China and the United States are super powers of salt consumption. The two world leaders emerged with the highest salt levels in processed meat and fish products among five countries assessed in a new study. High salt levels in food is a major cause of high blood pressure and its related risks of heart and… read on > read on >
All Food:
Heartburn Meds Might Be Good for Your Gums
While they’re helping to ease reflux, some heartburn drugs may also be reducing the severity of gum disease, new research suggests. For the study, researchers assessed probing depth in the gums (the gap between teeth and gums) in more than 1,000 patients with gum disease who were or weren’t using drugs called proton pump inhibitors… read on > read on >
Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Hits Long Island, N.Y.
Health officials say they are trying to track down the source of 10 reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease within a one-mile radius in a Long Island, N.Y., neighborhood. The patients range in age from 35 to 96. As of Saturday, one had died, two remained hospitalized and seven had been released from the hospital, CBS… read on > read on >
FDA Panel Recommends Approval of Johnson & Johnson Booster Shot
In a unanimous vote, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory panel on Friday recommended that the agency grant emergency use of booster shots of Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine. The FDA is expected to make a decision within days that will help guide the 15 million Americans who have received the Johnson &… read on > read on >
Americans Are Eating More Ultra-Processed Foods
Americans’ increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods is putting their health at risk, researchers warn. Ultra-processed foods are ready-to-eat or heat, include additives, and contain little, if any, whole foods. They include frozen pizza, soda, fast food, sweets, salty snacks, canned soup and most breakfast cereals. Previous research has shown that eating ultra-processed foods is associated… read on > read on >
FDA Panel Supports Moderna Booster Shot for Older Adults, People at High Risk
Mirroring a similar recommendation issued last month for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, an expert advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday recommended a half-dose booster shot of the Moderna vaccine be given to certain recipients six months after their second shot. Panelists recommended that everyone aged 65 or older who received… read on > read on >
Former FDA Chief Robert Califf a Contender to Head Agency Again
Former U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner Robert Califf is under strong consideration by the White House to once again lead the agency. The FDA hasn’t had a permanent head for more than eight months and is being overseen by acting commissioner Janet Woodcock. Under federal law, President Joe Biden has until mid-November to pick… read on > read on >
Climate Change Could Bring Rising Obesity Rates
You can add obesity and its related health risks to the long list of threats posed by climate change, researchers report. In a new review, researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia outlined the association between climate change and obesity. As global temperatures increase, people may become less physically active and less able to… read on > read on >
FDA Questions Strength of Johnson & Johnson’s Booster Shot Data
In a development that could mean Johnson & Johnson might encounter resistance over its application for authorization of a booster shot of its coronavirus vaccine, a new analysis filed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday suggests the company’s evidence may not be strong enough for approval. A key test used by the… read on > read on >
Another Study Suggests Too Much Fish Oil Could Trigger A-Fib
A new study confirms that fish oil supplements may raise the risk of a common heart-rhythm disorder — particularly when doses top 1 gram per day. At issue are medications and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, which are naturally found in fish oil. Fish is considered a generally heart-healthy food, but some studies have linked… read on > read on >