Bottled water is the fastest growing drink choice in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency says. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water as a packaged food under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The EPA defines the different types of water available: Artesian water, ground water, spring water, well water…  read on >

Many older drivers take medications known to raise the risk of a crash, a new study shows. It found that nearly 50 percent of older adults who drive use seven or more medications. Nearly 20 percent take what are called potentially inappropriate medications because they have limited benefits, pose excess risk of harm, or both.…  read on >

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, but you’re worried about type 2 diabetes, you might want to skip sugary drinks. New research suggests that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, such as cola, likely boost your risk of type 2 diabetes much more than the sugar found in fruit or even 100 percent fruit juices. “All foods are…  read on >

The American Dental Association warns against certain foods and beverages that can contribute to tooth decay. Some foods are more difficult to clean from teeth, and eating them repeatedly can lead to cavities. Here’s the ADA’s list of foods you should avoid: Hard candies — They tend to be full of sugar and can trigger…  read on >

Caesar salad fans, rest easy: It’s safe to eat romaine lettuce again. Just be sure to check the label, to avoid any chance of E. coli, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now says. In a statement released late Monday, FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb announced that the agency was lifting its advisory against eating…  read on >

The wheezy lung disease asthma is yet one more problem linked to excess weight in childhood, a new study suggests. The research contends that as many as 10 percent of pediatric asthma cases in the United States could be avoided if childhood obesity were eliminated. “There are very few preventable risk factors for asthma —…  read on >

The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for people with food allergies. But one health expert suggests that these folks can still enjoy festive gatherings, as long as they take certain precautions. About 5 percent of children and 4 percent of adults in the United States have a food allergy, according to the U.S.…  read on >

With more and more research uncovering the best foods for health, people are learning how important it is to focus on food quality to prevent weight gain and live longer. There are many approaches to consider. For instance, findings show that a diet high in fiber, especially from fruits and vegetables, can lower stroke risk.…  read on >

There are a number of ways you can serve up a healthier Thanksgiving meal, a nutrition expert says. “Cut back on boxed and premade processed foods by making more dishes from scratch,” said Mindy Athas. She is an outpatient dietitian nutritionist at Carroll Hospital in Westminster, Md. Good choices for fresh seasonal ingredients include pumpkin,…  read on >

Ongoing news alerts of potential salmonella contamination in certain brands of raw turkey might have you rattled as Thanksgiving dinner approaches. But although the danger is real, simple kitchen precautions can help eliminate it, health experts say. First, the latest on the threat: More than 147,000 pounds of raw turkey products from Jennie-O Turkey Store…  read on >