TIPS ON SUPPLEMENTS
Some advice on how to protect yourself from dangerous or ineffective dietary supplements:
Do the claims for the product seem exaggerated or unrealistic? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Beware of products promoted primarily with personal anecdotes and testimonials. A legitimate product will have a body of published scientific research that supports its safety and effectiveness.
Ask a doctor or another trusted health professional about the product.
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Check with the Better Business Bureau or a local attorney general's office to see if complaints have been filed against the product or its manufacturer.
Talk to someone at an appropriate health professional group _ for example, the National Arthritis Foundation _ to find out if the product is legitimate.
Check on the FDA Web site if any actions have been taken against the product. Search "warning letters" or search for the company name or product name.
Five that drew warnings
The Food and Drug Administration in recent years has sent warning letters to numerous dietary supplement makers for making false, misleading or scientifically unsupported claims, or for mislabeling their products. Among the dietary supplements under fire:
Super Chitosan: Promised to "dramatically reduce fat absorption in the body."
H S Joy of Love: Claimed to "prevent blood vessel clotting and aging and completely improve weak body and sexual ability."
CellQuest: Promoted for "preventing ... abnormal cell divisions and growths which was known to weaken the immune system and cause disease."
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Coral Calcium Supreme: Marketed to treat cancer, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, fibromyalgia, high cholesterol, Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus and hypertension.
Neevo: Sold for the "distinct nutritional requirements" of pregnant women, implying that a normal or modified diet alone may not supply the nutrients they need.
What is apraxia?
Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by inability to carry out skilled movements, despite having the desire and physical ability to perform them. It can arise from many diseases or damage to the brain.
There are several kinds of apraxia, which may occur alone or together. If mild, apraxia is called "dyspraxia." Verbal apraxia is difficulty coordinating mouth and speech movements.
Generally, treatment for individuals with apraxia includes physical, speech, or occupational therapy. If apraxia is a symptom of another disorder, the underlying disorder should be treated.
SOURCE: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health
