Health Politics. Politics affects health, hospital management, physicians and patients in a big way. Dr. David Samadi will explore major national and global health political issues and debates affecting the patient outcome. Learn what you need to know and get Dr. Samadi's take.
Every year, thousands of people end up in the emergency room as a result of using supplements for various purposes such as for an energy boost, to lose weight or build muscle mass.
Read MoreU.S. tobacco companies on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hoping to stop the agency from enforcing a directive on changes to a tobacco product’s labeling or quantity
Read MoreAn alarming new study released in England showed that an early cancer diagnosis depends on where you live, meaning the level of care you have direct access too. Some patients across the country were even shown to have an early diagnosis of the disease more than 4 times other patients. It also showed that insurance companies specifically have carried 25 times more scans for tumor detection. Why is this an issue? Let's explore.
Read MoreAs a result to New York City's board of health, fast food chains and popular chain restaurants will not be required to have warning labels on restaurant foods that contain more than a day's worth of sodium which is currently at 2,300 mg. The American Heart Association is in full support for the new initiative because sodium is highly linked to high blood pressure and heart disease risk. It also causes bloating which means cutting down on sodium is one of the fastest ways to flatten the belly. 2300 mg might sound like a lot until you find out that one of those mini salt packages add up to a total of 189 mg of sodium.
Read MoreThe FDA is now taking action by issuing warnings to 5 distributors of pure powdered caffeine which is a potentially dangerous product, that's been tied to the deaths of two men. This action was followed up by an FDA alert in 2014 as a warning to all consumers regarding these products. It is nearly impossible to accurately measure pure powdered caffeine, according to the FDA. Consumers can mistakenly and easily consume a lethal amount of the powder. The amount is so small but even common kitchen serving utensils aren't accurate enough to measure the amount that should be in a single serving size.
Read MorePuerto Rico is beginning to face another budget cut to a highly-used Medicare program as well as an alarming shortage of Medicaid funds. The health care system is moving towards a crisis which could further undermine the island's gutted economy. The first sign of this crisis regarding the health care system was seriously in trouble when a large amount of doctors, a total of 3,000 in 5 years, began to leave the island for better positions, more money and less stress in the United States.
Read MoreLegionnaires’ disease has killed a total of 12 people in the South Bronx of New York ever since the outbreak began on July 10th. However, according to the New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, the outbreak is on the decline. He said there have been no new reported cases in a week. The most recent case of the illness was reported over a week ago. So far in New York, there have been a total of 113 cases of Legionnaires’ disease since July. And among those people who have been hospitalized, 76 had been released from the hospital since the beginning of this week.
Read MoreIt seems New Yorkers are beginning to worry in response to the seven people who have died from the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak this week in the Bronx. Even though all of the victims were older adults with other underlying medical conditions, young people can become infected as well if the disease lives in a concentrated area, usually a building. A total of 81 cases were reported and 64 of those infected have been hospitalized.
Read MoreA new cholesterol lowering drug called Praluent was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and introduced to the market. Praluent is said to be a better alternative to statins. There are millions of people in the United States that currently take statins. Statins are a medication that people take to lower cholesterol in order to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Examples of statins include Lipitor, Lescol, Altoprev, Livalo, Pravachol, Crestor and Zocor.
Read MoreA group of 118 leading cancer experts have developed a list of proposals designed to reduce the cost of cancer drugs. Also in support of a grassroots patient protest movement to pressure drug companies to charge what they deem a fair value for treatments. Experts include former presidents of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. An insured cancer patient who needs a drug that costs $120,000 a year would pay as much as $30,000 in out-of-pocket costs, which is more than half of the average U.S. household income of $52,000.
Read MoreThe Food and Drug Administration is strengthening warnings on some common painkillers saying they cause increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The FDA conducted a review on new safety information and now want the drug makers to change the warning labels on certain NSAIDs. NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are over-the-counter or prescription medications such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosyn, or Celebrex.
Read MoreHeroin use has been increasing at an alarming rate. The number of people who have died as a result of heroin use has nearly quadrupled in the last decade. What is the reason for the significant increase in heroin deaths? Firstly, the drug is getting cheaper. Secondly, more and more people are becoming addicted to prescription painkillers after having surgery or simply taking them for recreational use. Many people often end up using heroin once their doctor will no longer provide them with a prescription.
Read MoreLawmakers have taken first step in limiting vaccination exemptions for schoolchildren. Bill approved late June. Prohibits parents from stopping their children from being vaccinated for personal or religious reasons.
Read MoreFDA is strengthening warnings on NSAIDS – say they cause increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Over-the-counter NSAIDS include Advil, Motrin IB, Ibuprofen, and Aleve. Labels already say such drugs “may cause” increased risk of heart attack and stroke. FDA said new data from recent analysis provided stronger evidence of increased risk of heart failure from NSAIDS.
Read MoreThis morning, the Supreme Court ruled in favor, with a 6-3 decision, to uphold the Obamacare authorization of federal tax credits for eligible Americans living not only in states with their own exchanges but also in the 34 states with federal exchanges.
Read MoreA debate has sparked in light of rumors that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had quite the pre-pregnancy (pre-in vitro fertilization) plan to ensure they would have a baby boy. It's brought on a lot of questions about whether or not an individual should have the right to choose or in this case "plan" the exact gender destiny of their child-to-be. The couple is denying the claims but let's explore this topic.
Read MoreResearch from Duke University shows that conservation policies aimed at improving the environment can also improve human health. Researchers estimate 24% of the global burden of disease is due to poor environmental quality.
Read MoreFederal officials have charges over 200 individuals, including health care professionals, with Medicare fraud. What does this mean? We explore.
Read MoreFDA warned drugmaker about dangers of pain pill injection —a newer version of painkiller Opana. This new form of a pain killer could be driving addicts to inject the drug leading to the spread of HIV.
Read MoreHigh cholesterol is a proponent of heart disease and stroke. We know lowering LDL levels is essential. The FDA has approved a new cholesterol lowering drug. Will it work? Here's what you need to know.
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