Re-election Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas LET’S KEEP MISSION IN GOOD HANDS. Leadership • Results
Political ad paid for by the candidate, 500 E. 9th Street, Mission TX.
VOL. I, NO. 46
|
Inside
NEW TREATMENTS MAY BOOST PANCREATIC CANCER ODDS
GET A TAN WITH COFFEE AND CREAM! PG.7
P.2
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018
|
RGVTIMES.COM
FREE
2
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
Gov. Abbott Announces School Safety Plan, Proposed Gun Law Changes After Santa Fe Shooting Emma Platoff and Brandon Formby, The Texas Tribune
DALLAS — Less than two weeks after 10 people were killed in a southeast Texas school shooting, Gov. Greg Abbott laid out a wide-ranging school safety plan — including programs for mental health screenings, expanded school protections and even a few, narrow measures regulating gun usage — and left the door open to calling lawmakers back to Austin to pass some of those priorities. “If there is consensus on some laws that could be passed, I am open to calling [a special session],” Abbott said. Many of the proposals Abbott laid out would require legislative approval, meaning a special session of the Texas Legislature would be necessary to implement them before the next school year starts in August. Some will likely be studied in a new Senate committee on school violence and security, which Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick charged Wednesday with addressing Abbott’s ideas by the first week of August. Perhaps the most surprising movement from the NRA-backed governor was on the issue of red-flag laws, measures that exist in a handful of states allowing judges to temporarily seize an individual’s firearms if that person is considered an imminent threat. Without explicitly endorsing such a measure, Abbott asked state lawmakers to “consider the merits of adopting a red flag law” while “maintaining the highest standards of due process.” Consideration of a “red flag” law is the first charge that House Speaker Joe Straus gave to the lower chamber’s Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence. Straus said he will ask the group to consider other measures aimed at bolstering school safety in the coming days. Abbott also addressed the issue of gun storage, recommending that Texas promote but not mandate safe storage practices like locking away
guns while they’re not in use. Eleven states require gun-owners to proactively store their guns under lock and key in at least some circumstances; in dozens of other states, Texas among them, gun owners can be held legally accountable if minors access their firearms. That’s what happened, authorities say, in the case of Santa Fe shooter suspect Dimitrios Pagourtzis, the 17-year-old Santa Fe High School junior who used his father’s guns in his rampage. But his family can’t be held liable under Texas’ child-access prevention law because it only applies to children under 17. Abbott on Wednesday proposed raising that bar to include 17-year-olds, which would bring Texas in line with more than a dozen states whose comparable law includes minors under 18 years of age. Abbott’s proposals drew expected scoffs from some of his Democratic counterweights, with a condemnation from Lupe Valdez, the Democrat running against him for governor this fall, who said “it is clear that under this leadership we won’t see nearly enough of the changes we need.” Still, the plan won what is perhaps surprising praise from groups and politicians who are often Abbott’s adversaries. State Rep. Chris Turner, the Grand Prairie Democrat who chairs his party’s House caucus, said he and his colleagues “support many of the ideas that Gov. Abbott laid out today.” And Texas Gun Sense Vice President Ed Scruggs said the proposal represents the most movement he’s seen on gun violence issues in Texas in decades. At the heart of the governor’s proposal is “hardening” schools like Santa Fe as targets, both by guarding them with increased police presence and by persuading more school districts to join existing state programs for arming school staff. Abbott proposed several pages’ worth of revisions to Texas’ School Marshal Program, one of two such systems that combine to arm teachers in more than 170 of Texas’ 1,000-plus school districts. Schools should not be required to join such programs, Abbott said, but
he did propose that the state pay for training for it this summer to ease the burden on individual districts. The Texas State Teachers Association “strongly [objected]” to that idea in particular. “Teachers are trained to teach and to nurture, not double up as security guards,” TSTA President Noel Candelaria said in a statement. Santa Fe ISD, in fact, had already approved the School Marshal Program, but had not yet implemented it. That program currently allows trained school personnel, whose identities are kept private to all but a few local officials, to carry weapons on campus. Abbott proposed streamlining the training course — currently a “burdensome” 80 hours — and eliminating a restriction that currently requires marshals who directly interact with students to keep their guns under
lock and key. “When an active shooter situation arises, the difference between life and death can be a matter of seconds,” Abbott said. “Trained security personnel can make all the difference.” The governor also placed heavy emphasis on “preventing threats in advance,” largely through expanded mental health screening programs and on-campus counseling. Abbott also proposed expanding a mental health screening program already operated through the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He said he hopes to “eventually” make that program — currently operational in 10 school districts — a statewide system, and said he recommends Texas fund it with $20 million. “One of the best things that could come out of this is if we have these discussions more often,” Scruggs said.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
Crystal Pacheco shares her Student Heroes Award with her first-grade classmates at Monte Cristo Elementary School.
