When It Comes To Food, Americans Have Full-Blown Ideologies, Report Finds
“Food has become a flashpoint in American culture and politics,” researchers write. “The way Americans eat has become a source of potential social, economic and political friction.”
Los Angeles Times:
Here's Something Americans Disagree About That Has Nothing To Do With Partisan Politics
A new report paints a picture of two Americas divided over something that’s a critical part of their daily life — food. On one side are those who care deeply about the food they eat and how it is produced. These Americans embrace organic foods, are suspicious of genetically modified crops and are guided by the belief that they’ll live a long time if they prioritize nutrition and exercise. On the other side are those who pay little attention to how the food they eat winds up on their plate. These folks are more likely to doubt that scientists have a clear idea about what makes for a healthy diet, and to fall short of their own eating goals. (Kaplan, 12/3)
In other public health news —
San Jose Mercury News:
Trouble Sleeping? Updated Remedies For Insomniacs
For people who regularly struggle with disrupted sleep, sticking to consistent bedtimes, cutting back on caffeine or alcohol or removing electronics from the bedroom may not always be enough. Health experts have explored many remedies over the years with varying results, which makes them cautious about hailing some new intervention as the magic cure for people’s sleep issues. “There are a lot of things for insomnia that come along, but if it doesn’t work, it really doesn’t work,” said Anil Rama, director of Sleep Medicine Services at Kaiser Permanente in San Jose. (Ross, 12/2)
KPBS:
Amid Lawsuit, San Diego Stem Cell Company Pushes Back On Proposed Regulations
San Diego-based Stemgenex is asking regulators to let patients have access to stem cell treatments it calls "life-altering." But patients currently suing the company claim they were charged thousands of dollars for falsely advertised treatments that didn't improve their health. In a press release issued last week, the La Jolla company outlined its argument against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's proposed plans for regulating stem cell treatments. Stemgenex argues the proposed rules would treat a patient's own stem cells as a drug, subjecting stem cell therapies to a lengthy and expensive approval process. (Wagner, 12/5)