Is it really okay to use the salt shaker again? At first glance, a new report might have consumers passing up anything low-sodium and asking for extra salt: The Cochrane Library has published a systematic review of seven studies that, to everyone s surprise, suggests that moderate reductions in salt intake have no discernible effect on one s likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.

Last week, the influential American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended a ban on fast or junk food commercials as a means of combating childhood obesity. Their claim is that the disappearance of such catchy TV jingles would reduce the number of overweight children by nearly 20 percent.

Dr. Elizabeth Whelan in Forbes, July 6, 2011
What's Really Causing Childhood Obesity?

Reduced colorectal cancer isn t the only good news reported by the CDC: The latest survey of the CDC s Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) program shows continued declines in the average blood lead levels (BLLs) among U.S. adults.

Those suffering from blood clotting disorders will find welcome relief in the FDA s approval of a new anticoagulant, rivaroxaban, co-developed by Johnson & Johnson and Bayer AG.

A new study reveals that fewer Americans are developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Between 2003 and 2007, the rate of new CRC cases in the U.S. fell by over 13 percent, representing nearly 66,000 fewer cancer cases and 32,000 fewer CRC deaths during this period. CDC director Thomas Frieden told Reuters that half of the decline in CRC cases can be attributed to increased screening, which rose from 52 percent in 2002 to 65 percent in 2010. One thing we know is that screening works, he said.

Diseased lungs. Corpses. Rotting teeth. A man smoking from a tracheotomy hole. These are some of the shocking images featured in the Food and Drug Administration s recently unveiled series of cigarette package warnings. The FDA asserts that these graphic warnings will serve public health by terrifying smokers into quitting. But ACSH s Dr.

Dr. Whelan in the National Review Online, July 5, 2011
Warnings That Don't Work

As researchers continue to probe the possible causes of America s ongoing obesity epidemic, Barry Popkin, a professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, says his latest research demonstrates that people are eating more now by about an extra 600 calories per day than they did in the 1970s.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is having a hard time remaining consistent in his efforts to influence the regulation of energy sources. While we praise his administration for attempting to lift a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in New York State, we wonder what came over him to advocate closing the Indian Point nuclear plant.