US Ranked Last In Preventable Deaths

First thought in my mind was Health Insurance, when I read this article. These deaths were caused by not having access to to timely and effective health care, and Health Insurance is a cause. Read on and weep. Perhaps these times of vote, we need to address health care more intensively.
WASHINGTON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - France, Japan and Australia rated best and the United States worst in new rankings focusing on preventable deaths due to treatable conditions in 19 leading industrialized nations, researchers said on Tuesday.
If the U.S. health care system performed as well as those of those top three countries, there would be 101,000 fewer deaths in the United States per year, according to researchers writing in the journal Health Affairs.
Researchers Ellen Nolte and Martin McKee of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine tracked deaths that they deemed could have been prevented by access to timely and effective health care, and ranked nations on how they did.
They called such deaths an important way to gauge the performance of a country's health care system.
Nolte said the large number of Americans who lack any type of health insurance -- about 47 million people in a country of about 300 million, according to U.S. government estimates -- probably was a key factor in the poor showing of the United States compared to other industrialized nations in the study.
"I wouldn't say it (the last-place ranking) is a condemnation, because I think health care in the U.S. is pretty good if you have access. But if you don't, I think that's the main problem, isn't it?" Nolte said in a telephone interview.
In establishing their rankings, the researchers considered deaths before age 75 from numerous causes, including heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, certain bacterial infections and complications of common surgical procedures.
Such deaths accounted for 23 percent of overall deaths in men and 32 percent of deaths in women, the researchers said.
France did best -- with 64.8 deaths deemed preventable by timely and effective health care per 100,000 people, in the study period of 2002 and 2003. Japan had 71.2 and Australia had 71.3 such deaths per 100,000 people. The United States had 109.7 such deaths per 100,000 people, the researchers said.
After the top three, Spain was fourth best, followed in order by Italy, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Greece, Austria, Germany, Finland, New Zealand, Denmark, Britain, Ireland and Portugal, with the United States last.
You can read about previous ranking at Reuters, where US ranked 15th.
tag: health care, Health Insurance, healthcare system

New Directors to FDA's Food Safety and Veterinary Centers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 4, 2008

Media Inquiries: Kathleen K. Quinn, 301-827-1258 Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Commissioner Names Directors to Food Safety and Veterinary Centers

Commissioner of Food and Drugs Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., is pleased to announce two major changes in the agency's senior leadership team. Effective Monday, Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., is moving from director of FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) to director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). Bernadette Dunham, D.V.M., Ph.D., who is deputy director of CVM, will assume directorship of CVM, also effective Monday.

"It is more important than ever that the American public feel confident in the safety of the food they eat and feed their loved ones," said von Eschenbach. "Drs. Sundlof and Dunham are world class scientists and leaders, with the dedication, vision and expertise needed to tackle challenges and enhance the science involved in assuring the safety and nutritional value of something so vital to healthy life; namely our food."

For over a decade, Dr. Sundlof has served as the director of CVM. In that capacity, with his background as a toxicologist, he has overseen the regulation of feed, including food additives, and drugs intended for animals. These include animals from which human foods are derived, as well as food and drugs for pets (or companion animals) and other non-food-producing animals such as zoo animals, parakeets, hamsters, and aquarium fish.

Dr. Sundlof has extensive experience in the food safety and protection arena, including service on numerous domestic and international committees on food safety, where he served as chairman and led the development of new international policies and safety standards. He also provided significant input into the development of the FDA's Food Protection Plan issued in November 2007, a strategic and comprehensive approach to improve food safety and defense in the United States. He was instrumental in putting in place robust animal feed programs to prevent Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), also called mad cow disease, from entering the U.S. feed system. There have been no cases of mad cow disease in the United States resulting from a failure of the feed system. This depth and breadth of experience makes him well suited to serve as director of CFSAN.

Prior to joining FDA, Dr. Sundlof served on the faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, where he held the rank of professor of toxicology. He also has received many honors and awards as a leader in his field and has authored several scientific and technical papers. Since 1994 he has served as chairman of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods.

