Feed Editor 1 Mar 2006 15:00:00 GMT Stay on top of important health news with our Health News feed. http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rss/health.xml en-us rebecca.fulcher@gsa.gov http://statse.webtrendslive.com/dcs8ns95v100000s1gf184kpd_8g5s/njs.gif?dcssip=pueblo.gsa.gov&dcsuri=/rss&WT.rss_ev=f&WT.rss_f=Health+News+From+Pueblo&WT.ti=Health+News+From+Pueblo http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rss/health.xml Stay on top of important health news with our Health News feed. The Procter & Gamble Company announced it is voluntarily recalling three lots of its Vicks Sinex nasal spray in three countries: the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom. The company said it is taking this precautionary step after finding the bacteria B. cepacia in a small amount of product made at its plant in Gross Gerau, Germany. There have been no reports of illness. However, the bacteria could cause serious infections for individuals with a compromised immune system, or those with chronic lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy individuals. Read more... 20 Nov 2009 19:31:39 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall18225.htm 337F0587-CEF7-4E3C-A7F3-BB09F0EEEF21 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that Stiff Nights, a product marketed as a dietary supplement for sexual enhancement, contains an ingredient that can dangerously lower blood pressure and is illegal. Read more... 17 Nov 2009 18:29:52 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn18131.htm 5A059BF9-0A29-4529-96D1-42A514573615 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is issuing this health alert to warn consumers not to use Pig Ears and Beef Hooves pet treats manufactured by Pet Carousel because the products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide in both bulk and retail packaging for sale in pet food and retail chain stores. Pet Carousel is based in Sanger, California. The affected pig ear products were packaged under the brand names Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel. The affected beef hooves were packaged under the brand names Choo Hooves, Dentley’s, Doggie Delight, and Pet Carousel. All sizes and all lots of these products made by Pet Carousel are included in this alert. 13 Nov 2009 18:58:32 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn18143.htm 93BEFA34-8F36-4500-9368-BC9C363BA487 As part of its ongoing cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), Bodybuilding.com, LLC (the "Company") announced that it is conducting a voluntary nationwide and international recall of all lots and expiration dates of 65 dietary supplement products (the "Recalled Products") that were sold through the Company's website, www.bodybuilding.com. 9 Nov 2009 17:17:27 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall18121.htm 276FED77-23F2-4604-B6C5-2026866766F1 Huntsville AL-Qualitest Pharmaceuticals issued a voluntary nationwide recall of all Accusure® Insulin Syringes. All Accusure® Insulin Syringes regardless of lot number are subject to this recall. These syringes were distributed between January 2002 and October 2009 to wholesale and retail pharmacies nationwide (including Puerto Rico). 6 Nov 2009 14:21:22 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall18031.htm 614BCB47-6BC3-4671-B8B8-0E25A9A88256 Fairbank Farms, an Ashville, NY, establishment, is recalling approximately 545,699 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The products were distributed by multiple retailers. Each package bears the establishment number 'EST. 492' inside the USDA mark of inspection or on the nutrition label. These products were packaged on September 15 and 16, 2009, and may have been labeled at the retail stores with a sell-by date from September 19 through 28, 2009. 3 Nov 2009 12:46:42 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall18099.htm 2AF127FA-0E55-4E0A-B4E8-48C6E7E4C13F The end of outdoor swimming and pool season doesn’t mean the end of drowning dangers for young children. After pools, more children drown in bathtubs than in any other product in and around the home. For 2003-2005, CPSC staff received reports of an average of 90 children younger than 5 years of age who drowned in bathtubs (62%), baby seats or bathinettes (15%), buckets and pails (11%), landscaping or yard products (6%), and other products (4%). There was an annual average of an additional 39 reports of non-fatal submersion incidents for 2005-2007 that were reported for the same products. The majority of drownings and non-fatal submersion incidents involved children younger than 2 years old. 29 Oct 2009 15:40:51 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17996.htm FA06692D-F7EA-4A9C-8895-9FB0DC787A99 Due to the circulation of 2009 H1N1 influenza in the United States and many other countries, airport staff in some foreign countries may check the health of arriving passengers. Many other countries, including Japan and China, are screening arriving passengers for symptoms of the flu. If you are sick with symptoms of flu-like illness, you should not travel. