Health Newstrack

Smart healthy snacks in US schools

USDA Proposes Standards to Provide Healthy Food Options in Schools — New “Smart Snacks in School” proposal to ensure vending machines, snack bars include healthy choices – Good nutrition lays the groundwork for good health and academic success. Providing healthy options throughout school cafeterias, vending machines, and snack bars will complement the gains made with the new, healthy standards for school breakfast and lunch so the healthy choice is the easy choice for our kids.

Kynamro approved to treat inherited cholesterol disorder

US FDA approves new orphan drug Kynamro to treat inherited cholesterol disorder – Kynamro – mipomersen sodium – injection approved as an addition to lipid-lowering medications and diet to treat patients with a rare type of high cholesterol called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Kynamro is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

3 new drugs approved for type 2 diabetes in US

US FDA approves three new drug treatments for type 2 diabetes – Nesina, Kazano, and Oseni – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved three new related products for use with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes: Nesina (alogliptin) tablets, Kazano (alogliptin and metformin hydrochloride) tablets, and Oseni (alogliptin and pioglitazone) tablets.

Brain activity detected in MRI of Ariel Sharon ex Israeli PM

Ex-Israeli PM Ariel Sharon shows ‘significant brain activity’ — Israeli hospital officials say a comatose former prime minister has undergone a special brain imaging scan – After remaining in a vegetative state for seven years following a devastating stroke, former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon has shown “significant signs” of brain activity, doctors have said.

Preventing kidney disease in diabetes may prolong life

Kidney disease accounts for most of the increased risk of dying early among diabetics — Preventing and treating kidney disease in those with diabetes could save lives – One in every 10 Americans has diabetes, and a third or more of those with the condition will develop kidney disease. That means almost 3 percent of Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease.

Flu season tough for older people this year in US

Flu Season ‘Bad One for the Elderly,’ CDC Says — US flu epidemic – 29 children dead – An unusually severe flu season is exacting a heavy toll on older people in New York and across USA. This year’s edition of influenza is hitting the elderly hard, putting many in hospitals, even as overall flu activity is showing signs of slowing down.

Flublok seasonal influenza vaccine approved in US

US FDA approves new seasonal influenza vaccine made using novel technology – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it has approved Flublok, the first trivalent influenza vaccine made using an insect virus (baculovirus) expression system and recombinant DNA technology. Flublok is approved for the prevention of seasonal influenza in people 18 through 49 years of age.

Strawberries and blueberries lower heart attack risk in women

Strawberries, blueberries may cut heart attack risk in women — American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report – Eating three or more servings of blueberries and strawberries per week may help women reduce their risk of a heart attack by as much as one-third. Blueberries and strawberries contain high levels of naturally occurring compounds called dietary flavonoids, also found in grapes and wine, blackberries, eggplant, and other fruits and vegetables.

Intermittent dosing with vemurafenib may prolong lives of melanoma patients

Drug-Resistant Melanoma Tumors Shrink When Therapy Is Interrupted — ?Intermittent Dosing? Strategy in Lab Mice Suggests Simple Way to Help People with Late-Stage Melanoma – Researchers in California and Switzerland have discovered that melanomas that develop resistance to the anti-cancer drug vemurafenib (marketed as Zelboraf), also develop addiction to the drug, an observation that may have important implications for the lives of patients with late-stage disease.

US to implement health care law and build health insurance marketplaces

US’ States move forward to implement health care law, build health insurance marketplaces – Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that more states are on track to implement the health care law and establish health insurance marketplaces, or Exchanges, in their states.

New US food safety standards for foodborne illness prevention and produce safety

FDA proposes new food safety standards for foodborne illness prevention and produce safety — The FDA encourages Americans to review and comment on these important proposed rules – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed two new food safety rules that will help prevent foodborne illness. The proposed rules implement the landmark, bipartisan FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and are available for public comment for the next 120 days.

Sirturo – first drug to treat multi drug resistant tuberculosis

FDA approves first drug to treat multi-drug resistant tuberculosis – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Sirturo (bedaquiline) as part of combination therapy to treat adults with multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) when other alternatives are not available.