Strattera gets black box warning

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a controversial disease and almost all medications for it have been found to have serious side effects. Adderall, a highly popular drug, was recalled in Canada, though Health Canada later on changed its decision. The main reason was that the drug was found to be linked to higher incidence of suicide among children.

Now another popular drug Strattera will carry a black box warning. FDA is advising health care providers and caregivers that children and adolescents being treated with Strattera should be closely monitored for clinical worsening, as well as agitation, irritability, suicidal thinking or behaviors, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of therapy or when the dose is changed (either increased or decreased).

Strattera, manufactured by Eli Lilly, has been on the market since 2002 and has been used in more than two million patients. FDA is currently reviewing all other drugs for ADHD treatment, including Ritalin and Concerta, for adverse side effects.

Implants not a problem for women having breast reconstruction surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery for mastectomy patients is a difficult decision to make particularly with the fear in the past that it may hurt them in the future. However, according to latest research, women interested in immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy should not worry that their implants could cause, hinder detection of, or affect treatment of cancer recurrence. (Related article: It is possible to detect cancer risk at the time of breast reduction surgery)

"We are pleased to report that treating breast cancer recurrence rarely requires the removal of patients' implants," says Dr. Andrea Pusic, a co-author of the study. "This is reassuring information for women who choose to have implant-based breast reconstruction."

During 2004, almost 63,000 Amnerican women had breast reconstruction after mastectomy, according to ASPS statistics. The American Cancer Society estimates 211,240 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur in 2005 among women in the United States and more than 40,000 women will die from the disease.

Related article: Breast reduction may be covered by insurance

Detecting breast cancer while having plastic surgery

New research suggests that breast reduction patients may be more susceptible to breast cancer due to abnormal pathologies. The researchers also found that it was more cost effective to screen breast reduction patients of all ages, not just those over 40, the age when routine screening mammography is recommended.

But in a cost-conscious health system like that in the United States, it is not easy for a plastic surgeons to have the tissues tested for abnormalities without going through the nightmare of dealing with an insurance company that is not interested in paying for the test.

So if you are having breast reduction surgery, you might want to have the tissue examined for potential problems with cancer. It costs approximately $380 and if your insurance company is mean enough to deny it to you, it is not a bad idea to pay for it yourself.

Breast cancer is 90 percent curable when discovered early. An estimated 211,240 new invasive cases of breast cancer are expected to occur in 2005 among women in the United States, according to the ACS. This year, more than 40,000 women are expected to die from the disease.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher marry

As early as Friday we were discussing the case of a young man who told us that when he says he likes older women he means it. Well, Ashton Kutcher definitely meant it when he got into a relationship with Demi Moore who at 42 is 15 years his senior and has been married twice before and has three kids from previous marriage with Bruce Willis. According to reports leaking out, the couple got married yesterday.

While there are other such couples - mature women with younger men - this is probably the first high profile marriage.

The other point to note here is that Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and Ashton Kutcher along with the three children are one big happy "family." In other words, divorces, separations, and breakups do not have to be all about bitterness.

Related article: Challenges of dating mature women

Men who like older women actually mean it

As we have pointed out in a series of articles on older women and younger men, the trend is not limited to just celebrities (think Demi Moore dating Ashton Kutcheror Janice Dickinson dating Tommy Fry).

Recently we received an email from Howard, a 27-year old man, who is not interested in mature women because he is "loser" but because he genuinely likes them. "I find it very refreshing to hear of an older woman who knows she is more sexy than the bumbling 20 something out there. I have always been attracted to older women and find them more erotic than younger women. I would like to say I hope your messages reach more women who are in denial of the idea that younger men are very much attracted to them."

Indeed, we do run into women who want to avoid a relationship with a younger man either because they don't believe it is real or they are too shy to face the world with a younger man on the side.

Recommended article: Challenges of dating a younger man

Try henna if worried about metals in tattoo inks

People who have tattoos may have something to think about - presence of dangerous levels of heavy metals in inks and pigments (including lead, arsenic, chromium, etc.)

While tattoos are popular worldwide, according to statistics collected by The American Environmental Safety Institute, as many as 40 million Americans have at least one tattoo. The reasons are varied. In a Harris poll, one out of three say that having a tattoo makes them feel sexier, with 42% of women as compared to 25% of men making this observation. A similar number said that their tattoos made them feel more rebellious, while 26% felt the tattoo made them feel more attractive.

