Cleveland residents know that the number of things in life that are thought to be dangerous, "all-natural" is generally not one of them. All-natural tends to connote "healthy", but that is not the case as demonstrated by the recent recall of a dangerous yet all-natural erectile dysfunction supplement sold under the name X-Rock. The makers of the X-Rock single-serving dietary supplement recalled all of their products because some of its undeclared active ingredients could interact with prescription medications and result in dangerously low blood pressure.
FDA says that it is time to strengthen Yaz blood-clot warnings
In February, we wrote about a panel of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) vote regarding a highly popular but controversial contraceptive. At that time the FDA panel voted 21-5 to require labels on Yasmin and Yaz to be strengthened by heightening the drugs' warnings related to blood-clot risks.
How simple technology reduces one type of dangerous surgery error
Because of a surgeon's high level of training and skill, we assume that the only mistakes he could make would be complicated ones during a difficult surgery. But in reality, one of the most devastating and common surgical errors is actually one of the most basic: leaving surgical instruments and sponges in the body after the operation.
A trend of untruth is gripping the physician-patient relationship
The doctor-patient relationship is sacred. The confidential communications between a physician and his or her patients are even legally protected. However, a recent survey indicates that these honored communications may be less forthcoming than patients are led to believe.
Celebrity physician focuses attention on medical error in new book
Last month, we discussed how celebrity physician Sanjay Gupta's focus on medical errors has brought much needed media attention to this critical patient safety issue. Dr. Gupta is now set to shed more intimate light on medical malpractice in his new novel "Monday Mornings."
A victim helps to prevent delayed or misdiagnosis
A missed or delayed diagnosis can impact your ability to seek appropriate treatment or stop the progression of a disease. In the most tragic cases, failure to diagnose a disease can ultimately result in an untimely death. As a patient, you may feel helpless, leaving yourself to the whims of the medical community.
Report says hospital infection reporting system is ineffective
When it comes to improving patient safety, properly and publicly reporting medical errors is as important as attempting to prevent medical errors in the first place. Without proper reporting, situations that lead to medical negligence are doomed to repeat themselves, as reporting allows healthcare professionals and safety advocates to spot patterns and react appropriately.
Ohio patients can protect themselves from hospital errors: Part II
Earlier this week, we began a discussion about how hospital patients and their families can be their own best safety advocates when it comes to avoiding medical errors. To that end, we are sharing tips from one grieving mother who lost her 15-year-old son during a routine procedure because of medical malpractice and the negligence of hospital staff.
Ohio patients can protect themselves from hospital errors: Part I
We often tell our Ohio readers that the best way to protect yourself from hospital errors is to be your own best safety advocate. While doctors and medical professionals know more about medicine than we do, we are the experts when it comes to our bodies and our histories.
Report insists medical devices often not safety tested: Part II
We began a discussion earlier this week about a report which was recently released on the subject of safety testing for medical devices. Specifically, Consumer Reports has alleged that many potentially defective medical devices are not tested for safety before they enter the marketplace.
