February 2012

Why is sex-based research so important?

Research has shown that sex (male vs female) as a variable contributes to differences in the safety and efficacy of drugs, biologics, and devices.   Biologics include vaccines and plasma.   Devices can range from drug eluting stents and pacemakers to implants and contact lenses.

Original Article

Grapefruit juice and medication

Grapefruit juice and fresh grapefruit can interfere with the action of some prescription drugs, as well as a few non-prescription drugs.   Grapefruit juice can also be part of a healthful diet.   It has vitamin C and potassium—substances your body needs to work properly.   But it isn’t good for you when it affects the way your medicines work.

Original Article

Cost of Contraception

As predicted, the debate about access to contraception in the U.S.  has entered the political process with the counter attack focusing on freedom of religion.  This blog will look at another side of the issue:   cost.   The cost of contraception is estimated to be between $600 and $1000 per year based on the choice of contraceptive method.   According to a report issue by the assistant secretary for planning and evaluation at the US Department of Health and Human Services, “evidence from well-documented prior expansions of contraceptive coverage indicates that the cost to issurers of including coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptive meth

Original Article

Heartburn medications can increase risk for hip fractures in postmenopausal women

Older, postmenopausal women who take popular medications to control indigestion and heartburn called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)  may put themselves at higher risk for hip fractures according to new research by Dr. Hamed Khalili, from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.  Long-term use of these drugs may increase that risk by 35 percent and even higher (to 50 percent) in smokers.    Some examples of these medications are shown here.

Original Article

When body piercings go wrong

Body piercings have become increasingly popular among young people in the United States, especially in recent years. It is important that health professionals understand the problems that piercings can cause, according to a recent Northwestern Medicine paper, published in the February issue of the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.

The paper reviews, in detail, the complications and medical consequences of body piercing, focusing on ear, nose, mouth, nipple, navel and male and female genitalia piercings. The paper also offers suggestions on how to minimize and possibly prevent these complications.

Original Article

Does Online Dating Work?

Whether enlisting the help of a grandmother or a friend or the magic of Cupid, singles long have understood that assistance may be required to meet that special someone.  Today such help is likely to come from online methods of matchmaking. But online dating, according to new Northwestern University research, depends largely on ineffective algorithms and profiles for finding potential love interests.

Original Article

Contraceptive coverage still under attack

Last week, President Obama announced that he would continue to protect women’s access to birth control without co-pays or deductibles regardless of where they work, including at certain religiously-affiliated employers, while accommodating religious institutions’ opposition to contraception.  Under a compromise announced Feb.

Original Article

HPV guidelines for boys and young men

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has strengthened and expanded its recommendation for vaccinating boys and young men with the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, primarily to reduce the risk of anal cancer, penile cancer, and certain types of head and neck cancers caused mainly by HPV 16. The updated recommendations were published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report last October and online January 31 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Original Article

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