Newsletter

by Kathy Kulkami

Thalidomide is back. In 1960, the drug was rejected for approval by the FDA thanks to the heroic efforts of Dr. Frances Kelsey. It became apparent that the drug caused appalling birth defects in children whose mothers were exposed to thalidomide during pregnancy. On September 4th and 5th, the FDA Dermatologic Drugs Advisory Committee met to evaluate the efficacy, safety and risk/benefit analysis of thalidomide use in a leprosy-associated condition, called ENL (erythema nodosum leprosum).

Women enrolled in HMOs were more likely to have breast conserving surgery for breast cancer than women whose care was paid for by traditional fee-for-service insurance. The study was conducted in Seattle and the Bay Area and included over 13,000 women with breast cancer, all of whom were 65 years or older.

Recently, Network members have asked whether we accept matching contributions from members' employers. Yes, we can accept matching contributions. Please contact Beverly Thomas if you would like to know more about this program. And if you happen to be employed by a computer company, we would love to talk to you about computer donations! Thanks to all the members who have contacted us about various ways to support the Network
 

by Anna Choi

Just as we went to press, the Network learned that the FDA has ruled favorably on our terbutaline pump petition. The FDA agreed with our assessment of the science and has said explicitly that the terbutaline pump is potentially dangerous and has not been shown to work. The FDA is sending letters to practitioners, home health care companies and insurers alerting them to the status of the terbutaline pump. The FDA is also investigating the promotional activities of companies which provide terbutaline pumps.

by Lisa Cox

Do douching products make women more susceptible to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and cervical cancer? The Network thinks so and now a recent review of 30 years of scientific study on the risks of douching adds even further credence to our concerns.

by Lourdes Rivera

As more people are enrolled in managed care plans through their private health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, it is important for consumers to obtain more information and to understand how managed care works. The primary manager of managed care should be the patient. We all must be ready to take a more active role in making health decisions and in advocating for the services that we think we need. Our goal is to help you work with your health care providers in obtaining and managing your own health care.

Blueberries have been found to have the highest antioxidant score out of 40 fruits, juices and vegetables in a series of studies by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. Strawberries, Concord grape juice, kale and spinach showed top potential.
Self "Nutrition Journal” July 1997pg. 65

The Yeast Connection and the Woman by William G. Crook, M.D.,
Professional Books, Inc., 1995.748 pages.

Reviewed by Abigail Wolfson, January intern.