Fox News is commenting on a study published in the August 27 issue of JAMA in which medical researchers say that one-fifth of Ayurvedic herbal medicines sold on the Internet contain dangerously high levels of lead, arsenic and mercury. How’s a consumer to protect themselves?

My Take?

Reuters Health has a story about a new study showing that parents who want their preschoolers to eat their fruits and vegetables should probably practice what they preach. In a study of more than 1,300 families, researchers found that when parents boosted their own consumption of fruits and vegetables, so did their young children.

My Take?

HealthDay News is reporting that healthy foods should be included on the list of back-to-school supplies for your children. Dietitian Catherine Kraus explained that a healthy, balanced diet enables neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) to function more efficiently, resulting in improved concentration and memory.

My Take?

USA TODAY is reporting that as kids are heading back to school, that many parents are scrambling for ideas for quick breakfasts and easy bagged lunches. USA TODAY asked two registered dietitians to give parents ideas for healthful meals to pack at home. 

My Take?

There are two amazing studies out this week revealing unexpected long term benefits of breastfeeding a baby.

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?

WebMD Health News is reporting on a major change in baby nutrition advice that’s gone nearly unnoticed. This week, the American Academy of Pediatrics changed its recommendation that weaned babies be fed whole milk until they’re 2 years old. Instead, after weaning, kids at risk of being overweight — or whose families have a history of obesity, heart disease, or high cholesterol — should get reduced-fat 2% milk between 12 months and 2 years of age.

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?

Reuters Health is reporting a studying showing that women who want to ward off type 2 diabetes should load their plates with green leafy vegetables and whole fruits, but perhaps stay away from fruit juice.

My Take?

Reuters is reporting a study of childhood obesity in which University of Toronto nutritionist Harvey Anderson found that kids who watched TV while eating lunch took in 228 extra calories than those who ate without the television on. “One of Anderson’s conclusions is that eating while watching television overrides our ability to know when to stop eating,” the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, which funded the study, said on Tuesday.

My Take?

Reuters Health is reporting a study in which researchers found that when they had 30 young women eat a lunch of pasta, tomatoes, and cheese, the diners consumed an average of 70 fewer calories when they ate the meal slowly and chewed the food thoroughly. The findings give scientific support to a long recommended weight-control tactic, the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

 My Take?

Reuters Health is reporting that the current epidemic of childhood obesity is going to lead to an epidemic of young adults with type 2 diabetes. Ultimately, this may lead to shorter life spans.

My Take?