Consumer Reports Investigates What Causes Pain, What Treats It, What Doesn’t—and How to Prevent It
May 14, 2016
Also, CR looks at the prescription painkiller epidemic, efforts to curb overuse of opioids, and surprising truths about medical marijuana
Yonkers, NY – Persistent and chronic pain can be a frustrating, debilitating and expensive problem. According to the June issue of Consumer Reports, 125 million Americans in pain spend about $300 billion on treatments and care every year. But not all of that care is effective, and some of it may be costly or even dangerous.
To help consumers make better, more informed choices, Consumer Reports took a closer look at the issue of treating pain in a special report on what works and what doesn’t—and developed guidance on how to treat common ailments—including back, neck and joint pain.
Consumer Reports takes a look at What Causes Pain
Zika Virus Disease raises awareness about Preventing Birth Defects
March 13, 2016
Microcephaly One of Many Defects that Deserve Attention
Nashville, TN – Until a recent outbreak of Zika virus disease was associated with babies born with microcephaly, many had not heard of the birth defect. Tennessee Department of Health data show approximately 45 to 50 cases occur in Tennessee each year.
Babies with microcephaly are born with heads that are smaller than expected. This can be associated with developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, problems with hearing or vision and seizures.
A newborn baby gets caressed by its new mother
Tennessee Governor, Commissioners announce Strategic Plan To Tackle Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic
June 12, 2014
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam joined Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) Commissioner E. Douglas Varney and others today to announce “Prescription for Success,” the state’s plan to prevent and treat prescription drug abuse in Tennessee.
Prescription drug abuse is a pervasive, multi-dimensional issue impacting Tennessee individuals, families, and communities. Of the 4,850,000 adults in Tennessee, it is estimated that nearly 5 percent (about 221,000) have used pain relievers, also known as prescription opioids, in the past year for non-medical purposes. Of those, it is estimated that 69,100 are addicted to prescription opioids and require treatment for prescription opioid abuse.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3rR_JCkAnc[/youtube] [Read more]
Tennessee launches additional efforts in 2013 to reduce the number of Drug-Dependent Newborns
April 4, 2014
Nashville, TN – In 2013, 921 newborns in Tennessee experienced withdrawal from drugs their mothers used while pregnant.
Many people across Tennessee, including a group of state leaders, are working to reduce that number and in the past year launched several efforts to help prevent the suffering and expenses associated with the condition known as neonatal abstinence syndrome, or NAS.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad07PjZOlU8[/youtube] [Read more]
