Delayed Puperty in Girls Linked to High Levels of Lead, Cadmium
September 1, 2010 by Patrick Comer
Filed under Featured, Healthcare
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health and other institutions have found that exposure to lead in childhood may delay the onset of puberty in young girls, with higher doses increasing the chance for later maturation. The researchers analyzed data on blood drawn from more than 700 girls ages 6 to 11. They found that [...]
“Rescuing” Baby Wildlife Unnecessary
August 14, 2010 by Patrick Comer
Filed under Environment, Featured
This time of year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) begins getting calls about “abandoned” baby wild animals that well-meaning people believe are in need of rescue. These rescues are unnecessary, and they actually may do more harm than good. After giving birth, adult wildlife must forage to provide food for themselves and [...]
New Study Says Stress May Delay Women Getting Pregnant
August 14, 2010 by Patrick Comer
Filed under Featured, Healthcare
Women with high levels of substance indicating stress less likely to conceive A study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and the University of Oxford supports the widespread belief that stress may reduce a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant. The study is the first of its kind to document, among women without a [...]
CDC to Monitor Reactions and Errors Associated with Blood Transfusions
August 9, 2010 by Patrick Comer
Filed under Environment
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched the first national surveillance system to monitor adverse events in patients who receive blood transfusions.
Treating High Cholesterol
August 9, 2010 by Patrick Comer
Filed under Featured, Healthcare
Navigating the Healthcare System Treating High Cholesterol By Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D. August 3, 2010 If you’re older than 45, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know has high cholesterol. It’s so common that treating high cholesterol led to 44 million doctor visits in 2006. High cholesterol may be widespread, but understanding [...]
Free Food Friday in Glades County
July 29, 2010 by Patrick Comer
Filed under Economy
The Glades County Health Department, Harry Chapin Food Bank, The Salvation Army, United Way and other human service agencies will hold a food distribution and health and human services event on Friday, July 30th at the Glades County Health Department in Moore Haven. The Health Department is located at 956 US Hwy 27 in Moore [...]
Rabid Bat Confirmed in Estero Area
July 29, 2010 by Patrick Comer
Filed under Environment, Featured
Fort Myers, FL – A rabid bat was identified in the Estero area. Individuals who had contact with the bat have been notified by the health department and they will be treated with vaccinations. “Rabies is a fatal disease. There is no known cure for rabies, only vaccination. Therefore, it is critical that people not [...]
Florida College System Tops National Rankings for Eighth Straight Year
June 28, 2010 by Patrick Comer
Filed under Education, Featured
~ More than 52,000 associate degrees awarded through unwavering commitment to open-door policy ~ For the eighth year in a row, The Florida College System ranks among the top producers of associate degrees in the nation according to Community College Week’s annual Top 10 report. Despite record student enrollment and increasing budget concerns the report, [...]
American Red Cross Fined $16 Million Over Lack of Blood Safety
June 28, 2010 by Patrick Comer
Filed under Featured, Healthcare
FDA Fines American Red Cross $16 Million for Prior Failures to Meet Blood Safety Laws The FDA announced today that the American Red Cross has been fined $16 million for prior failures to comply with Federal laws and regulations related to the collection and manufacture of blood products. Despite the compliance failures, FDA found no [...]
Cheap Drug Helps Stop Bleeding-Reduce Transfusions
June 22, 2010 by Patrick Comer
Filed under Featured, Healthcare
Cheap drug could save tens of thousands By MARIA CHENG, AP Medical WriterMon Jun 14, 7:01 pm ET LONDON – A cheap drug that can stop bleeding in recently injured accident patients could potentially save the lives of tens of thousands worldwide, a new study says. Researchers studied the effects of tranexamic acid, or TXA, [...]
Patrick Comer has covered Lee County for more than 20 years. He now brings his experience and knowledge about the issues facing Lee County residents to the Lee County Times.