Almost as soon as news of actor Heath Ledger’s death broke, came news that sleeping pills were reportedly found in his apartment.

As the rumors swirl, we at James Hubbard’s My Family Doctor want to give you the straight truth about these medications. The purpose is not to speculate on this tragic story–on what may or may not have caused Ledger’s death–but instead to help those of you who are wondering what the truth is about these medications–meds that you or a loved one may be taking. (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Have you heard about the FDA’s new cold-medicines advisory: not to give them to kids under 2? If you’d like to read it for yourself–including the FDA’s bullet-pointed tips–rather than go through the media, here’s a link.

Below is a shorter blurb (originally posted here).

[Posted 01/17/2008] FDA informed consumers and healthcare professionals that the Agency has completed its review of information regarding the safety of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines in children under 2 years of age and recommends that these drugs not be used to treat children in this age group because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur. FDA’s recommendation is based on both the review of the information the Agency received about serious side effects in children in the referenced age group and the discussion and recommendations made at the October 18 -19, 2007, public advisory committee meeting at which this issue was discussed. FDA has not completed its review of information about the safety of OTC cough and cold medicines in children 2 through 11 years of age. See the FDA Public Health Advisory for Agency recommendations regarding this issue.

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

The Advisory Commitee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends the Shingles vaccine for all adults over 60 even if you have had a case of shingles in the past.

Download the below for more information about the vaccine
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-shingles.pdf

Shingles occurs much more commonly in people over 50, and becomes more frequent with increased age. At seventy the risk is about 1 percent per year (10 out of 100 will have shingles in their seventies). It is a painful disease. The rash is localized, lasts for a few weeks, and is painful. In about 1 in 5, the pain lingers several weeks after the rash goes away. Sometimes it lingers longer. If the rash occurs on the face, it can cause eye complications. Rarely there are even more serious, life threatening complications. (more…)