FDA warns of heart risks tied to "natural" dietary pills

The FDA warned that some dietary supplements claiming to be "natural" weight-loss pills illegally contain harmful ingredients or prescription drugs that do not have U.S. approval. The agency cautioned consumers that the supplements may cause hypertension, seizures, strokes or heart attacks and said it is working to withdraw such products from the market. More...

More Americans living with multiple chronic medical conditions

The latest U.S. health data show 44% of Americans had at least one chronic medical condition in 2005, up from 41% in 1996. The percentage of those with three or more chronic conditions jumped from 13% to 22% for people ages 45 to 64 and up to 45% for those 65 to 79, during that time period. Increases in obesity and sedentary lifestyles may have led to more people developing two major chronic conditions -- diabetes and high blood pressure. More...

Will Americans put on "recession pounds"?

With numerous studies linking obesity and unhealthy eating habits to low incomes, health professionals worry that the current recession will spur weight gain. Experts are concerned people will cut back on healthy but relatively expensive items, such as fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and instead purchase cheaper foods high in sugar and saturated fats. More...

Memphis hospital, churches join to promote healthy living

Memphis churches are increasing access to health care by partnering with Baptist Memorial Health Care to put on health fairs. Baptist also holds an annual Healthy Church Challenge, in which teams compete to have the largest total weight loss. More...

Shining the Spotlight on Trans Fats

For years, only true diet detectives knew whether a particular food contained trans fat. This phantom fat—the worst fat for the heart, blood vessels, and rest of the body—was found in thousands of foods. But only people who knew that the code phrases "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" and "vegetable shortening" meant that trans fat lurked in the food were aware of its presence. More...