FDA Detects Cancer Causing Chemicals In Blood Pressure Medicines

A person holding hands with another person in bed.


The Food & Drug Administration, FDA, has announced that after recalling more than 12 million bottles of high blood pressure meds over the last five years, it expects more may be tainted with a chemical called nitrosamines.  Although they are found in trace amounts in anything from water, cured and grilled meats, dairy products and vegetables, in higher doses they can be dangerous.   “The difference is with drugs it’s totally avoidable,†Dr. Stephen Hecht, a University of Minnesota professor of cancer prevention, told USA Today.  FDA officials have said the agency expects drug manufacturers who have identified a potential risk to complete testing and report changes that they have made by October 1.

New Blood Pressure Reduction Device Requires No Medication

A stethoscope and heart on the table.


A Medtronic PLC medical device reduced the blood pressure of people with tough-to-treat hypertension in a new study.  However it missed its goal, producing an insignificant blood pressure result of only 2 points more than those in the study that didn’t have the procedure done.  Despite falling short of the study’s main efficacy goal, Medtronic is still moving forward with its application to the Food and Drug Administration to approve the device.  If the FDA approves it, the device could offer a new, non-medication treatment for people who have high blood pressure.  “This could be the biggest thing we’ve ever done because hypertension is the No. 1 contributor to death,†Medtronic CEO Geoffrey Martha told The Wall Street Journal.

Monterey, CA Tips For Warding Off Alzheimer’s Disease

A purple background with the alzheimer 's association logo.


Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and my grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease when they passed away.  It’s a terrible disease for which there is no cure.  However, there are ways that you can try and keep the disease at bay including:

  1. Protect your heart – Four major risk factors directly relate to heart health: high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and smoking.  Work towards keeping blood pressure and cholesterol low by eating a healthy diet.
  2. Exercise – According to Dr. Richard Isaacson, this can be the brain’s first defense against amyloid plaque. Try and get at least thirty minutes of exercise per day.
  3. Stay Socially and mentally active – Getting together with family and friends can be difficult during the COVID pandemic, but getting social stimulation is important, even if you have to do it over a zoom call.
  4. Avoid head injury – This is easier said than done, but studies have found that even mild head trauma can result in dementia. Wear a seatbelt, play sports safely and treat any head injury immediately.
  5. Treat depression, hearing loss, and substance abuse – Excessive alcohol consumption, hearing loss and depression all increase the risk for dementia.

Source: American Brain Foundation and Brain Life, the Academy of Neurology’s patient and caregiver magazine and website.

 

If you or a family member are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia, go talk to the good folks at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Monterey Chapter in Ryan Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline you can call at 1800-272-3900.

High Blood Pressure? Watch Your Prescription Medications!

A woman looking out of the window at her home.


Nearly half of all Americans about 3 out of 4 people aged 60 and older have high blood pressure.  Unfortunately, 19% of people with hypertension are currently taking one or more medications that increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.  Many of these are over-the-counter drugs.  For instance, Ibuprofen and naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.  The list of dangerous drugs is long, and includes products for cough, colds and flu, decongestants, weight-loss stimulants, antacids and even some herbal medicines and dietary supplements.  We always recommend a “bag approach,†which includes putting all of your medications (including over-the-counter drugs) in a bag for your doctor to examine.

Face Masks Are Getting A High Tech Upgrade : By Derek Baine

A man wearing a mask with yellow warning tape around his mouth.


Although those of us that are vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask in California in most places, the medical community is working on a high-tech upgrade to masks to cope with `diagnostics, sensors and even the ability to kill viruses.  Although they have yet to be approved by the Food & Drug Administration or FDA, different models are being developed for the medical community and to be marketed to individuals.  Michael Strano, a professor of chemical engineering at MIT, has developed a mask that actually kills the virus.  “Filtering has its place, but so does just destroying the virus,†said Professor Strano.  It also comes with a thermoelectric cooler that ensures hot air that you are breathing in is comfortable.  “You actually breathe medically sterilized air,†said Stano.  The masks are reusable and will cost just a few dollars more than typical masks.  What great progress we are making on the mask front.  I hope to not be wearing one anytime soon, but it’s nice to know that the next pandemic will go more smoothly than this one.

 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/high-tech-face-masks-aim-to-step-up-the-fight-against-covid-19-11616846402