Diabetic health may be on an upswing. The American Diabetes Association published a study Tuesday that showed 40% fewer diabetic adults died from heart attacks in the US between 1997 and 2006 and overall mortality fell by 23%. This is in spite of a condition that is becoming increasingly common – a study published in the May 21 edition of Pediatrics showed that 15% of American teens are now considered pre-diabetic or diabetic. This is in addition to the 35% of adults the Centers for Disease Control puts in the same category. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the US.
Former NFL Quarterback Ray Lucas has taken his opioid addiction public. The one-time Jet and Dolphin teammate discussed his addiction with the New York Times May 12 and is working with Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals to drive traffic to the site Turntohelp.com. The website has a test for caregivers or patients and includes a find-a-doctor directory. Lucas told the Times he became addicted to painkillers after undergoing surgery. The article in the Times and a promotional piece by the NFL note that the former athlete does not blame the sport for his addiction.
