The link between alcohol and cancer may surprise you. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) reports that drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth and throat, vocal cords, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon. The risks are greatest in those with heavy and long-term alcohol use, but even moderate drinking can add up over a lifetime, increasing the chance of developing cancer.
Read More »Products with Health Risks
Everything You Need To Know to Choose Safe Cosmetic Products
Cosmetics, including shampoo and other products we all use, will cost U.S. consumers $92 billion this year. They contain various chemicals, often including harmful substances like parabens and phthalates. These products can also harm the environment and pose greater risks to salon workers. His article helps consumers read labels, reduce exposures to unsafe ingredients, and choose eco-friendly cosmetics for safety.
Read More »Everything You Need To Know About The New Weight Loss Drugs
Weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are everywhere in ads and the news. They are more effective than older weight loss drugs, but they also cause unpleasant and sometimes very serious side effects, high costs, and you’ll regain the weight after you stop. The hype about health benefits is exaggerated. Before you decide whether to take any of them, here is what you should know about how they work, who they are meant for, and what the research actually shows.
Read More »FDA Accelerated Approval Pathway: Controversies and Reform
Recent controversies of drugs granted accelerated approval have raised important questions about the evidence needed to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks in the short-term or the long-term, and what can be done to improve the pathway.
Read More »NCHR urges FDA to require more diversity in trials to improve accuracy of pulse ox devices
December 2, 2022: NCHR testified at an FDA meeting that there is strong evidence that commonly-used pulse oximeters are less reliable for patients with pigmented skin. The FDA’s current guidelines do not require product labeling to address the impact of skin pigmentation on pulse oximetry. While labeling is important to alert users to possible inaccuracies, it does not diminish the importance of developing devices that are effective for everyone.
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