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February
2002
Birth
Control Patch
The first
skin patch approved for birth control by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration will be available by prescription in 2002. Ortho
Evra works by slowly releasing progestin and estrogen, the same
hormones used in birth control pills, into the bloodstream. Its
efficacy lies in the prevention of ovulation and the thickening
of the cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to enter
the uterus.
Ortho Evra is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However,
the side effects include an increased risk of blood clots,
heart attack, and stroke. This risk is even higher for cigarette
smokers. In three clinical trials involving over 3,000 women
taking Ortho Evra, 5% of participants had at least one patch
that detached from their skin and 2% withdrew from the trial
due to skin irritation. Also, the patch appeared to be less
effective in women weighing more than 198 pounds.
The regimen is similar to that of birth control pills. The
patch is changed once a week for three weeks. The patch-free
fourth week allows for a menstrual period. The small (less
than two square inches) and paper-thin design makes Ortho Evra
easy to hide beneath clothing. It can be applied to the buttocks,
abdomen, upper torso (front or back), and the upper outer arm,
and be worn in a different place each week.
February 2002 Update
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Bicycle
Helmets Save Lives
Although
bicycling is one of the most popular sports, injuries associated
with bicycling are the leading cause of emergency room visits
for children and adolescents. Unfortunately, many of these injuries
include head trauma.
Previous studies have shown helmets can sharply reduce the
serious head injuries that can occur with cycling. But the
majority of children (and their parents) still don't use helmets
regularly. Why? Reasons suggested include discomfort, lack
of style, peer pressure, and not recognizing the importance
of helmets on short rides.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published a statement
emphasizing the importance of correct bicycle helmet use. In
these recommendations, all bicyclists (children and parents
alike) should wear proper helmets every time they ride. A helmet
made after March 1999 should be used. These newer helmets meet
US Consumer Product Safety Commissions standards.
Children should be properly fitted because helmets come in
several sizes. Keep in mind that:
- In its correct position,
the helmet should sit low on the forehead and be parallel to the
ground.
- Velcro pads should be
placed in, or removed from, the inside of the helmet as needed
to make the helmet fit snugly.
- The chinstrap should
be adjusted so that no more than two fingers can be placed between
the strap and the chin.
- The helmet should not
shift or come off when the child shakes his head.
- All helmets should be
replaced every five years.
February 2002 Update
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