Health & Medical
February 27th, 2013
Study: Mediterranean Diet Can Help Prevent Heart Disease
(Undated) -- Eating a Mediterranean-style diet that's high in olive oil, nuts, fish and fresh veggies can help prevent heart disease. A new study done in Spain confirms past research that suggested people who eat this type of diet have healthier hearts. People who followed the Mediterranean diet for five years were about 30 percent less likely to develop heart disease than those who ate a low-fat diet. One researcher suggests anyone wanting to eat healthier start by making small changes like not eating meat one or two days a week and cooking with olive oil. The study was published in the "New England Journal of Medicine."
Ikea Says No Horse In Meatballs In U.S.
(Conshohocken,PA) -- Meatballs sold in Ikea stores in America are free of horse meat. A store spokesperson told NBC News that the pork and beef used in Ikea's popular meatballs in the U.S. come from a domestic supplier which meets USDA guidelines. The Swedish furniture giant removed meatballs from most of its European stores after traces of horse meat were found in the Czech Republic. Meatballs are part of traditional Swedish cuisine and are big sellers in Ikea's in-store cafeterias. They are also sold frozen for customers to take home.
Big Apple Mayor Wants State To Ban Big Sodas
(New York, NY) -- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants the state to do as the city has done and ban sugary drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces. When asked why supermarkets can still sell 32 and even 64 ounce sodas, the mayor said the city regulates restaurants and the state regulates stores. A state ban, he said, would save lives. The city's ban on large size sodas goes into effect on March 12th.
Human Salmonella From Backyard Flocks
(Atlanta, GA) -- The CDC is warning about potential human salmonella outbreaks from live poultry. The agency says people who keep chicks or baby ducklings in their backyards need to be aware that they can carry salmonella germs in their droppings. People are told to wash their hands after handling live poultry and never bring them into their house.
Study: Sleep Loss Increases Risk Of Disease
(Undated) -- A new study finds a lack of sleep can lead to a higher risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found even a week of inadequate sleep can alter the activity of hundreds of genes in a person's body, making them more susceptible to health problems. The National Institutes of Health says folks who get less than seven to nine hours of sleep a night have a higher risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.
Lead Exposure Blamed In Lower School Test Scores
(Ann Arbor, MI) -- Lead exposure in early childhood is linked to lower Michigan Education Assessment Program scores for students in several grades in Detroit Public Schools. The University of Michigan School of Public Health released the findings today. High blood lead levels before the age of six were linked to lower math, science, and reading scores on MEAP tests. Researchers also say that scores were lower for children exposed to lead at levels that fall below the federal threshold. Additionally, researchers found that the higher the blood lead levels, the lower the academic scores. The findings will be published in the March issue of the "American Journal of Public Health."