Penicillin Allergy: Not really, most of the time (2019)
Millions of Americans believe they are allergic to penicillin. However, most of them are wrong.
Pharmacology and Toxicology Sub-categories:
- Alcohol Use and Abuse (36)
- Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance (39)
- Caffeine (13)
- Cannabis and Medical Marijuana (22)
- Drug Use and Abuse (22)
- Generic Drugs (13)
- Hallucinogens (4)
- Prescription Drugs (38)
- Psychedelics (11)
- Radiation (18)
- Side Effects (28)
Medical Notes: Week of April 28, 2019
About a quarter of people over 65 have heart valve disease, and the medication Celebrex might be increasing that risk. Then, flu season is almost over, but be aware, come Fall, that what you eat can sabotage your flu shot. Then, adult cannabis use and the correlation of increased need for more sedatives during surgery. Then, A new study showing …
Medical Notes: Week of April 7, 2019
The average american eats enough eggs a week to raise risk for heart attack or death. Then, a study indicating common heartburn medications are being linked to kidney failure and chronic kidney disease. And finally, your Apple watch might be able to detect an irregular heart beat.
Medical Notes: Week of March 31, 2019
A nasal spray to treat depression called Esketamine. Then, parent skills that can help navigate conflict with teens. Finally, fast food now accounts for 11% of the energy intake in the United States.
All About Hangovers
On St. Patrick’s Day—one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year—an expert discusses why hangovers occur and what might work to prevent them and recover from them.
Medical Notes: Week of March 10, 2019
A new study finds that the active ingredient in antibacterial soaps can actually be making bacterial able to withstand medications. Then, a study suggests enlarged prostates appear to prevent colon cancer. And finally, using apps to chart your health and how these shadow health records can tip off a lot about your health to savvy data gatherers.
Medical Notes: Week of March 3, 2019
Women's brains burn energy in a much more youthful way throughout adulthood. Binge drinking and prolonged heavy drinking may trigger a permanent change in a person's DNA. Finally, more than half of all American workers burned out and not taking time off of work for mental health.
Medical Notes: Week of February 24, 2019
Explorers and scientists are speculating that an age inhibitor, or "fountain of youth" drug may be ready for human trials. Lower speed limits increase crashes due to government overrides? A study suggesting, "Let's do science" is much more effective at getting girls engaged than suggesting, "Let's be scientists."
Medical Notes: Week of February 3, 2019
Cancer deaths are on the decline, parents are dissatisfied with the systems school have in place to counteract gun violence. A study shows an increase in cardiovascular harm to patients taking basal insulin. Finally, more than half of those taking medical marijuana for chronic pain admit to driving while under the influence.
Rethinking Antibiotics
Since the introduction of antibiotics in World War II, doctors have prescribed courses of treatment that typically ran longer than necessary. Bacterial resistance is forcing a reevaluation, shortening courses sometimes to just a few days and even prompting doctors to advise not using all pills if patients feel better.
Medical Notes: Week of January 27, 2019
A drinkable cocktail of designer molecules that stops the development of dementia. Then, using sugar substitutes as part of a weight loss resolution and the evidence that suggests it's no better or worse than plain old sugar. Finally, shaming people for what they do isn't right even thought new research suggests that it can get people who engage in dangerous …
Personality and Drug Abuse
Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse is rising. Researchers have found that “fear mongering” educational efforts to combat it in adolescents doesn’t work. New science has discovered that certain personality types are predictably predisposed to addiction risk, and that educational efforts can be targeted to them effectively. Experts discuss.
