We’ve all heard news stories at some point that proclaim the recall of certain drugs. But what does that mean and should we be concerned? Basically, recalls are protective measures taken by drug manufacturers or the federal government to ensure the safety of those individuals taking a medication that could be potentially dangerous.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a branch of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It is responsible for protecting the health of the US public by assuring the safety, effectiveness and security of human and veterinary drugs among other things. To accomplish this end, the FDA requires each new drug that is developed be subjected to extensive laboratory and clinical testing prior to them granting approval. Their Center for Drug Evaluation and Research regulates over the counter drugs (OTC), prescription only medication (POM) and generic drugs. Drug companies must test their drugs in the lab on animal subjects first before moving on to human clinical trials. After thorough testing, the company is eligible to submit an application to the FDA for approval. This application includes the testing results, label and warning information and manufacturing information. Upon the application’s review the FDA can approve the drug if the benefits outweigh the risks.

After a drug has been on the market, the FDA will continue to monitor its progress. Should any new safety concerns arise, it will inform the drug company of the issue and three possible actions can occur: a company can recall the drug on its own initiative, the FDA can request the company to recall the drug, or the FDA can order a recall under statutory authority. The four types of recalls include, Class I, Class II, Class III and Market Withdrawal. Class I recalls define a situation in which the FDA believes there is reasonable probability that exposure to a certain drug could cause serious health problems or even death. Class II recalls are situations where exposure to drugs have a possibility of causing temporary or medically reversible adverse health problems. Class III recall are cases in which use of the drug is unlikely to cause any adverse risks. And finally market withdrawals occur when products have minor violations and the company can remove the medications from the market, correct the problem and reintroduce the product at a later time.

Next time you hear that a drug you are taking has been recalled or withdrawn from the market, contact your physician for more information. Whether it is a major or minor recall, it is always smart to be informed about the medication you take and their risks.

Donating blood has turned into a countrywide effort supported by businesses, churches and worship centers, college campuses, nonprofit groups and government agencies. From helping with natural disasters and widespread emergencies to saving individuals’ lives after car accidents or as they suffer from specific health conditions, donated blood is a significant life-giving cycle that keeps us all connected and healthy. But no matter how much it’s needed or how excited you are to do your part, there are some circumstances when giving blood is dangerous and can hurt either you or the person who will eventually receive blood. Do you know when you should sit out the next donation drive?

The basic eligibility requirements for U.S. blood drives state that you can’t give blood more than once every 56 days, although donating platelets can be done every three days, and donating two units of red blood cells means that you will have to wait 112 days before your next donation. Most states also require that you are 17 years of age, and that you weigh at least 110 lbs. This requirement is for your own safety and will help you recover from the donation process more quickly and without complications.

If you’re surprised to see the blood donation bus at your work or school one day and you meet the general requirements, you should still consider a few factors. Did you eat a good breakfast or lunch that day? Are you taking antibiotics or still have symptoms of an infection? Hepatitis B immune injections require you to wait one year since your last dose, and other medicines and treatments also require you to wait a certain amount of time before giving blood.

More eligibility questions:

• Have you used a needle for non-prescription drugs?
• Have you been at risk for HIV?
• Traveled to a malarial area in the past 12 months?
• Are you pregnant?
• Had a tattoo in the last 12 months? (Some centers have a lower waiting period for tattoos)

Download the FastTrack form from the United Blood Services website to see a complete list.

Implying that you’re lazy is a bit harsh. But even if you’re physically energetic, your mind might be lagging behind when it comes to exercise. While some people love the mindlessness of running miles on end, others can’t stand the monotony of jogging in place, or even running cross country. If you’re feeling stuck because exercise just bores you, we’ve got some options for making your workout a little more interesting, if not fun.

Start by figuring out what kinds of activities you like to do, and list as many as are reasonably available to you: hiking, cardio, yoga, dance classes, swimming and/or tennis are just a few options. Next, pledge to do something different each day, or every few days. If you already have a tennis buddy and a cardio workout video but don’t have access to a pool, consider joining a gym. Don’t go overboard with buying new equipment and paying high fees right away, however. Try finding a balance between what you already do regularly, what’s nearby, and what’s free or at least budget-friendly. Giving yourself a new activity each day works out all the different muscles in your body — which is the ideal way to exercise — and keeps your mind guessing, too.

If you’re easily bored by workouts, turn it into a social event. Get a group of friends together to go rollerblading in the park, find a running buddy who wants to train for a half-marathon, or join a dance class with a friend who wants to try something new or get back into an old activity. Give yourself something to look forward to after the workout, like laying out by the pool, going on a shopping trip, or just grabbing tea or coffee after working out.

A few little tricks you can use to spice up your exercise routine each day or week is to concentrate on the accessories. Create a new mix for your iPod every month at least, treat yourself to a new pair of workout shorts or yoga mat every so often, and invest in a good pair of shoes that will make you feel excited to work out. While you exercise, keep your mind off the routines and the repetition by thinking of all the things you’re able to do because you’re healthy and strong, and all of the great clothes or bathing suits you can fit into since you’re keeping your body in shape. From switching up your activities, to being more social during a workout, to playing little tricks on yourself, even lazy-minded people have a reason to get excited to exercise.