U.S. Maternal Mortality Still Climbing
The maternal mortality rate in the United States is the highest of all developed nations and has been steadily rising since the 1990s. By definition, maternal mortality includes women who die during pregnancy, childbirth, or 42 days after birth during the postpartum period. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deemed this […]
First Postpartum Depression Drug Fast Tracked and Licensed by FDA
On Aug. 4, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fast tracked licensure of the oral prescription medication Zurzuvae (zuranolone), manufactured by Sage Therapeutics, Inc. as a treatment for postpartum depression. Postpartum affects roughly one in seven women and typically begins after childbirth but, for some women, it can begin during later stages of […]
First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill Approved by FDA
On July 13, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first ever non-prescription birth control pill. The progestin-only oral contraceptive known as Opill (norgestrel) is expected to be available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores by early 2024. Opill claims a 93 percent efficacy rate in pregnancy prevention.1 Norgestrel Originally Approved in […]
Aspartame May Be Declared a Carcinogen by WHO
When doing an online search for information about aspartame, the website “Safety of Aspartame” immediately comes up as the first sponsored site offering information about the popular artificial sweetener found in Diet Coke and other “zero sugar” products. “More than 100 studies, 200 scientists, 90 countries all saying the same thing,” the website boasts, “Aspartame […]
FDA Panel Endorses New Alzheimer’s Drug After Accelerated Approval
The newest Alzheimer’s drug is on its way for full regulatory approval after a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel voted that the drug was beneficial in slowing cognitive decline. The drug is expected to be fully approved by July 6, 2023.1 In clinical trials the drug, known as lecanemab, demonstrated a 27 […]
Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health
If you are not already making exercise a regular part of your life, you may be missing out on brain boosting benefits including decreased risk of depression and anxiety, improved learning and memory, lowered risks of ADHD and dementia and more.1 The benefits of exercise on heart health, muscle mass, and reducing inflammation are widely […]