FDA Consumer Magazine -- July/August 1994
Table of Contents

Alternatives to Regular Blood Transfusions
A growing number of alternatives to regular blood transfusions enables patients to feel safer and in some cases lessen the need for transfusion. Such alternatives include a new drug to stem bleeding in heart surgery.

The New Food Label: Making it Easier to Shed Pounds
In the past, diet-conscious consumers couldn't always count on the food label to give complete nutrition information. Now that's changing.

On the Teen Scene: Correcting the Curved Spine of Scoliosis
Scoliosis affects a small percentage of teens, and if mild is usually nothing to worry about. But severe spinal curves require prompt treatment, sometimes involving a body brace.

Candy: How Sweet It Is!
Confections may not offer much more nutritionally than calories, yet most of us crave them still. Do we dare to eat a chocolate bar? Are there any special dangers for children? The answers may surprise you.

Testing Drugs in People
The law requires controlled human trials to prove effectiveness before FDA can approve a drug. Knowing the ins and outs of this process can help you understand the reasons for some FDA decisions and might even help you fight serious disease.

(Hypertext updated by clb March 17, 1998)