Is the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine Safe?

The CDC and other public health authorities say the new vaccine is safe, and are encouraging everyone to get it, especially those in high risk groups.

"I bet half the people in the country have concerns," Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of the "Dr. Oz Show" and professor of surgery at Columbia University, told CNN's Anderson Cooper earlier this week.

"Be knowledgeable, though, that the H1N1 swine flu vaccine is built on a chassis of the older original seasonal vaccine. So, it should have similar risks, which have proven to be very low," he said.

Priority groups for the vaccine include pregnant women, caregivers and household contacts of children younger than 6 months, people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years, and anyone ages 25 to 64 with existing health problems, according to the CDC.

Some have voiced concerns about mercury in some of the new vaccine varieties. Thimerosal, a mercury preservative found in the multi-dose vial H1N1 vaccines, has been controversially linked to autism, though no studies have proved that theory. But the CDC says there is no evidence that thimerosal is harmful to pregnant women or fetuses. Vaccine companies are making vaccine types for both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu without this mercury-based preservative.

Abuse of ADHD drugs is on the rise

Abuse of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) treatment drugs has risen dramatically, according to a new study. In the period studied from 1998 to 2005 there was a 76% increase in the number of calls to poison control centers related to ADHD medication abuse.

While abuse increased, the total number of prescriptions for these drugs increased 80%. The drugs most often prescribed are mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), according to the study.

While abuse increased proportionately to the increase in prescriptions, the concern lies in the total availability of drugs for potential abuse. Today prescription drugs are the most common drugs, second only to marijuana, being abused by teenagers.

Some are concerned that teens will feel these prescription drugs are safe because they are legally available by prescription. Others are concerned that the total quantity of drugs available will increase the total number of kids who choose to misuse drugs.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America recommends that parents monitor closely any prescription medications their children use. Additionally parents need to warn children that taking prescription drugs and not meant for them can be equally dangerous to common street drugs.

In one study 50% of kids reported never hearing about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Today's anti-drug messages are primarily targeted toward illicit drugs, which may give children the impression that they are safe. Prescription drugs can be just as dangerous, addictive and potentially deadly as illicit drugs.

Most Kids in Great Britian Play without Sunglasses

Most parents wouldn't think of sending their kids outside without sunblock, yet a study from Great Britain showed that 75% of parents don't provide their children with sunglasses. Additionally, parents who do purchase sunglasses have a tendency to purchase extremely inexpensive sunglasses.

UV rays from sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye.
Exposure can lead to long-term damage and has been linked to cataracts and macular degeneration as people age.

Cheap sunglasses with no UV filters can actually be more dangerous than wearing no sun protection. Sunglasses encourage the pupil to dilate. With no UV filter, the eyes are actually capturing more harmful ultraviolet rays.

Purchase sunglasses with UV protection. If you want guaranteed UV protection, look for the CE Mark for quality. These sunglasses are not necessarily expensive.

Particularly at risk are very young children and children with light colored eyes. Toddlers and younger should not be exposed to bright sunshine, and those with blue eyes should never be without eye protection.

Source: College of Optometrists

Resource: Sun Smart Campaign

Symptoms of Bee Sting Allergy

Typically, when stung by an insect, a person will have no reaction or a mild local reaction, such as redness, swelling or itching at the site of the sting. However, some people experience a more widespread reaction, such as a drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness or hives all over.

In the most serious cases, a person can go into anaphylaxis, a condition in which he or she may have difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include swelling of the mouth or throat, itchy skin, wheezing, cough and localized pain, said Dr. Clifford Bassett, medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York. People who experience a systemic reaction should call 911 and wait for an ambulance, because it will have medicine to treat the reaction immediately. An antihistamine such as Benadryl will be given and, in severe cases, a shot of epinephrine.

Even if the reaction is not severe, Benadryl will help with normal symptoms of insect stings.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the body’s bronchial (airway) tissues. People with asthma experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. These symptoms intensify during an asthma attack, which occurs when exposure to allergens or other stimuli further inflame the airways, leading to an inability to expel trapped air from the lungs.