New Electronic Drug Labels
The Food and Drug Administration has begun requiring drug manufacturers to submit prescription drug label information in a new electronic format. The new labels are the key element and primary source of medication information for “DailyMed,” a new interagency online health information clearinghouse that provides the most up-to-date medication information free to consumers, physicians, and others. For more information, visit
Autism Resource Launched
The nonprofit organization Autism Speaks has launched a new Web site, offering resources for those directly affected by the disorder. The site offers information for two different audiences: families who want to learn more about autism and people who would like to become involved with the autism community. To access the site, visit
Campaign Targets Childhood Obesity
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Advertising Council have launched a campaign, “Can Your Food Do That?” to encourage healthy eating and physical activity among children. Along with television and Web ads, the campaign includes the “kids” section of the Web site,
Resources for Pediatric GERD
GlaxoSmithKline has launched a pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease awareness initiative that includes a tool for recording a child's symptoms and an educational Web site. The Reflux Recorder can be obtained by visiting
Comparing Health Plans
The National Committee for Quality Assurance has added summary comparative scores to its online “Living with Illness” reports, to help users better compare how health plans help patients manage diabetes, cardiac care, asthma, and mental illness. To see a sample report, visit
HPV and Cancer Guide
The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals has released “A Woman's Guide to Understanding HPV and Cervical Cancer.” The guide can be downloaded by visiting
www.arhp.org/womansguidehpv_en
www.arhp.org/womansguidehpv_sp
Dietary Guidelines Explained
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released “A Healthier You.” It is based on the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005” and is intended to help Americans interpret the newest dietary and physical activity recommendations. The book offers simple steps for healthy living, drawn from advice contained in the guidelines. The book is available for purchase ($12.95) from the Government Printing Office by visiting