Edinburg CISD First-grader Receives State Student Heroes Award Student’s unselfish letter reached giving person.” The award recognizes Texas public more than 71 million people school students who have demonworldwide in a single day. The State Board of Education (SBOE) last month honored Monte Cristo Elementary School first-grader Crystal Pacheco as this year’s recipient of the Student Heroes Award. In December, Crystal wrote a letter to Santa Claus, asking for a ball for her brothers, food for the family, and a blanket for a brother who had been hospitalized. Crystal’s teacher and principal shared her story on social media, which went viral on the Internet; at its highest point reaching more than 71 million people worldwide in a single day. “I’m excited and happy,” said Crystal, shortly after receiving the award during a special ceremony in front of her teacher and classmates in the school’s library. “Crystal was so willing to do for others and put others ahead of herself and that’s what this award is all about,” said Marisa Perez-Diaz, member of the State Board of Education, District 3, who presented the award to Crystal. “This award is about setting an example of what it is to be a
strated inspiring acts of kindness and compassion. One student from each of the 15 SBOE districts is recognized for this award. “Crystal Pacheco exemplifies the type of students that we have at Edinburg CISD, and we are very proud of her and her family,” said ECISD Superintendent Dr. René Gutiérrez. “Back in December, her letter touched many people and helped to make a difference in a lot of children’s lives.” Crystal’s unselfish letter launched a blanket drive that ultimately raised more than 1,700 blankets, enough to provide two blankets to every child at her school. “This award reminds us that a good and caring nature most represents our Texas children,” said Donna Bahorich, SBOE chair. “These award recipients saw a need and committed to bold action on behalf of others, often engaging their fellow classmates in the effort. They each in their own way have made a profound difference. Their schools and communities are better for their work.”
3
4
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
‘Night Of Adventures’ At The Museum Of South Texas History June 14
Imagine a time where great flocks of mammoths grazed on the prairies of South Texas. How would the first peoples have hunted these great beasts? Or what if you were with Colonel José de Escandon on his survey of the Rio Grande? How would life change for your family in a new land with different people? Experience elements of these time periods during Summer Nights at the Museum on Thursday, June 14, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Museum of South Texas History. The museum will be filled with demonstrators dressed in interpretative and reproduction clothing, and the exhibits will include fun hands-on activities that encourage children and families to imagine living in South Texas and northeastern Mexico hundreds and thousands of years ago. A scavenger hunt will guide your family to activities such as hunting mammoths, digging through an archaeological pit, creating native rhythms, learning the survival skills of Coahuiltecans, packing Spanish
A father and son learn about the maps once used to survey the borderlands of South Texas and northeastern Mexico. treasure chests, knot tying, building a casa mayor fort, making tortillas and learning which items were traded in and out of South Texas and northeastern Mexico. Chil-
dren who successfully complete the scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing for a prize that includes items from the Museum Store and a certificate for a free kid’s meal
from Raising Cane’s Chicken. To quench your thirst from the night’s adventures, free lemonade will be provided to guests by Raising Cane’s Chicken. And, make sure you fuel up for the night’s adventures with a brisket sandwich from Q’in It Up BBQ, which will park its food truck on the museum’s parking lot. And, this year, discover a new adventure with the museum’s puppets! The “True Tale of San Juan de Carricitos” puppet show engages the audience through participatory activities. Enjoy the story of José Narciso Cavazos Gonzalez who describes Spanish colonial life and the lands of South Texas and northeastern Mexico with Bright Eyes, a Tampacuas woman, who lives on the lands. Summer Nights at the Museum is a three-night series starting June 14 and will continue June 28 and July 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Children who attend and complete scavenger hunts for all three nights will be entered into a grand prize
