Safety/Injuries Archive

Staying Healthy

Warning: Hidden ingredients in supplements for weight loss and male enhancement

Published March 1, 2022

In December 2021, the FDA warned consumers about an increase in supplements tainted with harmful ingredients, particularly supplements promising male enhancement or weight loss.

Women's Health

FDA wants women to understand the risks and benefits related to breast implants

Published February 1, 2022

The FDA recently moved to help make certain that women considering breast implants have a clear picture of what implants involve before moving ahead with surgery. The agency announced a series of changes in October 2021. These include new labeling requirements for breast implant manufacturers, a requirement that facilities provide patients with a checklist outlining potential risks and benefits related to breast implants, and updated screening recommendations to detect leaks in silicone breast implants.

Mind & Mood

Navigating holiday pressures in the COVID-19 reality

Updated November 9, 2021

The pandemic makes coping with holiday pressures a little tricky. If one is concerned about COVID-19 exposure at a holiday event, it may help to chat with loved ones to get support for a decision about whether to attend. If one must celebrate the holidays alone, it may help to grieve what is lost, savor past holiday gatherings, watch online religious services, and continue to practice special traditions—such as making holiday foods or putting up holiday decorations.

Staying Healthy

Steps to stay safe when you push or pull an object

Published November 1, 2021

Pushing or pulling heavy objects requires strong core and leg muscles as well as the proper stance and technique. Pushing an object is generally safer than pulling an object. To push an object properly, one should stand close to it; keep the knees slightly bent, with one leg slightly behind the other; brace the elbows against one’s sides; tighten the abdominal muscles; and then push the object forward. People who have significant balance issues or use an assistive walking device should not attempt pushing or pulling heavy objects.

Staying Healthy

CDC initiative aims to prevent injuries in older adults

Published August 1, 2021

The CDC’s Still Going Strong initiative aims to raise awareness about accidents that lead to injury in adults over age 65 and strategies to prevent them.

Pain

Are home pain relief gadgets safe for use?

Published July 1, 2021

It’s best to talk to one’s doctor before buying a pain relief gadget. The product may not work, it may cost a lot of money, it might be dangerous, or it might encourage the user to delay medical treatment. Some high-tech pain relief devices may be effective for some people, such as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine. And some low-tech devices may also help relieve pain, such as foam rollers, handheld massagers, and heat or cold packs.

Staying Healthy

Do-it-yourself assisted living

Updated June 1, 2021

It may be possible to set up a version of assisted living in one’s current home by hiring various services and adapting the environment to health needs. Services that might be needed include help with basic care (eating, bathing, brushing teeth, and using the bathroom), meals, medication management, housekeeping, transportation, and yard maintenance. To create a safer environment, it’s best to have a single-floor living space with a sleeping area, bathroom, and kitchen or kitchenette; well-lighted rooms and hallways; smooth, even floors; grab bars and a shower bench or chair in the bathroom; and railings anywhere support is needed while walking.

Heart Health

Have a safe trip!

Updated June 1, 2021

People with heart-related conditions or risks should take simple precautions when travelling by airplane. These include taking steps to ease stress, such as listening to music or reading a good book; bringing medications in their original containers in carry-on luggage; and not worrying too much about blood clots, which are uncommon during air travel even in people with a history of clots.

Robert H. Shmerling, MD

Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication?

Updated October 27, 2020

Staying Healthy

Cough and cold season is arriving: Choose medicines safely

Updated September 22, 2020

Millions of Americans get coughs and colds during the winter, and many head to the drugstore to pick up one of the hundreds of common medicines available without a prescription. But those products often contain multiple active ingredients that are potentially unsafe if combined. Here's how to safely choose the right over-the-counter medication for your symptoms.

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