A program that brings together more than 20 state and local agencies is serving as a model for how to serve the victims of domestic violence, child and elder abuse, and sexual assault. One Place Family Justice Center is the first family justice center in the state of Alabama, providing law enforcement assistance, counseling, advocacy, sexual assault examinations, prosecution, civil legal help and referrals. By bringing these services together under one roof, victims no longer have to tell their story over and over again, or travel to multiple locations throughout town to find the help they need.

The FDA is evaluating Actos for a possible link to bladder cancer. Preliminary results from a long-term observational study found an increased risk of bladder cancer in patients with the longest exposure to Actos and the highest cumulative dose of the drug.

The Montgomery County Bar Association 2011 Spring Charity Event, held May 5, was a huge success, raising $37,500 to benefit the One Place Family Justice Center. Representatives from MCBA, including Beasley Allen Shareholder Kendall Dunson, who is serving as MCBA President this year, presented a check to One Place partners on June 15. It is the goal of One Place Family Justice Center to make existing services more accessible, more efficient and more effective for victims of domestic violence, elder and child abuse, and their families.

A new study has verified the link between the hormone drospirenone, found in the birth control pill Yaz, and an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), or blood clots in the lungs. Manufactured by Bayer, Yaz contains the progestin drospirenone. The same hormone is also used in Bayer’s birth control pills Yasmin, Beyaz and Safyral, as well as generics such as Ocella, Gianvi, Loryna, Syeda and Zarah. The study showed the risk for VTE is as much as two to three times higher with drospirenone-containing pills than in pills with other hormone variations. As a result of the study, the FDA has issued a special drug safety notification regarding the hormone.

A new study has verified that antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the risk for birth defects when taken by the mother during pregnancy. SSRIs and combination drugs containing an SSRI include brand names Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, Fluvoxamine, and Symbyax. Unborn babies whose mothers take these drugs are at risk of serious birth defects including heart defects and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN).

A swimming pool or spa is a great way to keep cool this summer. But the Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging everyone – especially parents and chaperones of young children – to keep a close eye on safety. The CPSC has created a series of public service announcements with safety advice, such as staying close to children at all times when they are in or around the pool, installing fences and door alarms in the pool area to keep children out or alert an adult if someone goes into the pool area, and more.

During the month of May, a focus on Teen Pregnancy Prevention strives to help young women make educated decisions about their health and future. Studies show that more teenagers than ever before are using birth control pills, and that the pill they are choosing most often is Yaz. However, this pill, manufactured by Bayer, contains a unique combination of hormones, which some medical experts say put girls at greater risk for dangerous side effects including blood clots, heart attack and stroke, as well as serious gallbladder problems that may require surgery.

When storms ravaged much of the Southeast on April 27, thousands of people were left without power. In emergencies like this, people often turn to portable generators for electricity. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning this week to caution users about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from these devices. They offered a number of tips to ensure folks remain safe during this time of crisis, or any emergency that requires the use of a portable generator.

This video from the Eufaula Tribune provides a glimpse into a recent event held at the Eufaula Walmart featuring star Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw. The famous football player was in town to raise money for the victims of the tornadoes that devastated much of Alabama on April 27. He signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans while collecting needed supplies and donations for storm victims. You can still help! Upshaw established the “41 Fund” to take monetary donations at any BankTrust location.

The sports report for WTVY helped promote a special relief effort for tornado victims, announcing Courtney Upshaw will be signing autographs and taking pictures with fans at Eufaula Walmart on May 5. Upshaw has established a special relief fund for storm victims, called the 41 Fund. He will take donations for the fund, as well as needed supplies, while signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. Donations to the 41 Fund also can be made at any BankTrust branch.