Two interesting items in this morning's news:

1. An analysis from the October 4th issue of JAMA confirms that there's always a price to pay for squashing some undesirable body function like inflammation. While the cardiovascular side effects of the so-called COX inhibitors have been in the news for some time since Vioxx was yanked off the market, older NSAIDs such as Volataren (diclofenac) and Indocin (indomethacin) are also proving risky business for cardiac health.
   
   Interested in analgesia of the COX-inhibiting variety? The study authors found that naproxen--sold over the counter as Aleve--is your safest bet. For more information on the association between these drugs and trouble, see The dangers of knocking your COX off.


2. Michigan's state legistlature took a bold step this week introducing a bill that would require sixth grade girls to be vaccinated with Gardasil, the newly approved vaccine against cervical cancer. Critics are not happy with this infringement on parental rights and the implied endorsement of sexual activity.