drawing from the Museum Store. Bring the whole family for a night of adventures! Admission to Summer Nights at the Museum is the regular admission price, passes and coupons excluded: Adults (ages 18+) $7; seniors (ages 62+) and students with ID (13+) $5; children ages 4 to 12, $4; children ages 3 and under are free. As a participating museum in the Blue Star Museums, all active duty military personnel and up to five family members receive free admission to all three Summer Nights at the Museum. The Museum of South Texas History is located in downtown Edinburg at 200 N. Closner Blvd. on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square. Hours of operation are from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday. For more information about MOSTHistory, including becoming a FRIEND, visit MOSTHistory. org, like us on Facebook, follow on Twitter, find on Google+ or call (956)383-6911.
Hinojosa Announces Progress On Reconstruction Of 83/281 Interchange Project
Senator Juan J. Hinojosa announced that the Texas Transportation Commission (TxDOT) approved an agenda item authorizing the first step in the procurement process for the full reconstruction of the US 83/US 281 Interchange (Pharr Interchange) project. By authorizing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), TxDOT will now be accepting proposals from entities to enter into a design-build contract to reconstruct the Pharr Interchange. TxDOT had previously approved $150 million for this project. “This is a significant step forward for the reconstruction of the Pharr Interchange that will benefit the entire Rio Grande Valley region” Sen. Hinojosa said. “I appreciate the Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT leadership, and our local public officials for their tireless efforts in advocating for this project, which will now be a reality.”
Hinojosa add, “For too long, we have known that the initial design of the Pharr Interchange was not made for the growth we have experienced in the RGV, and created a big congestion problem in Hidalgo County. The Pharr Interchange is a key intersection that helps keep people and goods moving, and this project will not only address current congestion but will better prepare us for future growth. The reconstruction of this interchange will help the Texas economy and improve the quality of life for our RGV residents.” The Pharr Interchange Project will provide approximately 7.8 miles of non-tolled improvements along US 83 from just west of 2nd Street to just east of FM 2557 (S. Stewart Road) and US 281 from Nolana Loop to I-2 in McAllen, Pharr, and San Juan. The proposed improvements include the full reconstruction of the Pharr Interchange to include
two-lane direct connectors in all four directions. The US 83 general purpose lanes will be reconstructed and/ or widened from six to eight non-tolled general purpose lanes (four in each direction) from 2nd Street to the US 83/US 281 interchange, while operational improvements include the reconfiguration of main lane ramps and improvements to the approaches and departures to and from the direct connectors. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). He served as the Senate President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate in the 84th Texas Legislature and currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development, Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs and Transportation.
Branndon Roy Perez presented his proposal to a team of judges during the 2018 Guppy Tank Business Contest held May 23 in McAllen.
PSJA Elementary Student Places 2nd At ‘Guppy Tank’ Business Contest For innovative Idea PSJA ISD’s Livas Elementary student Branndon Roy Perez is now $250 closer to his goal of starting a small business after earning 2nd place in the local 2018 Guppy Tank Business Contest held May 23 in McAllen. The Guppy Tank contest, which is a take on the popular TV show Shark Tank, was organized by Watermill Express, the nation’s largest drive-up drinking water and ice company, as a way to challenge 4th through 8th grade students in the Rio Grande Valley to think cre-
atively about business ownership. The 4th grade student was one of only seven finalists selected to present his idea to a panel of judges on Wednesday. His business proposal, named “The Dugout,” is aimed to get more kids outside playing baseball through an equipment rental, trade-in and training program. As the 2nd place winner, Branndon not only gets to represent his school and PSJA ISD, but will receive a cash prize to jump start his proposal for his small business.