A California Superior Court judge, citing health risks of lead and arsenic in tattoo inks, has ordered two major tattoo-ink manufacturers to carry warning labels in only that state. This warning may not be seen to products available in other states but is clearly something to think about as you make up your mind about getting a tattoo.

What about alternatives?

The latest fashion craze is to have henna tattoos - they are not permanent, but being 100% natural, they have essentially no side risks. Plus, if you want to try a new pattern, all you need to do is to wait for the previous pattern to disappear naturally (usually one to four weeks depending on the menhdi used, your skin color, how often you shower, how much exposure the tattoo gets to sun, and what type of soap you use).

Related article: Henna tattoos steps and styles

China gets its own The Swan plastic surgery reality TV

While "The Swan" - the Fox TV reality program that transformed not-so-pretty women into swans has not returned and its creator Nely Galan lying low these days, the Chinese viewers now have their own version of the program, according to China News. The program is called "Angels Love Beauty."

The program follows the same process as The Swan though the winner receives an education scholarship as well unlike the American program in which they received mostly goodies from corporations.

Plastic surgery is more affordable now and many people are going overseas for plastic surgery. The Chinese prefer South Korea for their operations. In a country with very high savings rate, financing of plastic surgery is less of an issue.

Related article: Makeup versus plastic surgery

Puerto Ricans sue Merck over Vioxx deaths

As previously reported on eCreativa Online Media Updates, a group of family members of 18 Puerto Ricans who died after taking Vioxx have filed a class action lawsuit against Merck over the recall of painkiller Vioxx. The victims are being helped by a consumer rights group Consejo de Latinos Unidos. The FDA estimates that as many as 60,000 Americans are dead after taking the drug.

Since the recall of Vioxx last year, Vioxx litigation has progressed slowly. There is a trial in progress right now in Atlantic City and one case was decided in favor of the plaintiff Carol Ernst in Angleton, Texas. The federal trial is expected to start in November this year in Houston.

Apart from misleading most Vioxx patients about the risks of the painkiller, the Spanish speakers are accusing Merck of ignoring them even more by not providing even basic information in the language - something that was available to English speakers. Vioxx (sold as Ceoxx in some countries) was sold worldwide before being pulled.

Recommended article: Non English speakers not told of Vioxx dangers

Mystery surrounds Renée Zellweger and Kenny Chesney divorce

While Renée Zellweger and Kenny Chesney have announced that they want an annulment, there is no word yet on what led to this shocking decision. The term used in the documents is "fraud" but that has only led to a barrage of rumors.

We have noticed two major themes emerging in the media. One is that Chesney was just not dedicating enough time to the relationship due to his hugely successful music career. And the other is that Zellweger wanted to have babies and Chesney did not (which sort of ties in well with the other reason).

So does it mean that if you do not pay enough attention to the relationship and do not want to have children, you are committing fraud on your spouse?

Related article: Tori Spelling and Charlie Shanian end their marriage

How to find Japanese men?

Linda has a dilemma that we all seem to have in one form or the other. How do we find that special someone? That quest can become even more challenging when you move away from the typical "SWF seeks a SWM for a long-term relationship." Belonging to a very small group of western women, she wants to find a Japanese man.

"I have noticed several articles about Western women trying to find Japanese men but no actual advice on how and where to find them. All services appear to be tailored for Japanese women and Western men but never the opposite! Are there omiai companies or marriage bureaux that cater to Western women or will at least seriously accept them as customers? Is there some sort of internet resource which can be useful? There certainly are Japanese men looking for Western women but where and how do they look for them? There must be some resource that is more efficient than simply waiting to meet someone by chance or through personal introductions," she asks.

Indeed, most services target western (read American, or should we say, Caucasian) men who are interested in Japanese men. But some enterprising websites are focusing on dating Japanese men. What that means is that apart from seeking help from personal friends and hoping to meet someone by chance, if you want to take charge of your dating effort, you will need to sign up with a few websites. We personally recommend that you start off with three websites (after careful screening) and try for at least three months.

Regarding marriage agencies, TMA is the one that we have personally dealt with and they are very good. But as we have always said to our readers, hunters go where the deer is. If you want to find Japanese men, you have to be in Japan.

Recommended article: How to find a Japanese boyfriend

More women try lesbian relationships

One in ten women (in the 18-44 age group) have experimented with a lesbian relationship. This finding is being reported after the US government completed the National Survey of Family Growth. And this number has tripled during the last ten years when only 4% of the women said the same thing about being bisexual.

