food is being cooked indoors or outdoors. Be aware that gas leaks, blocked tubes, and overfilled propane tanks cause most gas grill fires

Dangers of Lead
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Many battles have been fought to get rid of lead products that can poison people. But the lead war isn't over yet. Lead paint abounds in older housing. The deteriorating paint exposes youngsters indoors to lead-laden dust and paint chips and outdoors

A Major Animal Health Concern : The MUMS Bill
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The shortage of approved drugs to treat some animal species may be eased through research partnerships and proposed legislation.

Bone Marrow Transplants: Sources of Stem Cells
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Researchers realized in the late 1980s that stem cells are not only found in bone marrow, but also in the bloodstream. When stem cells are collected from the bloodstream, they are called peripheral blood stem cells.

In-Home Tests Make Health Care Easier
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Tests that can be done in the home and bought without prescription are helping people stay healthy. Such tests include blood pressure monitors, blood glucose monitors, and devices to detect hidden blood in the stool and blood cholesterol levles.