Public Heath: From the American Council on Science and Health

What can you really learn from undergoing multigene testing?  It may seem like the idea that "the more information, the better" is true in the medical field. Yet, that's not always the case. And this phrase may not apply in the field of multigene testing where patients receive results on which doctors cannot counsel them. Read more.

 

Listen to lifestyle nagging about easily-attainable goals, gain major heart benefits.  A large prospective study from Sweden shows that adopting only a few of five key lifestyle modifications may have a significant beneficial impact on heart attack risk. The factors studied included diet, smoking, exercise, alcohol intake and fatness. Read more.

 

An open letter to anti-vaccine parents - In an open letter to anti-vaxxer parents, titled "Dear parents, you are being lied to," Dr. Jennifer Raff refutes every argument made against vaccines. A must read, especially in light of recent news involving low vaccination rates in affluent California schools. Read more.

 

Substitutes for sugar and good science go hand in hand - A recent study by a group at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel that examined whether consumption of artificial sweeteners might be linked to diabetes and obesity has come under heavy fire. It just got heavier. Read more.

 

Anti-soda factions getting all fizzy over moves by drinks companies.  Soda companies are pledging smaller portion sizes to reduce calorie consumption. But are they just trying to make lemonade from lemons, critics ask. Read more.

 

USPSTF releases two new guidelines on STI counseling and screening - The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently released two recommendations regarding STI screening and education. Both guidelines are based on adequate evidence that STI screening in young women and STI counseling reduces risk of infection and subsequent complications. Read more.

 

Diabetes rates are holding steady - with some exceptions - In contrast to the doubling of the incidence and prevalence of diabetes during the years 1990 through 2008, new data indicates that this trend - at least in many populations - has stabilized.  Read more.

 

Adolescents and exercise: what's the best kind for losing weight? - Should obese kids do aerobics or weight lifting to lose the most body fat? A new study provides some insight on the best exercise methods to aid obese teens in fat loss. Read more.

 

Flu shot options for seniors - Flu season is approaching, and with different types of flu vaccines, it's important to know about the options available - especially for seniors, who are at higher risk for serious complications from the flu. Read more.

 

ACSH trustee Dr. Paul Offit in the WSJ on vaccines - ACSH trustee Dr. Paul Offit has published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, in which he notes that as vaccination rates continue to drop, previously eliminated diseases are making a comeback - at the expense of unvaccinated children. Read more.