Blood Clot Risk in Different Oral Contraceptives

When it comes to the risk of blood clots, some oral contraceptive pills are safer than others, according to new studies by European researchers.

"Oral contraceptives with levonorgestrel and a low dose of estrogen are associated with the lowest risk of venous thrombosis [blood clots] and are therefore the safest option," says Astrid van Hylckama Vlieg, PhD, a research fellow at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, and the lead author of one study.

''Our study shows that there is indeed a difference in the risk of venous thrombosis associated with different types of progestins and different doses of estrogens available in the contraceptive," she tells WebMD in an email interview.

Similar results were obtained in the second study, evaluating Danish women. Both studies are published in the online edition of BMJ.

Even with differences in risk, however, a U.S. expert who reviewed the studies for WebMD points out that the differences are small and the overall risk of getting a blood clot from the pill is very low to begin with.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve impulses are slowed down or stopped.

MS is a progressive disease, meaning the nerve damage (neurodegeneration) gets worse over time. How quickly MS gets worse varies from person to person.

Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of reduced or no symptoms (remissions).

Multiple sclerosis affects woman more than men. The disorder most commonly begins between ages 20 and 40, but can be seen at any age.

There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis at this time. However, there are therapies that may slow the disease. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and help you maintain a normal quality of life.

Related Links:

• New York Times: Multiple Sclerosis overview 
• WebMD: Multiple Sclerosis health center 
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society
  

10 Healthy Vacation Spots

Vacation doesn't have to be an unhealthy experience. Health Magazine published a list of America's Healthiest Beach and Lake Getaways. They looked at quality of air, water and sand. They checked out fitness opportunities for those who enjoy a little exercise on vacation. They found restaurants with a variety of healthy choices. They even looked at general safety such as crime rates and hospital availability. Finally, they gave preferential treatment to affordable locations.

Here's their top 10 list:

1. Tybee Island, Georgia
2. Coronado, California
3. Monterey, California
4. Osage Beach, Missouri
5. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
6. Zephyr Cove, Nevada
7. Bonita Springs, Florida
8. Wailea, Hawaii
9. Kelleys Island, Ohio
10. Provincetown, Massachusetts

Check out the Florida court for lots of details about each place. It's a nice variety of East and West Coast, and even a couple inland locations.

Author's note: My personal favorite, Kelleys Island, where my wife and I spent our honeymoon.