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. The United States is not screening travelers who arrive from other countries or depart for other countries. In other countries that are conducting entry screening for 2009 H1N1 flu, travelers may be checked for fever and other symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu, and their travel may be delayed. 28 Oct 2009 13:08:31 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17980.htm F6A304FC-6E96-4851-859D-2003E49E6CCC By law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is required to announce the Part A deductibles and Part B premium amounts, a notice that is published annually in the Federal Register. Most Medicare beneficiaries will not see a Part B monthly premium increase as a result of a "hold harmless" provision in the current law. This allows for 73 percent of beneficiaries to be protected from an increase raising the 2010 Part B monthly premiums from $96.40 to $110.50. The Administration continues to urge Congressional action that would protect all beneficiaries from higher Part B premiums and eliminate the inequity of a high premium for the remaining 27 percent of beneficiaries. 27 Oct 2009 18:33:11 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17979.htm 04495ADD-7B96-4889-A00D-33517A86A6C1 Researchers at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) announced their own grocery list of the 10 riskiest foods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The most hazardous, in order: leafy greens, eggs, tuna, oysters, potatoes, cheese, ice cream, tomatoes, sprouts and berries. Read more... 26 Oct 2009 18:37:58 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17975.htm DAA01D14-3C8C-4AA7-9FCB-0A9305A5343A Vatran's Fine Foods, Inc. of Tracy, Calif. is recalling approximately 11,500 pounds of assorted meat and poultry products because they were produced without the benefit of federal inspection. Affected brands subject to recall include the Montibella Sausage Company and Vatran's brands and include multiple products. The products will bear one of the following establishment numbers: 'EST. 34334,' 'P-34334,' or 'EST. 34334-M.' 23 Oct 2009 14:42:20 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall17955.htm C672B280-663C-4707-844D-04A58241F49D J.F. O'Neill Packing Company, an Omaha, Neb., establishment is recalling approximately 33,000 pounds of beef tongues that may not be compliant with regulations. Subject to recall are various weight cases of 'BEEF TONGUES.' Each case bears the establishment number 'EST. 889A' inside the USDA mark of inspection and were sold under the following brand names: 'J.F. O'NEILL PACKING CO.,' 'WHOLE FOODS NATURAL,'WHOLE FOODS ORGANIC,' 'PREMIER PROTEIN PARTNERS,' 'MONTANA RANCH BRAND,' 'GRASSLAND BEEF,' 'AUSTIN MEATS,' 'MORGAN RANCH,' 'KOBE BEEF AMERICA,' 'IMPERIAL WAGYU BEEF,' 'BRAND ADVANTAGE WAGYU,' 'BRAND ADVANTAGE PARTNERS,' 'YAMAYA U.S.A.,' and 'A.D. ROSENBLATT.' 21 Oct 2009 17:34:06 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall17954.htm 29AD0DA1-B6B5-4A60-BDC1-828E53C944CE The Web site now features a new H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation guide for adults 18 and older along with a new Flu Myths and Facts section, which provides the public with the latest and most accurate information about the flu. 9 Oct 2009 18:12:36 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17937.htm A8150AE3-94FE-409D-A614-4C191EE13069 Officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the White House Office for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships began distributing a new flu- response guide for community and faith-based organizations in an effort to reach out and educate Americans about the dangers of the new H1N1 and seasonal flu, and to reach populations who may not have access to this public health information in other ways. 7 Oct 2009 19:42:14 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17920.htm 496D9B13-F753-4D78-9401-B85E2E9E710D Keeping hands clean is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness. Clean hands prevent infections. Keeping hands clean prevents illness at home, at school, and at work. Hand hygiene practices are key prevention tools in healthcare settings, in daycare facilities, in schools and public institutions, and for the safety of our food. 1 Oct 2009 18:00:42 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17908.htm A63E2C42-10D6-4652-A144-3B157ECFD6BE The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cautioned users of personal emergency response buttons worn around the neck of a potential choking hazard associated with this product. There are more than 750,000 users of these devices in the United States and Canada. By pushing the "help" button on the device when in distress, users can call for emergency assistance to their home. According to Philips Lifeline, the device is used primarily by seniors living independently, who feel they are at risk for falls or other medical emergencies. The Lifeline pendant button is intentionally designed to not break away when tugged, which prevents the button from accidentally falling off. However, because it does not break away, there is a risk