U.S. Government News

High Sodium, Low Potassium Diet Linked to Increased Risk of Death

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:13:24 PST

Americans who eat a diet high in sodium and low in potassium have a 50 percent increased risk of death from any cause, and about twice the risk of death from heart attacks, according to a study published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The study was conducted by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emory University and Harvard University.

Women's Health: Taking Charge of Your during Women's Health Week

Fri, 13 May 2011 09:13:08 PST

Women often serve as caregivers for their families, putting the needs of their spouses, children, and parents before their own. As a result, women’s health and wellbeing becomes secondary. As a community, it is our responsibility to support the important women we know and do everything we can to help them take steps for longer, healthier, and happier lives. their health a top priority.

Dog Attacks: Postal Service Announces Top Dog Attack Cities

Fri, 13 May 2011 09:04:51 PST

The Postal Service released statistics highlighting the cities where the most dog attacks occur nationwide. Houston tops the list with 62 letter carriers attacked in 2010. Nationwide last year, 5,669 postal employees were attacked in more than 1,400 cities, yet that pales in comparison to the 4.7 million Americans bitten annually — the majority of whom are children.

Underage Drinking Video: SAMHSA’s YouTube Channel Features Underage Drinking Video Series

Fri, 13 May 2011 08:42:47 PST

SAMHSA's You Tube Channel features several new videos produced by states and territories as part of a unique initiative to increase awareness of underage drinking and mobilize young people, their families, and their communities.

Alcohol and Marijuana were the Most Commonly Abused Substances per SAMHSA Report

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:23:22 PST

A new study shows that the most commonly abused substances among those 18 and older referred to substance abuse treatment from parole or probation was alcohol, followed by marijuana and methamphetamines.

Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 111 Individuals for More Than $225 Million in False Billing and

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:20:56 PST

The defendants charged in today’s takedown are accused of various fraud-related crimes, including conspiracy to defraud Medicare, criminal false claims, violations of the anti-kickback statutes, money laundering, and aggravated identify theft. Some of the cases include

In Vitro Fertilization: Risks & Blessings

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:06:48 PST

I hadn’t given much thought to the possibility of multiples because I knew going into it that, at age 41, my chances of conceiving at all with In Vitro Fertilization were not great. When the doctor confirmed, after four weeks of ultrasounds, that there were definitely two babies, I was thrilled.

Why Drinking Raw Milk: It's Not Worth the Risk

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:57:40 PST

There are many reasons why some people are thinking about drinking raw milk these days. (Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful germs.) Some people want to eat less processed food. Others have heard that raw milk contains more of certain nutrients than pasteurized milk, or that it can prevent or even solve various health problems. Still others think of buying raw milk as one way to support local farmers and sustainable agriculture.

New Medicare Premiums for 2011

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:26:18 PST

The following is a listing of the Medicare premium, deductible, and coinsurance rates that will be in effect in 2011:

Open Enrollment for Medicare Starts Today: Nov 15-Dec 31

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:39:37 PST

Today, November 15, Medicare’s Open Enrollment period begins and runs through December 31. Open Enrollment offers people with Medicare----including those with Original Medicare---an opportunity to review their current health and prescription drug coverage; compare health and drug plan options available in their area, and choose coverage that best meets their needs.

Quit Smoking: Expanded Coverage in Health Plans

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:28:07 PST

Federal employees get great opportunity. In 2011, all federal health insurance plans will offer 100% coverage to help tobacco users quit. There are no co-pays or deductibles. All FDA-approved cessation mediations and counseling are covered.

Mammogram Screening for Breat Cancer Saves Lives

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:45:39 PST

Mammograms, an X-ray of the breasts, can find breast cancer early, before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms and when it is easier to treat. All women aged 50 to 74 should have a mammogram every two years and those between 40 and 50 years should talk with their doctor about when to start screening.

2010 Hajj: Health Requirements and Recommendations for Travel to Saudi Arabia during the 2010 Hajj: Information for U.S. Travelers

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:52:40 PST

Each year, millions of people travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, a pilgrimage to the holy places of Islam. This year, the week of the Hajj begins November 14. If you are traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, you can expect large crowds. This overcrowding may lead to an increased risk of accidental injury and infectious diseases, such as meningitis, flu, and other diseases spread easily from person to person.

Health Care Reform: Consumer Tips on the Federal Health Care Provisions

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:56:12 PST

There are many new provisions of the federally-passed health care reform bill, and they can be difficult to interpret," said Commissioner Poizner. "Here are some tips and guidelines to help consumers understand how this federal legislation will directly impact them. And if anyone has a question about their health insurance, they can call our Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP

Substance Abuse Statistics: Americans Show Increases in Substance use from 2008 to 2009

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:16:11 PST

Marijuana use rises; prescription drug abuse and ecstasy use also up

Healthcare Tax Credit:IRS Releases Form to Help Small Businesses Claim New Health Care Tax Credit

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:55:00 PST

The Internal Revenue Service released a draft version of the form that small businesses and tax-exempt organizations will use to calculate the small business health care tax credit when they file income tax returns next year.

Flu and Diabetes: Increased Risk from Flu

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:22:50 PST

People with diabetes (type 1 and 2), even when well-managed, are at increased risk of severe disease and complications, like hospitalization and even death, as a result of getting the flu.

Bogus Medical Discount Cards: FTC Crack Down on Bogus "Medical Discount Plans

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:30:41 PST

With so many Americans struggling to deal with the costs of health care, these medical discount benefit plans sound appealing because they masquerade as health insurance,” said David Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “But they are not insurance.

CDC : Pregnant Women & Influenza (Flu)

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:57:45 PST

Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step in protecting against flu. The flu shot given during pregnancy has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu. (The nasal spray vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant.) Learn more about the......

What's New: Pregnancy and Medicines Government Topic Page

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:17:06 PST

There is no clear-cut answer to this question. Before you start or stop any medicine, it is always best to speak with the doctor who is caring for you while you are pregnant. Read on to learn about deciding to use medicine while pregnant.