Archive for September, 2008

4 Killed in Crash of Maryland Medical Helicopter

Four people died Sunday when an emergency medical-services helicopter crashed in suburban Washington, D.C while attempting to land after picking up two automobile accident victims.

Study Shows Traffic Fatality Numbers Spike on Election Day

A study which appears in today's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that more people die in traffic accidents on days when U.S. presidential elections are held.

More Than 90% of Nursing Homes Cited For Violations Last Year

According to a report issued yesterday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 90 percent of American nursing homes were cited for violations of federal health and safety standards in 2007.

Study Shows That Popular Supplements Fail To Help Slow Arthritis

A two-year study has showed that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, two popular supplements commonly used for arthritis and joint pain, were ineffective at slowing the loss of knee cartilage or the progress of the disease.

FDA Study Shows No Link Between Use of Statins and ALS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an analysis of the results of 41 clinical trials today which demonstrates that use of statins does not increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Study Shows Increased Risks of Heart Disease, Stroke from COPD Drug Use

A paper published this week reports that drugs commonly prescribed for COPD were associated with increased risks of cardiovascular problems and stroke.

Off-duty Chicago Police Officer Shoots Son, Kills Self and Daughter

Chicago Police Officer Dannie Marchan committed suicide Monday morning by turning his gun on himself after fatally shooting his young daughter and grievously wounding his 9-year-old son.

OSHA Issues $313,500 in Fines to Construction Firms over March Crane Collapse

OSHA has fined three construction firms a total of $313,500 for alleged safety violations leading to a March crane collapse which killed seven people.

FDA Issues Warning Letters and Import Alert for Drugs Produced by Ranbaxy

The FDA today issued warning letters to drug manufacturer Ranbaxy Laboratories due to concerns about deviations from U.S. current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements at two of the company's manufacturing facilities.

Study Links Bisphenol A to Increased Incidence of Heart Disease and Diabetes

A new study demonstrates that people with elevated levels of bisphenol A are likelier to have heart disease and diabetes.

Metrolink Spokeswoman Tyrrell Resigns in Wake of Criticism over Handling of Accident

The spokeswoman for rail agency Metrolink resigned after board members said her statements that the agency was responsible for Friday's commuter train crash were premature.

FDA Orders Stronger Warnings Be Placed on Four Popular Arthritis Drugs

The FDA today ordered that stronger warnings be placed on four widely used immunosuppressive drugs due to elevated risks of fungal infections.