FDA AND ASPARTAME

According to Reuters, although Italian researchers published a new study showing that aspartame, a leading ingredient in diet sodas, raised the likelihood of several cancers including leukemia, lymphoma and breast cancer in rats, the FDA feels no immediate need to review the study. According to Michael Herndon, FDA spokesman, the conclusions from the European Ramazzini Foundation, which conducted the sweetener study, are not consistent with those that have already been evaluated by the FDA, including five previously conducted negative chronic carcinogenicity studies. See our Beauty Blog on this topic; go to our homepage and view the July 11 entry. For the Reuters article: Click Here

TOBACCO’S SMOKY INFLUENCE

According to Indiana University Research, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that a non-smoking spouse, and a smoke-free workplace, played key roles in long-term success for young adults who quit smoking. The 27-year study of the natural history of cigarette smoking found that environmental factors are more influential than individual behaviors and beliefs when it comes to kicking the habit. According to Jon Macy, project director of the IU Smoking Survey, tobacco dependence is a chronic disease and should be treated as such. For the survey:Click Here

BOTTLE BAN

According to ABCNews.com, several cities, including Minneapolis, Ann Arbor, Mich., San Francisco and Salt Lake City have called for a ban on bottled water. An estimated 30 billion empty plastic water bottles are thrown away each year, and four out of five of those bottles end up in landfills. That’s enough bottles to circulate the world 150 times. The reasoning behind the bottle ban is to cut down on greenhouse gases, which are produced in the process of making the plastic bottles.

SNACK FOOD RECALL

Robert’s American Gourmet Food, Inc., producer of commonly known snacks such as Pirate’s Booty, has announced a recall of all its Veggie Booty, Super Veggie Tings, and Crunchy Corn Sticks snack foods in both the U.S. and Canada because of possible Salmonella contamination. Robert’s American Gourmet has been notified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of 54 cases of Salmonella, almost all in toddlers or infants, across 17 states associated with the Veggie Booty product. Although no cases of Salmonella have been traced to Super Veggie Tings, and Crunch Corn Sticks, Robert’s American Gourmet decided to extend the recall due to using similar seasoning in all products.

LIZ CLAIBORNE DIES Liz Claiborne, revolutionary fashion designer in women’s career wardrobes, has died at the age of 78. Claiborne founded Liz Claiborne, Inc. in 1976, determined to create a line of clothing geared toward the emerging trend of women entering into the workforce. The company went public in 1981 and by 1985, it had become the first company founded by a woman to be listed in the Fortune 500.
NEW OBESITY SURVEY The National Consumers League has released a new study conducted by Harris Interactive stating that while 66% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, only 12% have ever been told by a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional that they are in fact obese. The new study also found a misconstrued perception based on how people view their weight versus actual body mass index calculations. According to the study, 52% of U.S adults were more likely to refer to themselves as “overweight,” whereas only 12% referred to themselves as obese. Based on actual BMI calculations, close to 35% of U.S. adults are in fact obese, severely obese, or morbidly obese.
A TALKING FIRST AID KIT Intelligent First Aid will launch The Talking First Aid Kit in September hoping to allot non-professionals with the tools to deal with injuries during those crucial minutes before a professional caregiver can arrive to the scene. The Talking First Aid Kit is fixed with an audio chip on each color-coded injury pack, narrating step-by-step instructions, allowing for repeat and pause when necessary for accurate response. Each kit includes nine injury-specific packs. Information: intelligentfirstid.com
BOTOX? NO SWEAT The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has now approved the use of Botox in underarms to prevent excessive sweating. Botox temporarily paralyzes a nerve that stimulates sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweating in half, for up to six months.
DRUG TO TREAT FIBROMYALGIA The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have approved Lyrica (pregabalin), as the first drug to treat fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by fatigue, widespread pain, and sleep problems. Lyrica, manufactured by New York-based Pfizer, Inc. has already been approved for treating partial seizures, pain due to shingles and or diabetes nerve damage, has been shown to reduce pain, and improve daily functions for some patients with fibromyalgia. The disorder affects 3-6 million Americans each year, majority consisting of women in early-to-middle adulthood. Information: National Fibromyalgia Associate website at fmaware.org