Heart(y) News, April 9

The US National Start! Walking Day started this week on Wednesday, April 7. Starting is easy: what about taking a 30-minute walk around your workplace? What about taking the stairs rather than the lift? We will bring some more details about Start! Walking Day next week. In the meantime, take note that you can start anytime, anywhere. Make each day a walking day!

World Heath Day Statement by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius
Secretary Sebelius issued a statement supporting the World Health Day initiative and the World Health Organization. According to Sebelius, the 2010 theme “Urbanization and Health: Urban Health Matters” also applies to the US where 80% of the population lives in cities.

FDA Approves First Generic Versions of Two Drugs for the Treatment of Hypertension
Two popular anti-hypertension drugs are now available as generics. A generic form of Cozaar (losartan) has just been approved by the US FDA. A generic oral tablet containing losartan plus hydrochlorothiazide (marketed as Hyzaar) has also been approved. The safety warnings are applicable to the generic versions, including a boxed warning for pregnant women.

04-07-2010 – Radio Series – Comparing Blood Pressure Medicines
In an audio cast, the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) gives consumers information about the benefits, safety, and costs of anti-hypertension drugs. AHRQ Head Dr. Carolyn Clancy explains how an AHRQ describes two types of blood pressure pills:
Two common medicines, ACE inhibitors and ARBs, work by relaxing the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. Finding the right drug for you depends on balancing the benefits, side effects and costs. AHRQ’s guide has this type of information. So it can help you clarify your choices. Then you and your doctor can decide which treatment is best for you.

The guide “Comparing Two Kinds of Blood Pressure Pills” is available online at effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov

Caution on Zyprexa for Adolescents
Zyprexa (olanzapine) is a medication used for the management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Zyprexa is approved only for patients at least 13 years of age. The US FDA, however issued a warning about certain side effects of the drug in adolescents older than 13. These patients have a higher likelihood to gain more weight and experience sedation than adults and have greater increases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, prolactin, and hepatic transaminase levels.

Healthy Soul Food Recipes (PTES 2010)
The 2010 Healthy Soul Food Recipes magazine cookbook recommended by the American Heart Association will soon be hitting the shelves. A couple of sample recipes are available at the AHA website.