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ORchid Award presented to Evangelical surgical services staff

LEWISBURG — Surgical services at Evangelical Community Hospital recently presented its ORchid Award for outstanding performance to staff. The quarterly award “is designed to recognize staff members who are vital to a successful operating room experience but are often not seen because what they do is done while the patient is sedated or asleep or takes place prior to or after surgery,” according to a press release announcing the award. Carlos Sura, certified surgical technologist, was presented the award on Tuesday. “He was nominated for his excellent work ethic, being a ...

Aspartame – possible cause of cancer or safe?

The World Health Organization’s cancer agency has deemed the sweetener aspartame — found in diet soda and countless other foods — as a “possible” cause of cancer, while a separate expert group looking at the same evidence said it still considers the sugar substitute safe in limited ...

First over-the-counter birth control pill gets FDA approval

WASHINGTON — Federal regulators on Thursday approved the nation’s first over-the-counter birth control pill in a landmark decision that will soon allow American women and girls to obtain contraceptive medication as easily as they buy aspirin and eyedrops. The Food and Drug Administration cleared once-a-day Opill to be sold without a prescription, making it the first such medication to be moved out from behind the pharmacy counter. The manufacturer, Ireland-based Perrigo, won’t start shipping the pill until early next year, and there will be no age restrictions on ...

UPMC study: Treating childhood ADHD with stimulants not associated with increased substance use later in life

PITTSBURGH — Children taking a prescription stimulant to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) do not have more substance use or substance use disorder (SUD) as adolescents or young adults, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Published today in JAMA Psychiatry, the study may provide some reassurance to parents and clinicians who may be hesitant to prescribe ADHD stimulant medications for fear that they may lay the groundwork for future substance use. “Stimulants are the first-line treatment ...

Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi has full FDA approval now and that means Medicare will pay for it

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials granted full approval to a closely watched Alzheimer’s drug on Thursday, clearing the way for Medicare and other insurance plans to begin covering the treatment for people with the brain-robbing disease. The Food and Drug Administration endorsed the IV drug, Leqembi, for patients with mild dementia and other symptoms caused by early Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the first medicine that’s been convincingly shown to modestly slow the cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s. Japanese drugmaker Eisai received conditional approval from the FDA in ...