While this may scandalize the opponents of such behavior, it also shows that young American women are more open minded. That is evident from the fact that among women in their late teens and 20s, as many as 14% women have had at least one same-sex encounter.

Our research has shown that a lot more women would try to take a crack at a lesbian relationship provided they knew how to find one or could gather the courage to approach another woman. Women are looking for a more discreet relationship if they are otherwise in a heterosexual relationship or want to be perceived that way," says Pierre Coda.

Recommended article: How to make a woman interested in you?

Teri Hatcher likes a man to shave her legs

"A good shave is sexy - so clean and smooth. I have never had a man shave my legs, but I'd be willing to try it," says the Desperate Housewife Teri Hatcher in an interview. In fact in the accompanying picture, Hatcher is sitting in an old-fashioned barber shop and a very old man is shaving her legs.

Indeed, hair trimming should be an activity for couples, particularly for private parts. That also includes bikini and underarm shaving too.

Related articles: Brazilian bikini wax and hair removal by sugaring

Kristen Davis likes to go braless

Kristen Davis thinks that the pinup girls of the 70s were the sex symbols that she looks up to. When asked what did she found sexy about them, she says, "...had long hair, sun-kissed skin and flowing clothes. They usually went braless - it was the sexual revolution - and had relaxed quality I love."

So we asked our model Isadora Marshall to recreate the perfect outfit without a bra. She has a sheer dress on that hides just the right spot but leaves nothing else to imagination.

Mind you though that she has create a look that does not look cheap or slutty. She still looks like a lady but clearly looks quite dashing.

Recommended article: Lingerie for women with small breasts

Makeup versus plastic surgery

Now Jamie Lee Curtis may have gone too far when she said that women who have plastic surgery look like aliens, Joan Collins, the veteran actress who still looks very attractive at 72, is joining Curtis in the criticizm. She actually calls these women "chipmunks."

So what is the secret to her beauty? Makeup, she says. According to her, layers of makeup protects her skin from damage from the sun and makes her look good. Dr. Perricone recommends the same.

Collins' philosophy is to look good rather than young - not something that plastic surgeons emphasize. So she even criticizes women who get Botox injections. "I think Botox is poison," she says.

Recommended article: Style to look younger

Google offers blog search; no need to buy Technorati

While our friends at iProceed were suggesting that Google should buy Technorati to be able to provide blog search, it seems that the company has decided to do it on its own. Google Blog Search will literally search every blog that it can find.

So we did a quick search today and let us simply say that it is a good start. It is in no way as good as Technorati or any of the other blog indexing engines. Plus, Google will need to work really hard over next couple of months to index all the content that is out there in blogs though we know for sure that a lot of that content is available in the regular Google index.

Now Yahoo has been doing this for a while and so have several other search engines. MSN indexes blogs as web pages. But since Yahoo is otherwise such a bad search engine and we really do not think that apart from MSN and Google, there is anyone else to worry about. Losers like AOL or Ask Jeeves or dozens of other useless search engines are such a waste of resources.

This move by Google clearly shows that the company is strengthening its business model each day and is a really tough competitor to Microsoft.

Mandy Moore suggests letting the bra peek

Mandy Moore was recently asked about what is sexy in an interview and photo shoot with In Style. "When you catch just a hint of a lace La Perla bra peeking from a under a shirt...that's sexy," she answered.

In fact we have been saying that for a while that women should let their bra show particularly if you really want to catch someone's attention.

So we asked our model Isadora Marshall to put together an outfit showing how do you let your bra show without looking slutty or tacky and this is what she came up with.

She wore a shirt and left a few buttons undone and when she bends to write something down, you get to see a beautiful baby blue bra with purple ribbons. Creates a very seductive pose. The shirt is from Banana Republic while the bra is from Victoria's Secret.

You have to be careful about the situation but we are assuming that in this case, your boss would not fire you for inappropriate dress.

Vioxx launch and recall timeline

Debbie sent an email asking, "Is it possible to provide a timeline for me in regards to the Vioxx case such as when did people start dying and when did Merck know?"

A rather simple answer to your question will be answered by this one comprehensive article that we wrote on history of Vioxx and its recall. We did another article on Cox-2 inhibitors and that too takes a look at the sequence of events with regards to Vioxx.

I don't think anyone knows when people started to die since that information has not been documented yet, but I am sure that lawyers will do that as more cases get filed. The FDA has done a statistical analysis of number of deaths but that report does not include who died and when.