of choking, including the possibility of serious injury or death. Risks are greater for those with mobility limitations or for those who use wheelchairs, walkers, beds with guard rails, or other objects that could entangle with a neck cord. 29 Sep 2009 20:48:34 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17844.htm E0CD01C4-9C26-43FA-A0DF-66CBBFEFD673 Windsor Foods, a Riverside, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,268 pounds of beef and bean burrito products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The following products are subject to recall: 18-pound bulk cases containing individually wrapped "BUTCHER BOY RED CHILE BEEF & BEAN BURRITOS." Each case of Butcher Boy brand burritos, subject to recall, contains a total of 72 burritos and bears the establishment number "EST. 1905" within the USDA mark of inspection; the package code "1219215;" the case code "2080001;" and advises "KEEP FROZEN." The products were produced on August 3, 2009 and distributed to a storage center in Minnesota for further retail sales. The products available for direct consumer purchase will not bear the establishment number and package code. Customers with concerns should contact their point of purchase. 24 Sep 2009 17:11:03 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall17817.htm 25CCE06F-D2DB-4829-AE8D-85F856167865 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it has approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The vaccines will be distributed nationally after the initial lots become available, which is expected within the next four weeks. People with severe or life-threatening allergies to chicken eggs, or to any other substance in the vaccine, should not be vaccinated. 18 Sep 2009 16:30:09 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17816.htm 91991428-A3B7-4C9B-9D03-C981587CB15E The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new guidance that recommends actions that non-healthcare employers should take now to decrease the spread of seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu in the workplace and to help maintain business continuity during the 2009-2010 flu season. The guidance includes additional strategies to use if flu conditions become more severe and some new recommendations regarding when a worker who is ill with influenza may return to work. 16 Sep 2009 19:22:12 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17744.htm 6EA2737B-BCA7-4E72-BE39-9A51B42BB39F The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reminding the public that stolen vials of the long-acting insulin Levemir made by Novo Nordisk Inc. still may be on the market. Evidence gathered to date suggests that the stolen insulin was not stored and handled properly and may be dangerous for people to use. The FDA has received multiple reports of patients who suffered an adverse event due to poor control of glucose levels after using a vial from one of the stolen lots. When the FDA first alerted the public to the theft in June, it reported that three lots of Levemir totaling 129,000 vials had been stolen in North Carolina. So far only about 2 percent of the total amount stolen has been recovered. 15 Sep 2009 17:31:53 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17747.htm 28D58447-B648-43A8-9319-0023AFDB6882 Sewing needles have been found in the stuffing of the Hungry Figures, posing a puncture hazard to consumers. The Hungry Figures and Hungry Magnets have orange plush exteriors. The Hungry Figure is about 6 inches long and the Hungry Magnet is about 4 inches long 1 Sep 2009 18:04:40 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall17718.htm F0218A88-4004-4C36-8B08-D1F2FE815D11 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is once again urging all parents and caregivers to immediately stop using convertible "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa. CPSC has learned of two additional infant deaths since the August 2008 safety alert and recall announcements that notified consumers of two infants who had strangled in their Simplicity bassinets. To date, CPSC is aware of four infants who have died in the close-sleeper bassinets. 27 Aug 2009 18:39:47 GMT http://bit.ly/4ltJt7 CC87DC67-60AB-4984-BA43-70D321E63898 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration launched its new Center for Tobacco Products in an historic effort to curb the hundreds of thousands of deaths caused by those products each year. The Center will oversee the implementation of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act signed by President Obama in June 2009. 