MOSTHistory To Offer Free Admission This Summer For Active Military Families
The Museum of South Texas History announces its participation in the ninth annual Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Active military families can enjoy free admission to the museum’s special events and presentations this summer, which include Story Time Tuesday, Summer Nights at the Museum and Sunday Speaker Series. Each event invites families to enjoy hands-on activities, storytelling and living history interpretations. For more information about the upcoming events at the museum, please call the museum at 956383-6911. “We are proud to join with so many throughout the United States to express our gratitude for the service of these families to our nation,” said Shan Rankin, the executive director of the Museum of South Texas History. “And, we look forward to sharing the museum and the activities planned for this summer with them!” “As many military families spend the summer months moving from one duty station to another, or reconnecting with a parent who has returned from deployment, Blue Star Museums helps service members and their families create memories,” said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet. “Blue Star Families has
5
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
I
E
E FR
M AD
ON
I SS
TH
great appreciation for the generosity of the museums across the country who roll out the red carpet for the families who serve alongside their service members. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers.” The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as Active Duty and Reservists, National Guardsman (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum. The Museum of South Texas History is located in downtown Edinburg at 200 N. Closner Blvd. on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square. Hours of operation are from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday. For more information about MOSTHistory, including becoming a FRIEND, visit MOSTHistory.org, like us on Facebook, follow on Twitter, find on Google+ or call (956) 383-6911.
ANNUAL ® Learn how to Buy, Build, and Own your home - all under one roof!
Aprenda cómo comprar, Construir y ser dueño de su hogar, ¡todo bajo un mismo techo!
McAllen Convention Center 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free Bilingual Seminars | Free Credit Reports
Seminarios Bilingües Gratuitos | Informes de crédito gratis
Saturday, June 9, 2018 sábado 9 de junio de 2018
Featuring COMMUNITY SHREDDING EVENT Presentando el evento de trituración comunitario
Service available for documents and disposal of used electronics.
9:00 am - 2:00pm
Enter to Win 2 Season Tickets for the RGV Vipers! ¡Ingresa para ganar dos 2 boletos de temporada para los RGV Vipers!
I
M
E
E FR
AD
ON
I SS
Servicio disponible para documentos y eliminación de productos electrónicos usados.
6
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
STC Announces Extended Saturday Hours For Summer Registration
Blessing of the New Entrance, Welcoming Jesus Statue At Holy Spirit Parish Sunday, May 20, was a festive occasion at Holy Spirit Parish in McAllen, Texas. Not only was it Pentecost Sunday, but the parish also celebrated the blessing of the new church entrance by the Most Reverend Daniel E. Flores, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville. It was a most rewarding experience to witness this event. “We are most grateful to the community for their continued support of our building projects. It was beautiful to see so many parishioners and community leaders join our joyful celebration of the birthday of our church,” the church said in a statement. “We appreciate very much the support of everyone who participated to bring this celebration to fruition.”
South Texas College will have extended hours for the enrollment center, cashiers, advising, and financial aid from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during selected Saturdays for the month of June. Pecan, Mid-Valley, and Starr County campuses will be open to assist students who are in the process of registering. Summer sessions I and III begin June 4 and session II begins July 10. The Student Services Buildings are located at the Pecan Campus in Building K, Mid-Valley Campus in Building F, and Starr County Campus in Building G. The Saturday extension hours are June 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and June 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday extension hours are ideal for those who have limited availability during the week and are still in need of assistance. Advisors will be on hand to help arrange schedules, and find payment plans that work best for students. Over 80 percent of students receive
STC students will have extended hours for summer registration available in June.
financial aid at STC. With Pell Grants available, current and new students, including high school seniors, are encouraged to get a head start on their college careers by registering today. Registration is always available 24/7 via Jagnet and at SouthTexasCollege. edu/register. Students can select courses, register, and pay online. For more information on summer registration, contact 956-872-8311.