Some recent reports indicate that Merck may have known as early as 2000 that Vioxx was dangerous.

Recommended link: Vioxx litigation update

Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher role models for relationship after divorce

Generally speaking a divorce means lot of bitterness, fights, mean talk, and a desire to never see each other again. How is it that a couple that vowed to stay together till death can hate each other so much?

But let us take a look at Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Not only are two deeply and madly in love, they are also talking about having a baby. But what is even more remarkable is how Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, and Ashton Kutcher get along. In fact, now Willis and Kutcher are all set to star together in "That 70s Show."

Indeed some people will do terrible things before a divorce, but if you can, please stay civil. Life is too short for so much bitterness.

Lingerie for teenagers

We often share tips that our readers send to us. Stephanie B from Alabama wrote to us this past weekend.

"Recently, l.e.i. has come out with a line of underwear. Mostly, the l.e.i. line is geared toward young teens. This means that the bras are fitted to a smaller frame and smaller chest size. I find that the bras are extremely cute and fun (and they create some pretty good cleaveage), though you won't find any super-sexy lingerie. Beware if you have a rounded backside, though. You will have to buy a large in the panties to match, since the young girls these panties are made for have not yet developed the hips that we mature ladies have. You can get l.e.i at several locations, just check out their website. However, here are a few places that I have personally found the underwear: JCPenney, Burke's Outlet, and the BX/PX (for those in the military). I grab this brand wherever I can find it."

Thanks Stephanie and if you have a tip that you want to share with us, please contact us.

Life begins at forty for women

Indeed, 40s are the new 30s. As the society ages in most of the developed world, women no longer feel the way they used to 20-30 years ago. According to a recent survey by Health Plus, women have the best sex of their life after they are 40. No wonder these women take better care of themselves and look much younger after 40. In fact a new term "bodacious boomers" is being used to describe such women.

Some more statistics show how they are enjoying life. 70% think about sex every day and 26% '2 or 3 times a day. And they don't just enjoy making-love in the 'bedroom' - they make-love 'in the lounge' (61%), 'the bathroom' (28%), 'the kitchen' (16%), 'the car' (16%), 'the garden' (12%) and 'on the stairs' (9%).

Recommended article: Seduction techniques for couples

Go abroad my friend for plastic surgery

It appears that at the rate at which British women are having plastic surgery, they will soon leave their American and Colombian sisters behind. Right now, cosmetic surgery is the fastest growing segment of the private healthcare market, according to BBC. It seems that almost all women who can afford it in the UK are interested in some kind of plastic surgery, but more specifically breast augmentation.

And if you thought that this is great news for British surgeons, forget it. Like Americans who want to have plastic surgery overseas to save money, the British do the same. Belgium and Spain are two popular destinations but these women are also going to places like Budapest, Hungary, and some as far as India and Thailand.

So those lipotourism travel agents that you hear about are actually quite busy these days not just in the US but UK as well.

Recommended link: What should you keep in mind when you have plastic surgery abroad?

Plastic surgery is not a big deal any more

In just a few years, cosmetic surgery has become mainstream. No more reasons to feel embarrassed about having a procedure. In fact, according a survey of British women by BUPA, over 80 percent of women believe cosmetic surgery is perfectly acceptable these days, with 1 in 4 of the 18-40 year old women surveyed saying they would have, or have had, some sort of procedure.

Of those who said they would consider surgery, just under two thirds (59 percent) said they would not be embarrassed to talk about it and over half said they would have more than one enhancement. 15 percent said they would get a loan to cover the cost, and five percent said they would use their credit card with the bulk of respondents saying they would save up. In the meantime, surgeons in the UK are protesting that plastic surgery giveaway is not a good idea.

So who would they like to look like?

Jennifer Aniston. And for all those of you who expected Angelina Jolie, no reason to be too disappointed. She came in a close second. Other popular celebrities were Kelly Brooke and Kate Winslet, both very curvaceous women.

There was not much difference in what procedures British women want: tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and liposuction. Other interesting findings: more divorced than single women want plastic surgery.

New cell phone with iTunes available now

Finally a cell phone that lets you listen to music while you ignore those nasty phone calls from your boss or ex-boyfriend or whoever...Today Apple, Mototorola, and Cingular Wireless have launched a mobile phone with iTunes already built in.

So what can you do with Motorola ROKR (some are even calling it as an iPhone as an abbreviated version of iTunes phone)? Apart from making phone calls, of course, you can transfer up to 100 songs. It has a color display for viewing album art and features built-in dual-stereo speakers, as well as stereo headphones that also serve as a mobile headset with microphone.

