New Weight Loss Drug Approved

The Food and Drug Administration officials approved a new weight loss drug known as sibutramine, after recalling the popular drug combination Fen-Phen just three months ago. Sibutramine will appear on pharmacy shelves later this year under the brand name Meridia. While Meridia has not been linked to heart valve damage, it significantly raises pulse and blood pressure in some patients. Let the buyer (user) beware!

Did You Take Fen-Phen?

Patients who took Fen-Phen (fenfluramine or Redux (dexfenfluramine), should have their heart and lungs examined according to the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A new study found heart-valve damage in 25% of 226 patients taking appetite-suppressant drugs, compared with 1% in the control group.

In particular, anyone who took one of these drugs probably should have an echocardiogram (EKG) before undergoing certain invasive medical or dental procedures. If the test shows damage, you may need to take antibiotics to prevent cardiac complications. Those who took Redux were as likely to have heart-valve problems as those taking Fen-Phen. Over time, the valve damage could lead to heart failure.

Nutrition for Dummies

Nutrition for Dummies by Carol Ann Rinzler Fourth in the line of "For Dummies" books, this one is actually a well laid-out primer on nutrition with a little attitude thrown in for fun. Information is presented in an easy to read manner with explanations provided by way of simple analogy. It is available in soft-cover at bookstores near you for $19.99.

Lipomas or Fat Tumors

Many people are noticing small lumps on the back of the neck, forehead, thigh, forearms and torso area. These are common tumors called lipomas or "fat tumors." Lipomas are fairly common tumors made up of fatty tissue. They grow under the skin and usually show up as soft round or oval lumps.

Generally, these growth are harmless and they are rarely cancerous. Treatment is not usually required, but some people have them removed for cosmetic reasons. A biopsy or removal is recommended if the tumor starts to change. If it starts to show rapid growth, becomes painful, irritated or creates pressure in the area, talk to your doctor.

Lipomas can grow anywhere and they are generally more common among women than men. If you have found one, there is probably another one somewhere. They often occur in multiples.

Spring 1998
University of Illinois Booksale | Zoysiagrass! Can You Believe the Ads? | Crabgrass Control | Choosing Home Lawn Care Services | Selecting a Tree Service or Arborist | All America Selections 1998 | All Tomato Varieties Certainly Not the Same | Some Noteworthy Perennial Combinations | Bug Bites | Lawn Care Calendar | Cybergarden Sites | Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | Healthy Eating: Butter vs. Margarine | Health Update: Vitamin & Mineral Supplements | Food Safety: Eggs | Health & Household Update | Did You Know?

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