Over the last few years, we've chronicled a range of approaches to dealing with obesity. From Atkins to bariatric surgery, to the Zone, we've seen it all. Or so we thought. A new approach to dealing with the weight problem plaguing more and more Americans has been broached at a meeting sponsored by the Public Health Advocacy Institute, according to the Washington Times.

A book excerpt by Ben Johnson appeared on FrontPageMagazine.com on September 17, 2004 and quoted ACSH's Todd Seavey on the subject of DDT:

ACSH Advisor Dr. George Ehrlich received the Joseph Lee Hollander Award from the Arthritis Foundation, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter earlier this summer. The award is given for excellence and achievement in the field of rheumatology. Our congratulations to him.

In the category of facts that "everyone knows" is the assumption that organic foods (mostly produce) are better for people's health than the same items produced by conventional means. According to a recent article from CNN, a number of schools are now providing children with salad bars consisting of organic foods and are patting themselves on the back about giving the kids more healthful foods.

Former President Bill Clinton's heart disease and its treatment have been in the headlines of late, and no wonder: heart disease due to atherosclerosis (fatty deposits also containing cholesterol) is the leading killer of Americans, with a death toll of over one-million annually. But for many of us in his age range, the reasons we are so interested are complex: aside from humane concern for his health, we also think: if heart disease can sneak up on an apparently healthy and robust ex-president, who among us is immune?

This unpublished letter was sent to the Wall Street Journal in reaction to a piece of theirs on vaccines and autism:
To the Editor:Re: "Controversial Study Reignites Debate Over Autism and Childhood Vaccines"
Tara Parker-Pope's September 7th Wall Street Journal article regarding the unproven link between the vaccine preservative thimerosal and autism included factual errors and left out important points. The result was a mixed message as to whether or not there is just cause for parental concern.

America's pharmaceutical industry is under scrutiny and attack more than ever before. Critics have pejoratively nicknamed the industry "Big Pharma" (to associate it with "Big Tobacco"); they characterize it as uncaring, duplicitous, profit-hungry, and manipulative; they claim that the industry excels in price-gouging while at the same time delivering very few products of any real value.

These are good times for those who grow and sell organic foods. But there may be trouble in paradise.

Americans are understandably concerned about the possibility of new terrorist attacks. Public health professionals from around the country have urged that people be "prepared." But what does that mean?
Apparently, to the Red Cross it means selling people "preparedness" kits for $49.95 -- and that is per person.
Each Red Cross kit includes a breathing mask, duct tape, food bars, two quarts of water, a radio (with batteries), and a blanket.
But will this Red Cross kit really protect you -- for three days -- as they claim?