26 Aug 2009 18:34:43 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17701.htm 3BB6277B-D47F-469D-BC36-F2FB215A1110 The majority of Medicare beneficiaries currently enrolled in Medicare drug plans will not see significant changes in their premiums in 2010, but some may need to take steps to ensure they have the coverage they need when open enrollment begins later this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced. 20 Aug 2009 21:24:11 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17685.htm 7E8CB676-B71B-4DF8-8EB2-AC75D1BCBF75 Liberté Brand Products, St Hubert, Quebec, Canada announced that it is recalling all Liberté Méditerranée Wild Blackberry Yogourt 6 oz code dated Sept 02 distributed in the USA because it may contain undeclared walnuts and plums. Liberté Méditerranée Wild Blackberry yogourt was distributed nationwide. The product is packaged in a 6oz retail plastic container with the expiry code date of September 02 printed on the foil lid. 14 Aug 2009 18:23:26 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall17674.htm FA148F45-50CD-4816-A9F9-73BE20882757 Updated federal guidelines offer state and local public health and school officials a range of options for responding to 2009 H1N1 influenza in schools, depending on how severe the flu may be in their communities. 13 Aug 2009 17:13:52 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17652.htm 636CF7D5-91D3-4F21-8F81-5E775FCEFFFA Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can't compensate for it and properly cool you off. Learn more about heat-related illness and how to stay cool and well in hot weather. 24 Jul 2009 17:08:48 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17492.htm 869C9CE4-23AE-4170-8761-409366265846 Information for parents about infant feeding and novel H1N1 flu (swine flu). It also addresses parents who are formula feeding as well as breastfeeding, suggests that parents sick with novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) find someone who is not sick to feed the baby, and provides more detailed strategies for breastfeeding mothers to maintain breastfeeding throughout the course of infection. 22 Jul 2009 20:19:38 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17486.htm E9C7BD27-130A-43D6-AB1F-AC0D9BB4ABE2 Chang Farm, River Road, Whatley, MA is issuing a voluntary recall of Soy Bean Sprouts produced by Chang Farms, with the specific sell-by date of July 17, 2009 because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. Monocytogenes) contamination. The affected product is packaged in 10 lb bags (bulk) and 12 oz plastic bags (retail), labeled under the Chang Farm Brand as Soy Sprouts and have a "Sell By" date of July 17, 2009. 20 Jul 2009 19:26:02 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall17496.htm 90A5696A-769B-4D18-A954-B72A7E9D0C0D Important new information was added to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Hospital Compare Web site that reports how frequently patients return to a hospital after being discharged, a possible indicator of how well the facility did the first time around. The site is www.hospi talcompare.hhs.gov. Hospital Compare will provide better data on the previously posted mortality rates for individual hospitals, as well as the new data on 30-day readmissions for heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia. 17 Jul 2009 17:40:14 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17451.htm 55F0AADD-4BC9-4405-9D74-491EA64B7664 The crib’s plastic hardware can break or deform, causing the drop side to detach. When the drop side detaches, it creates space between the drop side and the crib mattress. Infants and toddlers can roll into this space and become entrapped which can lead to suffocation. 8 Jul 2009 16:39:55 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall17400.htm 5B89C0FF-6B4F-452D-AC17-36CFA2AB6C77 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is enforcing the laws that protect consumers from illegal products marketed through the Internet that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. 29 Jun 2009 17:55:14 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17291.htm 7E999E6E-3E99-4A42-A576-E7C71927044F Fireworks are often a part of special times like the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve. But fireworks can be dangerous, and injuries from fireworks can prevent people from reaching their full potential. 2 Jul 2009 18:31:48 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17375.htm 478B9414-57F9-4E27-84C0-BB0C2425461E The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory Inc. of Roy, Utah, is voluntarily recalling some skin sanitizers and skin protectants marketed under several different brand names because of high levels of disease-causing bacteria found in the product during a recent inspection. 24 Jun 2009 19:55:01 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17249.htm 45AD1A55-F96A-4216-9604-781A38280313 World War I claimed an estimated 16 million lives. The influenza epidemic that swept the world in 1918 killed an estimated 50 million people. One fifth of the world's population was attacked by this deadly virus. 11 Jun 2009 19:39:17 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/newsnotes/nn17107.htm {cc6c5666-5df8-b773-3e1a-b6d71573ce8c} Holten Meat, Inc., a Sauget, Ill., establishment, is recalling approximately 241,000 pounds of ground beef product that may contain foreign materials. Each label bears the establishment number "EST- 02591" inside the USDA mark of inspection. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:56:22 GMT http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/recalls/recall17216.htm {e14a5eb1-203b-202d-6983-149c4ce99f51}