Cough :: Recommendations for the appropriate use of cough and cold products in children

Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of “over-the-counter” (non-prescription) cough and cold products in children. Health Canada is advising consumers on the appropriate use of these products, including drugs and natural health products, particularly in children under 2 years of age. Life-threatening adverse events, including unintentional overdose, have been reported to Health Canada in association with the use of these products in children under 2 years of age.

Asthma :: Back-to-school season can be tough on kids with asthma

Many of the 9 million children in this country who have asthma need more than just pencils and notepads when they return to the classroom each fall. According to U-M pediatric allergy specialists, these children require easy access to their inhalers and other medications, and the awareness of teacher and school officials about their condition.

Common Cold :: Zinc lozenges an ineffective treatment for colds

Despite 20 years of research, the benefits of zinc lozenges as a therapy for the common cold have not been proven. A new study, published in the Sept. 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, currently available online, reviews the 14 placebo-controlled studies from the past two decades and finds significant fault with 10 of the studies.

Back Pain :: Advice, devices ineffective in preventing worker back pain

Back pain is the number one cause of worker-compensation complaints, second only to the common cold in causing lost workdays. Consequently, employers and regulators have pushed training programs to teach specific lifting methods, and some recommend or require the use of assistive devices such as hoists for hospital workers.

Vitamin C :: Vitamin C with exercises may protect against colds

For the average person, popping vitamin C pills is unlikely to ward off the common cold or shorten its length or severity. Unless you run marathons, you probably won?t get much protection from common colds by taking a daily supplemental dose of vitamin C, according to an updated review of 30 studies.