A federal judge has ordered that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must make the “morning-after” pill available over the counter to females of all ages, going against the initial requirement of having a prescription for girls under 17, according to published reports. U.S. District Judge Edward R. Korman issued the decision after a lawsuit [...]
A week after a judge struck down his sugary drink ban, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is going on another health crusade — this time targeting cigarettes. The mayor, who spearheaded banning smoking in bars, restaurants, beaches and parks, is proposing a bill that would require New York City retailers to keep tobacco products out of sight [...]
At first, a cookbook called “Clean Plates” may sound like a trendy new diet book or radical way of eating. Though the recipe and eating guide promises a healthier lifestyle, it is full of advice for anyone looking to eat better without sacrificing taste. “The Clean Plates Cookbook: Sustainable, Delicious and Healthier Eating for Everybody,” [...]
BY SCOTT BREIDBART, M.D. In the universe of infectious diseases, influenza, or flu, doesn’t usually gather interest. Ebola kills almost all infected people, isn’t in the United States, and had a best seller written about it. Tuberculosis, or consumption, is worldwide, continuously threatens to become immune to all treatments, and has killed many famous people, [...]
Two days after Christmas, Diane K. woke up with a bought of the flu. The 66-year-old Bayside resident, who preferred her last name not be used, fought off the viral infection’s high fever and aches over the next few days with Tamiflu and rest. But when it was announced that this season’s flu had reached [...]
This weekend, Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a public health emergency for all of New York state, which allows pharmacists to give flu vaccinations to patients between six months and 18 years of age. There are already 19,128 cases of flu reported in the state this season, more than the 4,404 positive laboratory tests that were [...]
When the flu hits, manners may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, good “flu etiquette” and hygiene can go a long way in helping to prevent the spread of influenza. While most Americans recognize that the flu virus spreads easily, they admit to sometimes forgetting their manners when they have the [...]
Life expectancy in New York City has hit an all-time high of 80.9 years, surpassing the national average by 2.2 years, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced today. Between 2001 and 2010, the life span of a child born in NYC increased by three years. During the same period, the nation’s life expectancy only went up by [...]
Which vaccinations should adults get? If you answered, “I don’t know,” don’t worry – you’re not alone. A new national survey of adults in the United States reveals that more than two-thirds don’t know which vaccinations they need beyond just the flu shot. Adults need vaccinations not only to protect themselves from serious diseases but [...]
When you’re facing surgery, it’s normal to feel anxious. Many people find it daunting to completely surrender their well-being to others. Common fears range from concerns about undergoing anesthesia, to how long the recovery period will last. That is why it is important to know and trust the physicians responsible for your anesthesia care. Fortunately, [...]
