Do You Trust the FDA and CDC?
Wednesday January 7, 2009
In the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are two very important government agencies responsible for different aspects of public health. They regulate vaccines, food, medications and a host of other things that impact the health of the American people.
However, there are a lot of people that feel these agencies are not necessarily operating in the best interest of all Americans. And trust in them seems to be waning. From concern about vaccine safety to the host of food and medication recalls we have seen in recent years, many people are left wondering if the FDA and CDC are really doing what they were created to do.
How do you feel? Do you trust the FDA and CDC? Or are you questioning their motives and efficacy? Sound off in this poll and share your thoughts on the Cold and Flu Forum.
Make Your New Year's Resolution Stick This Year
Tuesday December 30, 2008
It's that time of year again. Time to set some goals and resolve to do better this year. But most of us forget about those resolutions at some point during the year.
What if you made a new type of resolution this year? Instead of setting a resolution for the entire year, which is nearly impossible to keep, set a goal for the week. And then resolve to set a new one every week throughout the year.
If you plan to live a healthier life in 2009, the Healthy Monday campaign could help you stick to your goals this year. Bringing you tips for improving your healthy every Monday, this campaign changes your way of thinking about health goals. You get a fresh start every week!
Newsletters to help you in the new year:
Tamiflu May Not Protect Against the Flu This Year
Monday December 22, 2008
The CDC is reporting that at least one strain of flu that is circulating this year is resistant to the antiviral drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Of the 50 samples tested, 49 were resistant to the drug.
All of the samples that were tested came from either Texas or Hawaii and all were one particular strain of the flu virus, known as H1N1. It is difficult to determine at this point whether this will be the predominant strain of flu that will cause illness this year because so far the flu is not widespread.
There is some good news though. The H1N1 virus is well matched with the flu vaccine, so if you have had yours, you should be well protected against this strain of the virus. Also, the virus does appear to be susceptible to another antiviral drug, Relenza (zanamavir), but this medication is not approved for children under the age of 7.
Related Articles:
Sunday December 21, 2008
We are told all the time about how eating right and staying active will keep us healthy. 
But how does this really work? And does it just mean a smaller waistline or a healthier immune system? The answer could possibly be both.
Although there are conflicting opinions, it is possible that certain foods containing antioxidants may help protect and strengthen your immune system. Which would mean that your body is better able to fight off infections, such as the common cold. These results have not been seen with supplements though, so you have to make sure you eat a balanced diet that includes a lot of these foods.
