It may be that as many as 13% of older adults are addicted to highly processed comfort foods, a new survey finds. Craving cookies, chips, packaged snacks and soda was seen in adults aged 50 to 80, according to new data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, from the University of Michigan Institute for… read on > read on >
All Food:
Medicare Will Save U.S. Billions Negotiating Drug Prices
The U.S. government could save billions every year once Medicare begins negotiating drug prices in 2026, new research suggests. The Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress last year allows Medicare to bargain with drug companies on the prices of 10 of the highest-priced drugs in 2026 before adding 15 more in 2027, 15 more in… read on > read on >
Gum Disease Treatments Lose Their Punch in Heavy Smokers
Treatments for gum disease may have little benefit for heavy smokers, new research shows. The study findings suggest the need to rethink treatment of the common gum disease periodontitis, according to researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark. “To our surprise, we could see that the disease had actually grown worse in some parameters in the… read on > read on >
FDA Could Ease Blood Donation Rules for Gay Men
Longstanding restrictions on blood donations from gay or bisexual men could soon shift towards a more nuanced policy, where such men are asked about sexual partners and practices instead, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday. Specifically, gay men who are in monogamous relationships will no longer be required to abstain from sex for… read on > read on >
FDA Says No to Regulating CBD Products as Supplements
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday it can’t regulate CBD supplements because there isn’t enough evidence on their safety. The agency also called on Congress to create new rules for what has become a burgeoning industry. “The use of CBD raises various safety concerns, especially with long-term use,” FDA Deputy Commissioner Dr. Janet… read on > read on >
Updated Booster Shots, Not Original COVID Vaccines, Should Be Standard: FDA Panel
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory panel on Thursday voted unanimously to recommend that the agency phase out original versions of COVID vaccines for use in the unvaccinated, in favor of updated bivalent booster shots. Committee members also weighed a proposal to streamline the dosing schedule for COVID vaccines by turning them into… read on > read on >
Fiber: It’s Important to Your Child’s Diet, Too
Just like adults, children need lots of fiber in their diets. Fiber is part of what fuels a child’s normal growth and development. It helps them feel full longer, controls blood sugar levels, reduces cholesterol and promotes regular bowel movements, according to Children’s Health of Orange County, Calif. (CHOC). “We see improvements in disease management… read on > read on >
About 1 in 3 American Adults Has an Allergy
If it seems as though everyone you know struggles with some sort of allergy, new research suggests you are not mistaken. As many as 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 kids suffers from a seasonal allergy, a food allergy or eczema, the latest government data shows. Caused by a reaction to plant pollen,… read on > read on >
Top FDA Official Involved in Baby Formula Debacle Resigns
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration official who has led the agency’s food policy efforts since 2018 announced his resignation on Wednesday. Frank Yiannas was also among the top officials leading the agency response to last year’s infant formula shortage. “Today, I informed [FDA] Commissioner [Robert] Califf that I will be resigning my position as… read on > read on >
Heart Disease When Young Could Bring Memory Issues by Middle Age
People who suffer a heart attack or stroke in middle age may develop memory and thinking problems earlier in life, too, a new study finds. The study, published online Jan. 25 in the journal Neurology, focused on people who had developed premature cardiovascular disease. That refers to heart disease, stroke or leg artery disease that… read on > read on >