Most Consumers Don’t Know About Health Insurance Exchanges

A recent survey by CVS Caremark found that 78% of consumers who qualify for healthcare reform subsidies have never heard of state-based healthcare insurance exchanges where they will have to shop for coverage next year [1]. Although the exchanges are being promoted as transparent and user friendly, 60% of respondents said they believe they will need help to understand health insurance terms and navigate the system.

Health insurance exchange

9 Tips to Survive the Summer BBQ

In the United States, the 4th of July holiday is all about family, friends, fireworks and food. Lot’s of food. Indeed, nothing says summer holidays like a good old-fashioned BBQ. Here are some tips for how to grill safely and eat healthy this summer.

Healthy grilling

Don’t Get Burned: Fireworks Injuries by the Numbers

In the U.S., fireworks are synonymous with Independence day. Yet for all the fun of fireworks, they can also bring burns, blindness and even death.

Fireworks injuries

USDA Replaces School Junk Food with “Smart Snacks”

Federal officials finalized new regulations on snacks sold in U.S. schools this week, requiring lower limits on the amount of fat, calories, sugar and salt [1]. The USDA’s “Smart Snacks in School” nutrition standards balances science-based nutrition guidelines with practical and flexible solutions to promote healthier eating during the school day.

School vending machines

Increased Red Meat Consumption Linked to Higher Diabetes Risk

According to a new long-term observational study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and the National University of Singapore, increasing the number of servings of red meat over time increases the risk of getting type 2 diabetes, while cutting back reduces the danger. The study is published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Red meat