The weather is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. As seasonal changes begin, it’s easy for people to get into a rut when it comes to dieting and exercise. And that rut can translate into extra pounds once the holiday parties start rolling around.

My Recommendations:

USA Today is reporting on the confusion that consumers, in general, and parents, in particular, are having about the safety of chemicals in plastic. Even federal government agencies don’t agree about the hazards posed by bisphenol A, or BPA, an estrogen-like chemical used in plastic that has been detected in the bodies of 93% of Americans tested. The FDA says it’s safe, but new studies question its safety.

My Take?

Reuters Health is reporting research from Japan showing that people who don’t think life is worth living are more likely to die within the next few years. In other words, joyful people live longer.

My Take?

Reuters is reporting that experts are clashing over the safety of the cholesterol drug Vytorin as full results from a controversial study were presented at Europe’s biggest medical congress. Researchers involved in the so-called SEAS study – highlights of which were first released in July – said there was no credible evidence linking Vytorin to cancer and that the higher number of cases seen in the trial was simply a fluke.

My Take?

Here’s a note from my good friend, Thomas Dayspring, M.D., written for physicians (but, others are welcome to look on). Tom is one of the world’s most respected lipidologists (doctors who specializes in cholesterol problems):

Reuters and a number of other news agencies are reporting that the cholesterol fighter Vytorin s failed to meet the main goal of a study. They are also reporting that it is causing cancer. Are they telling you the truth?

My Take?

Reuters is reporting that a new rule requiring New York chain restaurants to post calorie information on their menus took effect on Friday, marking a first for a U.S. city. The move follows the city’s 2003 ban on public smoking and a ban on artery-clogging trans fats that began on July 1.

My Take?

Reuters Health is reporting new research showing that a regimen of supplements and lifestyle coaching is just as effective as a statin medication for reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “lethal” cholesterol. Not only that, the combination was shown to be more effective in helping people lose weight.

My Take?

USA Today columnist, Kim Painter, writes today about “Vacation deprivation,” as it has been dubbed by Expedia.com. The phenomena has been spreading for years as Americans’ vacations get shorter or are skipped entirely. But this year’s high travel costs, flying hassles and spooky economy may be creating a “perfect storm” that keeps people hunkered down as never before. Believe it or not, this may negatively impact your health.

My Take?

USA Today is reporting that testing for vitamin D levels, once uncommon, has skyrocketed as medical studies raise awareness about vitamin D deficiencies. Physicians agree that they’re increasingly using the blood test to find out whether their patients are low on the vital vitamin.

My Take?

MedScape is reporting that the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has updated its guidelines on postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) and issued a position statement published in the July/August issue of Menopause. Recent data suggest that the benefit-risk ratio for HT is favorable near menopause but decreases with aging and time since menopause in previously untreated women.

My Take?

Reuters is reporting research from Italy claiming that mandatory heart screenings for all athletes could detect potentially fatal problems and save lives. The findings, published in the British Medical Journal, suggest that a family history and physical exam miss many undiagnosed heart problems.

My Take?