Observations

The sale of drugs over the Internet has grown rapidly in recent years. And consumers have received significant benefits from the sale of drugs online by reputable pharmacies. In addition, online prescription plans are being used by many managed health care organizations as a way to achieve cost savings and to provide quality service.

Prescription drug sales over the Internet can provide tremendous benefits to consumers. These benefits include

access to drugs for the disabled or otherwise homebound, for whom a trip to the pharmacy can be difficult
the convenience of shopping 24 hours a day for a wide selection of pharmaceutical products
privacy for those who don't want to discuss their medical needs in a public place.

But people who buy prescription drugs from an illegitimate site are at risk of suffering adverse events, some of which can be life-threatening. The FDA is concerned about the public health implications of Internet drug sales, and is developing and implementing risk-based strategies to protect the public health.

For more on how to safely buy drugs online, see our feature story titled "Use Caution Buying Medical Products Online."

The Public Health Service (PHS) traces its origins to an act of Congress in 1798 that created the Marine Hospital Service to care for sick and injured merchant seamen.

During the 19th century, as the understanding of medicine and public health shifted, the Marine Hospital Service assumed new duties and responsibilities, including the responsibility of conducting health inspections of newly arrived immigrants.

Renamed the Public Health Service in 1912, the service grew dramatically during the 20th century, taking on different tasks and marking new achievements. Controlling the spread of smallpox and yellow fever, providing health care to underserved groups, and supplying medical assistance during disasters are among the achievements of the PHS Commissioned Corps. For more on the world's largest public health program, see our feature story titled "A Medical Militia at the FDA."

Tinsel teeth. Metal mouth. Brace face. There was a time when a visit to the orthodontist could generate merciless teasing as well as straighter teeth. Today, braces are "cool" and even "fun," according to a survey of mothers whose children are having or have had orthodontic treatment.

The 2003 study, conducted for the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), found that 86 percent of the mothers thought braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent said that wearing braces made their children feel cool.

Lightweight materials and different color options make for a more fashionable, enjoyable experience. And braces aren't just for kids anymore. The AAO says that 1 million adults in the United States and Canada currently are undergoing orthodontic care. For more on the latest on braces, see our cover story, titled "Straight Talk on Braces."

We also take a look at the use of antidepressants in children, a new report on the increasing problem of osteoporosis in the United States, and the continuing efforts to obtain flu vaccine for Americans at risk.

Ray Formanek Jr.
Editor

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