General Health

Fresh Concerns Emerge over Energy Drinks’ Damage to the Heart

Energy drinks have been linked to heart problems in a new study published April 26 in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAMA).
Oh, but it’s not the first time, not by a long shot. A 2013 study showed that energy drinks put an additional strain on the heart, causing it to contract more rapidly than usual. Over time, this can weaken the heart and cause palpitations.

Victory: KFC Pledges to Use Antibiotic-Free Chicken by 2018

In another victorious move for the public, KFC has announced that it will stop using chickens that were given antibiotics in the U.S. by the end of 2018. [1]
The fried chicken fast-food establishment, which boasts 4,200 restaurants across the country, says it will nix antibiotics from both its boneless and on-the-bone chicken. KFC joins a growing list of fast-food companies that have made food supply changes in response to consumer concerns about health.
KFC said in a statement:

FDA Warns 14 Companies over Questionable Health Product Claims

The FDA is warning consumers to avoid 65 products sold online which, according to the agency, come with bogus claims that they can treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent cancer, along with other medical conditions. However, the companies which received the warning were not ordered to stop selling their products. [1]
Referring to the pills, creams, and teas as “a cruel deception,” the FDA says the products are a waste of time and money, and have the potential to harm buyers.

Vending Machine Device Could Spark Healthier Food Choices

An associate professor of preventative medicine at Rush University Medical Center has invented a device designed to help people make better food choices. The gadget fits inside vending machines and makes buyers who purchase unhealthy snacks wait 25 seconds before their selection drops. But people who choose healthier options – like peanuts or popcorn – get their selection immediately. [1]
Source: Rush University – Bradley Appelhans

EPA Official Accused of Helping Monsanto ‘Kill’ Glyphosate-Cancer Link

It came to light recently that the EPA official tasked with evaluating the cancer risk associated with glyphosate – a toxic herbicide chemical – may have bragged that he deserved a medal if he could ‘ruin another agency’s investigation into glyphosate.’ [1]
The EPA official, Jess Rowland, allegedly made these comments during an April 2015 phone conversation, farmers and others who claim they were sickened by glyphosate say.

GOP Bill Could Let Employers Access Your Genetic and Health Info

A GOP bill in Congress could give employers access to employees’ personal medical and genetic information and increase financial penalties for people who reject workplace wellness programs. [1]
House Republicans have proposed this legislation that would make it easier for companies to gather DNA and health information from employees and their families – children included – when it’s collected as part of a ‘voluntary’ workplace wellness program. Debate still remains, however, on the effectiveness of such wellness programs in general. [2]

Don’t Forget About the 2017 Dirty Dozen List: Most Pesticide-Tainted Produce

Every year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) puts out a list of the 12 types of produce that contain the most pesticides. The group analyzes tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the list. The list was released in the beginning of the year, but it’s important to browse the list multiple times so the information is at your fingertips. [1]

Subway Sues TV Network over Report that its Chicken is 50% Soy

The Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) recently reported that a DNA test of Subway’s chicken conducted by Trent University in Ontario revealed that the product was made up of approximately 50% soy filler, and the sandwich chain isn’t taking it lying down. The company has decided to file a huge lawsuit against the news network. [1]
A Subway spokesperson said in a statement: