Bacteria Risks and Pregnancy
By Alan Greene, MD There are certain microscopic bacteria that can pose special health risks to pregnant women and to their babies. Although most people can safely eat food containing a type of bacteria called Listeria, pregnant women are ten times more likely to get sick if they eat those same foods. And if they do get sick, the infection can be devastating for the baby. The tricky thing about Listeria is that, unlike many…
Read More...29th Annual AMA Medical Communications Conference
I hope you’ll join me at the 29th Annual Medical Communications Conference presented by the American Medical Association. The meeting takes place April 1 – 3, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. Conference Overview Whether you are a medical spokesperson, a physician on the front lines delivering health care messages, or a public relations professional pitching stories behind the scenes, the conference will provide a platform…
Read More...Who Are the Uninsured?
Look around. The person sitting next to you on the bus, the person walking down the street, the person pushing a baby stroller, your family member, your friend, your neighbor: Any of them could be the uninsured. They are people in desparate need of health care coverage. According to the American Medical Association, 1 out of 7 Americans–or 45 million people–have no health insurance. But with everyone taking a stand, with everyone speaking up for…
Read More...Infomercial Health Products: Buyer Beware
Turn on the TV and you’ll likely you’ll be bombarded with ads for dietary supplements that promise you more energy and easy weight loss. These ads may capture your attention, but they rarely give you the complete picture. Some of these advertised products may increase your blood pressure or your heart rate, or interact with your current medications. It’s important to note that the FDA does not regulate many of these products, and the ingredients…
Read More...Traumatic Brain Injuries and Sports
Put me in coach I’m ready to play! Playing sports is great exercise and fun, but it could also be dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 135,000 traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are treated in emergency rooms each year in kids ages 5 to 18 years old. TBI’s are caused by a bump or a blow to the head that interfere with the way the brain normally works. Coaches, parents and kids–make…
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