Despite more resources in large cities, patients were more often diagnosed with cancer at a late stage in cities in Illinois compared to rural areas. Phone calls and personalized diet and exercise plans helped long-term cancer survivors lose weight and gain strength, and scientists have found changes in the blood of family caregivers that promote inflammation and may lead to illness.

In other headlines, both patients and doctors liked virtual, computer videoconferencing visits, and the FDA reports that shortages of fentanyl patches have been resolved. Read the rest of this entry »

The Food and Drug Administration recommends that consumers not eat raw alfalfa sprouts or combinations of sprouts that include alfalfa due to potential contamination with Salmonella Saintpaul.

The Centers for Disease Control, working with the FDA and state health departments, have identified 31 cases of illness traced to alfalfa sprouts in six different states since mid-March.  All either ate sprouts in a restaurant or bought them in retail stores.

Because the outbreak is widespread, the FDA suspects the problem may be in the seeds used for sprouting and how they are handled. Read the rest of this entry »

This week we have research reports about risk of complications after hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomies, the benefit of music therapy during hospice treatment, and a gene that predicts better response to cetuximab.

In other headlines, we found an excellent overview of the progress made in colorectal cancer treatment with data and references.  In addition, there is information about management of colonoscopy sedation in HIV patients receiving antiretroviral medicines and a lifting of the FDA ban on concentrated liquid morphine for terminally ill patients until an acceptable substitute can be found. Read the rest of this entry »

Ion Labs, Inc. of Clearwater Florida is voluntarily recalling all Influend cough and cold products, both tablets and liquids, sold on or after May 30, 2008.  Because of testing issues, the products may contain more active ingredients and have the potential to be extra potent.

While the lots in question were sold in Huntsville, Alabama, Ion is recalling all Influend products to be safe. Read the rest of this entry »

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella in California has recalled over a million pounds of pistachios after Salmonella was found in Back To Nature Trail Mix by Kraft Foods.  Kraft traced the contamination back to Setton.

Setton is recalling both its large bulk shipments of pistachios to other manufacturers and Setton Farms brand roasted salted shelled pistachios in 9 oz. film bags.  The Setton Farm bags of pistachios were distributed in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky and have UPC Code: 034325020252 with a “Best Before” date between 01/06/10 and 01/19/10. Read the rest of this entry »