Dr. Dunham has worked closely with Dr. Sundlof in her role as deputy director of CVM since 2006. She has played a critical role, and provided executive leadership, in coordinating and establishing center policy in research, management, scientific evaluation, compliance, and surveillance. While serving as CVM deputy director, Dr. Dunham also was the director for CVM's Office of Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Drug Development, the office that oversees drug development for minor species, such as zoo animals, ornamental fish, parrots, ferrets, guinea pigs, sheep, goats, catfish, and honeybees. That office also oversees drug development for uncommon diseases in major species, such as cattle, pigs, chicken, turkeys, horses, dogs and cats.

Before joining the FDA in 2002, Dr. Dunham served in several important leadership positions with the American Veterinary Medical Association and held faculty positions at several universities, including at the Department of Pharmacology at the State University of New York Health Science Center (SUNY-HSC) at Syracuse, while concurrently acting as the director of laboratory animal medicine at SUNY-HSC at Syracuse.

In addition to the scientific peer recognition she has received throughout her career, Dr. Dunham continues to collaborate with colleagues outside of FDA, as evidenced by her two FDA Leveraging/Collaboration Awards. One recognized her accomplishments as a member of the Swissmedic Bilateral Collaboration, through which the FDA and its Swiss counterpart work to increase collaboration on facility inspections. The other acknowledged her contributions to the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Security and Prosperity Partnership/Negotiation Team. This partnership is a trilateral effort to increase security and enhance prosperity among the United States, Canada and Mexico through greater cooperation and information sharing.

Drs. Sundlof and Dunham will report directly to Dr. von Eschenbach.
tag: FDA, CFSAN, CVM,

Fine Land Corp., recalls packages of "SNGNE brand Fruit Flavour Chews"

Consumer Alert: Undeclared Milk in SNGNE Brand Fruit Flavour Chews

Contact:
Jessica A. Chittenden
518-457-3136

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- January 3, 2008 -- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Fine Land Corp., located at 376 Vernon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206, is voluntarily recalling packages of "SNGNE brand Fruit Flavour Chews" due to an undeclared milk ingredient. People who have allergies to milk may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled "SNGNE brand Fruit Flavour Chews," a product of China, are packaged in a plastic bag coded "Pro: 24/05/2007 Exp: 24/05/2009." The product was distributed in metropolitan New York City.

The problem was discovered as the result of an investigation by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors which revealed the presence of a milk ingredient in finished product, which was not declared on the label.

No illnesses have been reported to date to this Department in connection with the problem. Consumers who have purchased "SNGNE brand Fruit Flavour Chews" should return it to the place of purchase.

tag: FDA, FDA Recall, food recall, SNGNE brand Fruit Flavour Chews recall, Fine Land Corp recall,

Warning on Bisphosphonates (marketed as Actonel, Actonel+Ca, Aredia, Boniva, Didronel, Fosamax, Fosamax+D, Reclast, Skelid, and Zometa)

Warning on Bisphosphonates (marketed as Actonel, Actonel+Ca, Aredia, Boniva, Didronel, Fosamax, Fosamax+D, Reclast, Skelid, and Zometa)

Audience: Orthopedic Surgeons, other healthcare providers, patients
[Posted 01/07/2008] FDA informed healthcare professionals and patients of the possibility of severe and sometimes incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle (musculoskeletal) pain in patients taking bisphosphonates. Although severe musculoskeletal pain is included in the prescribing information for all bisphosphonates, the association between bisphosphonates and severe musculoskeletal pain may be overlooked by healthcare professionals, delaying diagnosis, prolonging pain and/or impairment, and necessitating the use of analgesics. The severe musculoskeletal pain may occur within days, months, or years after starting a bisphosphonates. Some patients have reported complete relief of symptoms after discontinuing the bisphosphonate, whereas others have reported slow or incomplete resolution. The risk factors for and incidence of severe musculoskeletal pain associated with bisphosphonates are unknown.

Healthcare professionals should consider whether bisphosphonate use might be responsible for severe musculoskeletal pain in patients who present with these symptoms and consider temporary or permanent discontinuation of the drug.

