The most common form of treatment for depression are the types of anti-depressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Now a study published in the January 22, 2007 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine indicates that the taking of SSRIs is associated with a doubled risk of bone fracture.

Daily use of SSRIs was associated with an increase in the number of falls. But it appears that the falls themselves are not the only culprit in the high rate of fracture. Patients taking SSRIs also had a lower bone mass density.

Daily use of antidepressants associated with increased risk of fracture in older adults

Getting your flu shot may not only help you avoid suffering from a bout of influenza but it may also reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Researchers say that when you reduce your risk of getting the flu, you also avoid the inflammatory effects in your heart’s arteries that can cause a heart attack.

Now an article in the journal Stroke says that the same may be true for stroke. According to the article, getting a flu shot cut the risk of stroke by nearly 60% for people aged 60 to 75.

This conclusion was based on a study of 90 survivors of stroke over age 60 compared with a control group. 56% of the control group had gotten a flu shot within five years compared to only 40% of the stroke group.

Human growth hormone has been marketed widely as an anti-aging treatment. Although the FDA has repeatedly taken regulatory action against certain distributors, unsubstantiated claims for HGH treatment continue to be made and it continues to be sold illegaly.

Now a Stanford University report published Tuesday in the Annals of Internal Medicine says that there is no proof that human growth hormone prevents aging but there is proof it can cause some serious side effects.

Use of human growth hormone could cause joint swelling and pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and increase your risk of developing diabetes. In studies, HGH did not increase bone density or lower cholesterol and use of HGH treatment resulted in an increase of less than 5 pounds of muscle mass and a decrease in the same amount of fat – results you could achieve through regular exercise.

HGH is prescribed by doctors for only two conditions: the wasting syndrome caused by AIDS and growth hormone deficiency.

For more information:

Researchers: No Proof That Human Growth Hormone Extends Life Span

Growth Hormone Schemes and Scams

Juanita Bland is 75 years old, disabled and lives in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. She was in her specially equipped van when the electric side door on the van became stuck open. She couldn’t get out of the van so she waved down a passing good samaritan.

The man helped her close the door and then asked for a ride. He seemed nice so she agreed and he rode with her for a few blocks before alighting and getting into a white sedan parked on the street. The man then drove off.

What Juanita didn’t know was the good samaritan she had given a lift to had just robbed a local bank branch.

“When I think back now of what could have happened, I feel blessed that I’m OK,” Bland said.

Juanita found out she was driving the getaway van when a friend called her. She had heard on the police scanner that the robber had gotten into Juanita’s van and worried that Juanita had been abducted.