VOL. I, NO. 22
|
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018
|
WWW.GOODHEALTHGUIDETX.COM
FREE
Sunscreen works best when used with shade or clothing, and must be re-applied every two hours and after swimming, sweating, and drying off with a towel.
T I P S T O S TAY
Wear a hat, sunglasses, and other clothing to protect your skin.
SUN SAFE
New Treatments May Boost Pancreatic Cancer Odds
Innovative ways of using chemotherapy can significantly extend the lives of patients with pancreatic cancer, one of the most deadly cancers known, two new clinical trials report. A four-drug chemo “cocktail” extended surgical patients’ lives by nearly two years over the current standard single-drug chemo regimen for pancreatic cancer, a clinical trial out of France has shown. “You take overall survival from just under three years to almost five years,” said Dr. Daniel Labow, a cancer surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “That, for pancreas cancer, is a relative home run because survival in general is so poor.” Meanwhile, a second preliminary study from the Netherlands found that combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy before pancreatic cancer surgery extended overall survival, particularly for those patients whose tumors were successfully removed. Results from the studies were presented at the American Soci-
ety of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting, in Chicago. Both studies offer hope for people with a cancer that typically evades early detection and is incredibly difficult to treat, ASCO President Dr. Bruce Johnson said. “About 95 percent of patients who get pancreatic cancer will die from it,” said Johnson, chief clinical research officer at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. “This is a pretty grim one. It’s identified by the United States Congress as one of the two worst cancers to get.” The other is small-cell lung cancer. The two trials show that both preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy are essential for extending the lives of pancreatic cancer patients, Labow said. “If you combine these two trials, theoretically you may be getting the benefit of both,” he said. That’s what researchers will be looking at now, he added. Research presented at meetings is usually considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
Use broad spectrum SPF 15+ to protect against sun exposure
Seek shade, especially during midday hours (10AM - 4PM)
S K I N S TAT S
1IN5
Americans will develop SKIN CANCER in their lifetime.
50
%
A PERSON’S RISK FOR MELANOMA DOUBLES IF HE OR SHE HAS HAD MORE THAN
Regular daily use of spf 15 or higher sunscreen REDUCES THE RISK OF MELANOMA BY 50%
5
SUNBURNS
R E M UM
N U S
S
S L A I ND ENT
ESSFOR HAVFIENIGNFTUHNEASUN TIPSY I N G S A STA
8
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight Your Sleep Schedule Is Off If you get more than 9 hours of sleep a night, you may be the envy of your friends, but too much or too little sleep -- less than 5 hours a night -can be linked to weight gain. Both can throw off the way your body makes the hormones that control your appetite and hunger. And if you don’t feel rested, you may skip your workouts, too. You Don’t Drink Enough Water Between 2 and 6 cups of clear, plain water each day can help you lose extra pounds. Water has no calories at all, so it satisfies your thirst without adding weight. And when you drink enough water, you may be less likely to grab sodas, juices, or coffee drinks packed with sugar. High calories in sweet drinks can add up to a big weight gain. You Wait Too Long to Eat When you space out your meals too much, your metabolism slows down and isn’t able to burn off all the calories you eat in your next meal. Those extra calories may wind up as extra weight. And you may overeat because you’re too hungry. Try eating smaller portions, and eat more often. You Eat Out Too Often OK, you hate to cook. But if you eat most of your meals at restaurants, it may be harder to keep your weight under control. Even so-called light dishes may have more calories than you realize. And we’re not just talking about dinner, either. People who eat lunch out daily can weigh up to 5 pounds more than those who brown-bag it. You Sit All Day Your desk job or TV obsession may make it harder for you to drop those pesky pounds. When you sit most of the time, your body can lose its ability to know when you’ve eaten too much -- you can overeat and gain weight. Even brief exercise breaks during the day can help you stay healthy. Get up for three 10-minute walks around meetings or your favorite shows. You Reward Workouts With Food Exercise is a great way to lose weight -- it burns calories and builds muscle mass. But if you indulge in a big dinner or smoothie after every workout, you can ruin all that sweaty work.