[January 07, 2008 - Drug Information page - FDA]

tag: FDA, fda warning, Bisphosphonates, Actonel, Actonel+Ca, Aredia, Boniva, Didronel, Fosamax, Fosamax+D, Reclast, Skelid, Zometa, healthcare, musculoskeletal pain,

Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., Recalls Various Cuts of Steaks And Ground Beef Products Due To Contamination with E. coli O157:H7

Recall Release	CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-001-2008	HEALTH RISK: HIGH

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Amanda Eamich

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2008 - Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., a Detroit, Mich., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 13,150 pounds of various cuts of steaks and ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The steak and ground beef products subject to recall were produced on Dec. 20, 21, 24 or 26, 2007, and were distributed to restaurants in the metropolitan Detroit area. These products were not available for purchase by consumers in retail establishments.
FSIS has received no reports of illness related to these products at this time. Anyone who consumed these types of products at Detroit area restaurants and is experiencing an illness should contact a physician immediately.

The following products are subject to recall:

• Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BALL TIP STEAKS."
• Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BEEF NY STRIPS."
• Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BEEF T-BONE STEAK."
• Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BEEF PORTERHOUSE STEAK."
• Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BEEF TOP SIRLOIN STEAKS."
• Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BULK GROUND BEEF."
• Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, GROUND BEEF PATTIES."

Each shipping label bears the establishment number "Est. 8951" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The problem was discovered after the recalling firm submitted a product sample that tested positive at a third party laboratory.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall should contact the company General Manager Jack Fudge at (313) 554-2500.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to food borne illness.
tag: USDA recall, Beef Recall, Food Recall, health risk, Mark's Quality Meats recall, E. coli O157:H7, E.COLI, ground beef recall, Steak recall

CPSC Recalls And Warnings For 08th January 2008

Pacific Cycle Recalls Children’s Trailer Bicycles; Can Detach from Adult Bicycle and Injure Children

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Pacific Cycle Inc., of Madison, Wis., is voluntarily recalling 7,000 InStep “Pathfinder,” Schwinn “Run About,” and Mongoose “Alley Cat” Trailer Bicycles. The coupler connecting the children’s trailer bike to the adult’s bicycle has welds that can fail, posing a fall hazard to children.

Cannondale Recalls Scalpel Mountain Bikes; Frame Failure Poses Crash Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cannondale Bicycle Corporation, of Bethel, Conn., is voluntarily recalling 150 Cannondale 2008 model year “Scalpel” mountain bikes. The frame can break while in use, causing the rider to lose control and suffer injuries from a fall or collision.

CPSC Warns Winter Storm Victims: Use Portable Generators Outdoors Only

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is issuing a warning to consumers confronted with severe winter weather. When there’s a power outage, exercise caution when using portable generators. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You can’t see or smell it. A generator’s exhaust contains poisonous CO which can kill you in a matter of minutes.

tag: CPSC recall, January Recall, Carbon monoxide, “Scalpel” mountain bike recall, Pathfinder recall, Schwinn Run About recall, Mongoose “Alley Cat” Trailer Bicycle recall

Cow Named Peggy Sue To Receive FDA Clearance.(Cloned Livestock Might Get FDA Clearance)

Cloned cows Peggy Sue, right, and Anna Belle, left, are shown on a farm operated by Viagen outside of Austin, Texas in this Oct. 4, 2005 file photo. Meat and dairy producers are promoting a privately-run system to track cloned livestock in an effort to head off consumer concerns as the government prepares to allow food made from cloned animals to enter the market for the first time. (AP Photo/Thomas Terry)

The following article on WSJ left me wondering if we really have a choice!. If people wanted to eat or clone them selves it is fine by me as long as I have a choise not to. But after reading the article, it looks like I and I am sure bunch more will left in a ditch.

After more than six years of wrestling with the question of whether meat and milk from them are safe to eat, the Food and Drug Administration is expected to declare as early as next week that they are.

The FDA had asked producers of cloned livestock not to sell food products from such animals pending its ruling on their safety. It isn't clear whether the FDA will lift this voluntary hold.

According to the same article, Because of the price tag -- cloned cattle cost $15,000 to $20,000 per copy -- most of the cloned animals will be used for breeding, and it will be three to five years before consumers see milk and meat from their offspring. Some animal breeders in the U.S. have already been experimenting with cloning animals. ViaGen Inc., the largest animal-cloning company in the nation, has cloned animals, such as a cow named Peggy Sue.

Read the very informative artical on Wall Street Journal.

tag: peggy sue, cloned animal, cloned food, FDA