The FDA Approved the First Online Vision Test. What Can It Do?

Key TakeawaysThe FDA approved an at-home visual acuity test for people to evaluate their vision online.This test will allow people to renew their prescriptions if they’ve had a comprehensive eye exam recently and know that their vision hasn’t changed.It’s not a replacement for an in-person routine eye exam as it cannot check for the general health of your eyes. Key Takeaways The FDA approved an at-home visual acuity test for people to evaluate their vision online....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 1005 words · Amanda Tran

The FDA Is Investigating Potentially Serious Side Effects of Weight Loss Drugs

Key TakeawaysThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the potentially serious side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have become popular weight loss drugs.The severe side effects were reported to the FDA’s FAERS system.If the investigation shows that the weight loss drugs carry the risk for severe side effects, it may lead to a label change. Key Takeaways The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the potentially serious side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have become popular weight loss drugs....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 972 words · Zachary Palmer

The FDA Just Redefined ‘Healthy’ on Food Labels—What This Means for Your Groceries

What does the word “healthy” mean? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the definition of “healthy” on food packaging, excluding some white bread, sugarycereals, and sweetened yogurts from the claim.This is the first FDA update of the label in decades. The previous “healthy” definition centered on individual nutrients, such as specific amounts of vitamins, minerals, fat, and protein in the product. However, the new definition emphasizes supporting a balanced, nutrient-dense dietary pattern....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2254 words · Ashley Combs

The FDA Now Wants Fall COVID Vaccines to Target KP.2—But Not All Manufacturers Can Pivot

Key TakeawaysThe FDA recently updated its recommendations to COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to make the KP.2 variant the target of fall vaccines, if feasible. Just a week before, the agency recommended the JN.1 variant.Pfizer and Moderna, whose mRNA vaccines are easy to update, say their shots will target the KP.2 variant.Novavax, which makes a protein-based vaccine, will not be able to update its formula.Less than a week aftertelling COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to target the JN....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1519 words · Bradley Harris

The FDA Wants You to Take More than One At-Home COVID Test

Key TakeawaysAccording to the FDA, taking multiple rapid tests optimizes the detection of COVID-19.If you’re symptomatic and you got a negative result, take another test after at least 48 hours.If you’re asymptomatic and you tested negative, take two more tests at 48-hour intervals.Based on new research, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now advising anyone who gets a negative result on an at-home COVID test to perform serial—or repeat—testing. This ensures that a SARS-CoV-2 infection does not go undetected, whether you’re symptomatic or not....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1812 words · Alyssa Schmitt

The FDA Would Like to Remind You It Has Not Approved Any Skin Tag Removers

Key Takeaways The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to select companies that are selling mole and skin tag removal products. The FDA shared in a press announcement that these products are in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. “There are no FDA-approved over-the-counter drug products for the removal of moles and skin tags,” the agency said in the release. Causes of Skin Tags and How to Prevent Them...

January 17, 2025 · 3 min · 624 words · Ryan Knight

The FDA’s Definition of ‘Healthy’ Is Getting an Upgrade

Key TakeawaysThe FDA plans to change its standards for which foods can be labeled as “healthy.”The proposal comes amid a shift in nutrition science toward encouraging a diet of balanced food groups, rather than focusing on the intake of a few specific certain nutrients.The FDA is also weighing whether to move nutrition labels to the front of food packaging. Key Takeaways The FDA plans to change its standards for which foods can be labeled as “healthy....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1655 words · Henry Walker

The First Drug to Treat Desmoid Tumors Is Here

Key Takeaways Desmoid tumorsare a rare type of connective-tissue tumor. Also known as aggressive fibromatosis or desmoid-type fibromatosis, these non-cancerous tumors typically affect people between 15 and 60 years old.The tumors are most often found in the abdomen, shoulders, upper arms, and thighs and can cause symptoms including pain, tingling, swelling, and decreased mobility, which can all affect daily functioning. Ogsiveo is a prescription medication taken twice daily as a tablet....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1582 words · Matthew Frank

The First National Standards for Face Masks Are Here

Key TakeawaysA major standards organization has issued guidelines for consumer face masks.ASTM International’s standards divide face coverings into two groups based on breathability and fit.Companies are not required to comply with the standards at this time. Key Takeaways A major standards organization has issued guidelines for consumer face masks.ASTM International’s standards divide face coverings into two groups based on breathability and fit.Companies are not required to comply with the standards at this time....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 916 words · Aaron Mcneil

The First Steps to Managing Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that impacts your digestive tract. While Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition, it doesn’t have to define your life. It can be managed with medication, mental health support, and other lifestyle changes. If you have just been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, this guide will help you navigate the first steps. It includes expert tips on managing stress, modifying your diet, selecting treatments, and understanding triggers....

January 17, 2025 · 2 min · 325 words · Adam Hernandez

The First Test for COVID and Flu Is Here. But It's Tricky to Get One

Key TakeawaysThe FDA recently authorized the first at-home diagnostic test that can identify both COVID-19 and the flu.At present, you can only purchase the test through the manufacturer’s website.By identifying whether you have COVID-19 or the flu, the test helps you determine which treatment you’ll need. Key Takeaways The FDA recently authorized the first at-home diagnostic test that can identify both COVID-19 and the flu.At present, you can only purchase the test through the manufacturer’s website....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1196 words · Brian Sparks

The First-Ever Guidelines for Daily Plant Compound Intake Are Here

Key TakeawaysFlavan-3-ols are plant compounds that help support many aspects of our health, including our hearts.For the first time, guidelines have been released detailing how many flavan-3-ols people should eat every day to reap the benefits.The best source of flavan-3-ols is black and green tea.Apples, cocoa, and berries also contain flavan-3-ols. Key Takeaways Flavan-3-ols are plant compounds that help support many aspects of our health, including our hearts.For the first time, guidelines have been released detailing how many flavan-3-ols people should eat every day to reap the benefits....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1116 words · George Bell

The Five Sections of the Brachial Plexus and Their Functions

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFive SectionsInjuriesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatment Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Five Sections Injuries Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Thebrachial plexusis a network of nerves that begins at the base of the neck, passes through the armpit (axilla), and extends into the arm. It originates from five spinal “roots”—C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1—which merge and then separate into five main nerve branches. These branches supply sensation and muscle control to the shoulders, arms, and hands....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1315 words · Kelli Hill