This Thursday, November 19th, marks the 33rd "Great American Smokeout," in which smokers are encouraged to quit, even if only for one day. The goal is to make that Day One in the life of a smoker as a successful ex-smoker.

This piece first appeared in the New York Post.

Immunization against vaccine preventable diseases is one of the most important and beneficial public health measures available. However, utilization rates among adults remain low, well below Department of Health and Human Services target levels.

New York, NY -- November 12, 2009. The current "swine flu" problem is a reminder that the U.S. pays too little attention to the important broader issue of Adult Immunization -- and that too few adults are getting the shots they need, even though most kids are getting theirs. Scientists associated with the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) have researched and written a thorough, comprehensive report on this largely-neglected topic, available in three formats:

Gov. Paterson caved in to New York State healthcare workers’ superstitious fears of the new H1N1 vaccine. With the compliance of the State Health Commissioner Richard Daines, Paterson rescinded the mandatory vaccination program. This weekend, during my afternoon spent volunteering as a physician supervisor at one of the seven free flu vaccine locations sponsored by the New York City Health Department, I watched a similar retreat from sound science.

Although vaccination is acknowledged to be one of the most cost-effective public health strategies available to prevent many communicable viral and bacterial infections, large numbers of Americans above the age of 18 remain vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.

This brochure explains the current status of vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. It explains the causes for low rates of vaccine use and continues with a description of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases and their current immunization recommendations.

The Obama administration may be idealizing American food consumption a little bit when he has a chef sitting in on policy meetings. Like a lot of things in politics, a personal connection to the First Family counts for more than experience or knowledge: The chef, Sam Kass, has a degree in history and has never run a restaurant, yet he has convinced the Obamas he is an expert on nutrition.

This piece first appeared on FutureofCapitalism.com.
The Los Angeles Times draws attention to news that, as part of the health-care overhaul, "A little-noticed measure would put Christian Science healing sessions on the same footing as clinical medicine."
The provision does not single out Christian Science, but instead requires insurance to consider coverage of "religious and spiritual healthcare."