We’ve had clear evidence for decades that air pollution is bad for your health, specifically your lungs and heart. The data show air pollution increases your risk of asthma, COPD and pneumonia. But a new systematic review unveils another serious risk: stroke. [Read more…]
New evidence: A link between air pollution and stroke
April 9, 2015 By Leave a Comment
What we know about chronic fatigue syndrome
April 2, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Have you heard of the disease called chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s a condition with symptoms that include persistent fatigue (especially after any kind of physical exertion), pain, neurological problems, headaches and decreased cognitive function. [Read more…]
Looking back at the evidence: Low-fat diets
February 16, 2015 By 1 Comment
In the 1970s, heart disease was the leading cause of death in the United States. A group of U.S. Senators wanted to do something about it.
After a series of hearings, Congress voted to enact the first set of Dietary Guidelines for Americans in 1977. Essentially, the guidelines recommended that Americans reduce their intake of saturated fat found in eggs, milk, meats and cheese, and replace those calories with carbohydrates. [Read more…]
Should kids wear seat belts on the school bus?
December 11, 2014 By 3 Comments
The town where I live – Ithaca, NY – had six inches of snowfall this week during a school day. The snow storm prompted a vigorous debate among a group of moms about whether children should wear safety belts on school buses. [Read more…]
Evidence-based elections: Voting laws
November 4, 2014 By Leave a Comment
As Americans head to the polls today for mid-term elections, many voters will face new laws that change the voting requirements in their state. [Read more…]
Does video surveillance deter crime?
October 3, 2014 By 10 Comments
Park your car. Walk into a store. Ride the subway. During all of these activities, it’s very likely that you are being recorded on video. In the western world, closed-circuit television or CCTV is used in the vast majority of public places to help prevent crime. [Read more…]
New evidence on toothpaste for kids
April 3, 2014 By 1 Comment
In the U.S. dental care has long been a priority for young children. Decades ago, I can clearly remember our church giving out toothbrushes and toothpaste every Halloween before it was time to trick-or-treat. But for many reasons, tooth decay is a growing problem among preschool children. [Read more…]
Smoking bans are good for kids
April 1, 2014 By Leave a Comment
It’s a well-established fact that smoking is bad for your health. Thousands of studies and hundreds of systematic reviews have documented health problems related to individuals smoking. But this week, researchers published the first-ever review that found smoking in public places has broader negative consequences for child health.
[Read more…]
Should we screen everyone for dementia?
March 27, 2014 By Leave a Comment
More than 5 million adults in the U.S. suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and even more suffer from other dementias that result in memory loss and speech difficulties, and interfere with thinking and plans skills.
Most of the time, dementia is diagnosed when a caregiver such as a doctor notices symptoms in a patient, or when a caregiver suspects something is wrong. Experts believe that leaves a vast majority of dementia cases in the primary setting undiagnosed. [Read more…]
What we know about gun violence
January 8, 2014 By 4 Comments
Each year, more than 30,000 Americans are killed in acts of violence using a gun. The problem is complex because it involves so many factors.
Gaps in evidence: Gun violence in America
July 15, 2013 By 5 Comments
News stories about the problem of gun violence in America have dominated media outlets across the country over the past year. The tragic school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut continues to fuel an on-going debate about the laws surrounding violence and safety in our society. It’s a sensitive subject, and many people across the nation hold opposing viewpoints about what should be done. But one thing is clear: gun violence is a critical public health problem.
The evidence on hands-free cell phone devices while driving
June 17, 2013 By 11 Comments
Whether it’s a quick call to ask what’s needed from the grocery store or catching up with a long-distance friend – people everywhere talk on cell phones while they’re driving. [Read more…]
