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 Consumer
Page Explains Wearable Defibrillator
FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health has created a page with
background on the newly approved Lifecor defibrillator, which is worn like a
vest and doesn't require surgery. The product monitors and treats
dangerous, abnormally fast heart rhythms.
NCI
Launches One-Stop Cancer Resource Web Site
On January 22, 2002, The National Cancer Institute (NCI) announced its
dramatically improved, easy-to-navigate Web site, Cancer.gov, a one-stop
resource for cancer information.
Prescription
Drug Patient Assistance Programs
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has
created a directory of pharmaceutical company programs that provide drugs
to physicians whose patients could not otherwise afford them.
Under each entry in the directory is information about how to make
a request for assistance, what prescription medicines are covered, and
basic eligibility criteria.
Medicare
Now Covers Glaucoma Detection Eye Exam
Medicare now covers an annual dilated eye
examination for all people at high risk for glaucoma.
This important new preventive benefit will safeguard the vision of
millions of Americans enrolled in the Medicare program.
New
Guide Gives Tips On Using Dietary Supplements
FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
has posted "Tips for the Savvy Supplement User," a guide to making
informed decisions about the use of dietary supplements.
Hypothermia
and the Elderly
Hypothermia can be a special problem for older people, who
often have other illnesses or take medications that can interfere with the
body’s ability to regulate its temperature. This pamphlet from the
National Institute on Aging has good advice for prevention.
Fighting
the Flu
If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, go get it. January is not too
late to get a flu shot. Those getting vaccinated at any time will be
better protected against the influenza (flu) virus
Experience
Works
This is a national, nonprofit
organization that offers training, employment, and community service
opportunities for mature workers. This includes a variety of programs
designed to help mature individuals enter the workforce, secure more
challenging positions, move into new career areas, or supplement their
incomes.
HUD Web
Site For Senior Citizens
Looking for housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative, or
friend? Do some research first on the Housing and Urban Development web
site to determine what kind of assistance or living arrangement you need;
what your health insurance might cover; and what you can afford.
National
Health Care Expenditures - 2000
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) measured spending for
health care in the U.S. in 2000. See where the money for health care
came from, and where it went. Note: these are .pdf files that require the
Acrobat Reader.
Press Release from CMS
The
DASH Diet
We received dozens of requests for a link to the DASH diet which, in
combination with lower sodium intake, has proven effective in lowering
blood pressure.
Commission
on Affordable Housing and Health Care Facility Needs in the 21st Century
To Hold Meeting In Miami January 14.
The Seniors Commission was created by an act of Congress to study and
report back to the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on
the housing and health needs for the next generation of older Americans.
Health
Insurance for Grandchildren
Recent figures from the Bureau of
the Census indicate that 8.5 million children in the United States are not
covered by health insurance. Every state has a program to provide free or
low-cost health insurance for uninsured children. The following two sites
can help parents, grandparents, and others find information on these
programs.
Nursing
Homes
There are approximately 17,000 nursing homes in the United States caring
for over 1.5 million older adults. This well-researched Administration on
Aging web page provides information for the consumer including facility
directories, statistics and research articles that are accessible on-line.
Delivering
on the Promise
This is a preliminary report on federal agencies' actions to eliminate
barriers and promote community integration for individuals with
disabilities. This Presidential initiative has momentum and the report is
well worth reading.
Persian
Gulf War Veterans and Lou Gehrig's Disease
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2001 – A large epidemiological study conducted by the
departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs found preliminary evidence that
Persian Gulf War veterans are nearly twice as likely as their non-deployed
counterparts to develop Lou Gehrig's disease.
New
Defibrillator Worn Outside The Body, Not Implanted
FDA has approved a vest-like medical device that
is worn under clothing to monitor and treat abnormal heart rhythms in people
at risk of dying of sudden cardiac arrest.
Miracle
Health Claims: Add a Dose of Skepticism
A new brochure from the Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the
Food and Drug Administration, to help consumers understand the
consequences of health fraud and learn how to identify it.
Study
Finds DASH Diet And Reduced Sodium Lowers Blood Pressure
The DASH diet plus
reduced dietary sodium lowers blood pressure for all persons, according to
the first detailed subgroup analysis of the DASH study results. The Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension study was supported by the National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
Overweight
And Obesity Threaten U.S. Health Gains
12/13/01 - According to the Surgeon General's "call to
action" issued today, health problems resulting from overweight
and obesity could reverse many of the health gains achieved in the
U.S. in recent decades, .
Nursing
Homes
There are approximately 17,000 nursing homes in the United States caring
for over 1.5 million older adults. This well-researched Administration on
Aging web page provides information for the consumer including facility
directories, statistics and research articles that are accessible on-line.
Delivering
on the Promise
This is a preliminary report on federal agencies' actions to eliminate
barriers and promote community integration for individuals with
disabilities. This Presidential initiative has momentum and the report is
well worth reading.
Persian
Gulf War Veterans and Lou Gehrig's Disease
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2001 – A large epidemiological study conducted by
the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs found preliminary evidence
that Persian Gulf War veterans are nearly twice as likely as their
non-deployed counterparts to develop Lou Gehrig's disease.
New
Defibrillator Worn Outside The Body, Not Implanted
FDA has approved a vest-like medical device that
is worn under clothing to monitor and treat abnormal heart rhythms in people
at risk of dying of sudden cardiac arrest.
Miracle
Health Claims: Add a Dose of Skepticism
A new brochure from the Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the
Food and Drug Administration, to help consumers understand the
consequences of health fraud and learn how to identify it.
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