Health Highlights: July 2, 2009

FDA Approvals

Multaq Sanctioned for Heart Rhythm Disorders
Atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter

Ozurdex Implant Approved for Macular Edema
When cause is blocked vein, doctors have a new therapy to offer

Caldolor Is First Approved Injected Ibuprofen
For hospital patients who can't take oral drug

New Drug Fights Cancer in Dogs
Palladia approved to treat dangerous skin tumors

Besivance Approved for Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Contagious condition often called 'pink eye'

FYI

Health Tip: Understanding Pre-Diabetes
When blood sugar is elevated, but not high enough for full-blown diabetes

Health Tip: Wax Buildup May Cause Hearing Loss
Signs that you should visit the doctor

Put Safety First on the 4th Follow these tips to avoid fireworks hazards. >> complete story

Cell Pathway May Be Key to Lung Cancer's Spread Researchers express hope that finding will lead to treatments. >> complete story

New Weapons in Fight Against TB?
Parkinsons drugs may thwart treatment-resistant strain, study finds

Living Alone Increases Odds of Developing Dementia
Losing a partner through divorce or death in middle age may triple the risk, study shows

If 2 Painkillers Are Banned, What Next?
Other options, available and in the pipeline, could plug a Percocet-Vicodin gap, experts say

Why Swine Flu Differs From Seasonal Flu
Pandemic virus affects lungs and stomach, whereas seasonal flu doesn't, researchers say

Odd Behaviors on Ambien Linked to Brain Circuitry
When the sleep aid shuts down one set of neurons, another set wakes up: study

Monthly Pet Pill Could Kill Fleas, Ticks
An alternative to topical treatments might work better on certain cats and dogs, researchers say

Kids With Type 1 Diabetes Often Overweight
Study explores weight problems faced by youngsters with the disease

Cancer Endangers Some Wildlife Species
Effective conservation can help reduce threat, expert says

C-Section Stress Could Alter Baby's Immune Cells
And that might raise odds for diabetes, asthma later on, researchers say

Cystic Fibrosis Treatment May Cause Hearing Loss
Ear evaluation urged for youngsters taking common antibacterial medication

New Drug Could Work Against Leukemia
Researchers see promise for treatment of AML and other cancers

Another Genetic Link to Testicular Cancer Is Found
Discovery may help explain why disease runs in families

Study Casts Doubt on Low IQ's Role in Early Death
Adjustments for behavior dampen the negative effect, study finds

Increasing Alcohol Use Tied to More Hospitalization
Heavy drinkers were affected most, but link holds for even mild use, study finds

Clinical Trials Update: July 2, 2009

Obesity Rates Continue to Climb in U.S.
Eight of 10 states with highest number of obese adults are in the South, report says

Drugs May Not Slow Kidney Damage in Diabetes
Study uncovers possible benefit, though, in stemming vision loss

CPR Survival Rates for Older People Unchanged
Lack of improvement in death rates, experts say, may be because recipients are sicker