Archive for February 2014
Californians support soda warning label, new poll shows
Both Republicans and Democrats robustly support labels warning that sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and tooth decay, according to a Field Poll released Thursday. Two-thirds of Republicans and 80 percent of Democrats favored adding the labels to the sugary products, as did three-quarters of independent voters. The findings, which…
Read MoreFeeling in control? It could add years to your life.
I’ve long wondered if outlook could change one’s life expectancy odds, since part of what accounts for discrepancies in life spans relates to a sense of control. That’s why those higher on the social ladder live longer, even if those just below them on the rung have safe homes, good food, medical care, etc. More…
Read MoreWhy Timeliness Confers Power
On Monday night I sat in on a community organizing action in Del Norte County in Northern California, as part of my reporting on a book project on community health. And organizing community members so they make their voices heard – effectively – is one sure way to improve a community’s well being, as collective…
Read MoreDeadly Discrimination
Beware of the small slights in life. Over a lifetime they add up to major loss of health, physical and mental, warns David R. Williams, a professor of public health, sociology and African and African-American studies at Harvard University. For decades Williams has studied the connection between racism and diminished health. Recently his work percolated…
Read MoreLifespans for Rural Americans Lagging Behind Urban Counterparts
Living in a bucolic rural area may seem like a good prescription for health, but new data shows that rural Americans are paying a price in shortened life expectancy for living in America’s hinterlands. In part it’s because only 17 percent of Americans live in rural areas, and they don’t have quite the advocacy voice…
Read More