Watch out for high-sugar sports drinks and protein bars, too. While they can help quench your thirst or give you an energy boost post-workout, they can be very high in calories. You Overdo the Alcohol Whether you like wine, beer, or mixed drinks, alcohol has calories that add to your daily amount. If you often have 3 or more drinks a day, you’re more likely to gain weight or be overweight, no matter what type of alcohol you drink. Stick to light or moderate drinking, like one glass of wine with dinner. That may actually help keep you from gaining weight. Stress Gives You Snack Attacks If you feel tense, you’re more likely to reach for unhealthy, high-calorie treats for a quick comfort fix. You may eat when you don’t really need food. You Make Quick Food Decisions It’s worth your time to plan out your meals and healthy snacks so you’re not tempted to grab something on the go. Even if you get enough activity, you can gain an extra pound or two if you tend to eat fast food or sugary snacks or sodas. Your body doesn’t seem to treat these calories the same as energy you get from healthy foods -- it breaks them down too quickly. They’re also low in fiber, so you don’t feel full afterward and you’re likely to eat or drink more. Your Medication Some drugs you take for health problems could make you gain a little weight. For example, steroids can change your metabolism and make you feel hungrier -- you may overeat and gain extra belly fat. Even antihistamines that calm your hay fever could cause weight gain. They lower a chemical your body makes to control your appetite, so you may sneeze less but eat more. Check With Your Doctor Some health problems can make it really hard to lose weight even if you diet and exercise. Your genes can also play a role in how much you weigh or where your body stores fat. Talk to your doctor if you just can’t seem to lose weight. Tests can show if you have a health problem that makes weight loss hard, and you can get medicine or other help to overcome it.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
FDA Takes Action Against The Use Of OTC Benzocaine In Teething Products Agency urges companies to discontinue this teething products, due to serious safety risk, lack of benefit The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that overthe-counter (OTC) teething products containing benzocaine pose a serious risk to infants and children. The agency announced that OTC oral health products containing the pain reliever benzocaine for the temporary relief of sore gums due to teething in infants or children should no longer be marketed and is asking companies to stop selling these products for such use “The FDA is committed to protecting the American public from products that pose serious safety risks, especially those with no demonstrated benefit,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. “Because of the lack of efficacy for teething and the serious safety concerns we’ve seen with overthe-counter benzocaine oral health products, the FDA is taking steps to stop use of these products in young children and raise awareness of the risks associated with other uses of benzocaine oral health products. “We urge parents, caregivers and retailers who sell them to heed our warnings and not use over-the-counter products containing benzocaine for teething pain. Benzocaine is marketed to help relieve pain from a variety of conditions such as teething, sore throat, canker sores and irritation of the mouth and gums. The products are sold as gels,
sprays, ointments, solutions and lozenges under the OTC brand names Anbesol, Baby Orajel, Cepacol, Chloraseptic, Hurricaine, Orabase, Orajel and Topex, as well as store brands and generics. In a Drug Safety Communication issued, the agency builds on its previous warnings about risks associated with benzocaine products for methemoglobinemia. This dangerous condition is the result of elevated levels of methemoglobin in the blood and it can lead to death. It causes the amount of oxygen carried through the blood to be greatly reduced. “Given the accumulating evidence regarding benzocaine’s association with methemoglobinemia, we are taking necessary action to work with industry to discontinue the distribution and sale of over-the-counter benzocaine oral health products intended for teething pain, and add warning information about methemoglobinemia and a contraindication against use for teething pain and against use in children under two years of age to the remaining oral health care drug products containing benzocaine,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. For advice on treating teething pain, the FDA recommends parents and caregivers follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendations, which are to use a teething ring made of firm rubber (not frozen), or to gently rub or massage the child’s gums with a finger to relieve symptoms.
9