You can randomly autofill or manually fill the mobile phone with playlists from your favorite music, audiobooks and Podcasts from your iTunes library via a USB connection. And just in case you want to answer that very important person in your life, the phone pauses music automatically when you take a call and offers the ability to listen to music while messaging with friends or snapping a photo.

Related article: A cell phone as a gift

I like older men

Sarah writes to us, "I love older men. Not only are they sexier because they're more comfortable with their bodies; an older man won't base all of the relationship on what happens in the bedroom."

So true! In our research we have found that not only are couples exploring relationships with big age gaps, they are also finding fulfilling relationships. In fact, Hollywood is responding to the trend by featuring what are sometimes called as Bodacious boomers in their movies.

Recommended article: Fun of dating a younger man or woman

Gossips hurt relationships and cause pain

Beth is a member of a Beta Sigma Phi at a university in Canada. "I was recently made aware of a horrible and hurtful rumor that is circulating about me. I am wondering if I should confront the group as a whole, as I know it has come from there, but not certain who. If I should stop going to group altogether if this is what it has turned into. Or if I should present some information that I have on the dangers of gossip within a group setting. What do you think?" she asks us.

Generally what we have found from our past experiencing helping people deal with rumors is that the more you try to defend yourself the more the gossip will grow. However, if the rumor is baseless (and that happens to be the case here), it will just die since there is no substance for it thrive. You should, however, take it up as a general issue in an appropriate setting like a formal meeting - that to maintain the integrity of the group and not to alienate members, it is not a good idea to spread rumors or to start gossips.

Unfortunately, some people love to gossip and the more you confront them the meaner they get. A guy once wrote to us and he said, "The lion just moves about his business because he is the king. Dogs bark in the jungle when he moves but he just goes on because he knows who the king is and so does everyone else." So feel like a queen and ignore the bitches.

Looks as if Beth agrees. "Thank you very much. This was great advice and it was great to wake up this morning and read this. I will have a better day today than before. And yes, I will ignore 'the bitches.' hee! hee!" She wrote back.

Related article: How to handle gossip?

Sexy pic for today

Our photo of the hot woman for today is our very own model Isadora Marshall. The photo spread essentially proves that you don't have to be a teenager to dress up as a schoolgirl.

Find out value of home for free

A common question that homeowners need to answer is the value of their home. There are always estimates published but they don't tell you much about your property. Plus, you watch a lot of TV ads asking you to visit a website to find out the value of your home for FREE. But once you go there, you realize that those websites are run indirectly by realtors or banks or someone else who wants all your details so that they can bombard you with SPAM or telemarketing calls or direct mail.

Here is how to find out an estimated value of your home using government data. The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO), an independent entity within the Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains a database of home prices and you can check the value of your home by visiting this page.

Other useful articles

How to buy/sell home without a real estate agent

How to refinance without any pain?

Home improvement and remodeling tips

How to create a home office

Bathroom decorations

How to hire a contractor for home improvement

How to redecorate your bedroom

Teenagers can now grow faster with Increlex from Tercica

Teenage years are difficult times since growth patterns vary widely during that period. As teenagers find it difficult to grasp the simple fact that not everyone grows at the same pace or in similar fashion, they often go through depression. It is very common for both boys and girls to compare their bodies against one another. Therefore, loss of self esteem during those years is a major challenge.

A recent study by Alison Field of Harvard Medical School shows that nearly a third of adolescent and pre-adolescent boys and girls want to change their body image. Teens are increasingly turning to supplements to enhance their appearance and the users appear to be heavily influenced by the media. The most commonly used products were protein powders and shakes. Others, used predominantly by boys, included creatine, amino acids, the amino-acid metabolite HMB, the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), growth hormone (GH), and anabolic steroids.

Now there may be another option for teens suffering from short stature. Tercica, a biotech company, has been granted permission by the FDA to sell Increlex - a drug that provides long-term treatment of growth failure in children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (Primary IGFD) or with GH gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to growth hormone.

Children with severe Primary IGFD have height and serum IGF-1 levels that are more than three standard deviations below normal. They are not growth hormone deficient, and, because they are resistant to the effects of growth hormone, they cannot be expected to respond adequately to growth hormone therapy. In both children and adults, severe Primary IGFD can lead to a range of other metabolic disorders including lipid abnormalities, decreased bone density, obesity, and insulin resistance.

Recommended article: How to project the right body image?