After convening a panel of experts to discuss the continuing spread of Zika, the World Health Organization reaffirmed that the virus is a public health emergency, but added that there’s a “low risk” of it spreading further if the Rio Olympic games go ahead as planned. [More]
health
Here’s A Map Of Where Scientists Have Found Mosquitoes Capable Of Carrying Zika In The U.S.
By 6.14.16
Mosquitoes are annoying enough, what with their desire to chomp on juicy humans. However, if the same kind of suckers that carry Zika virus elsewhere in the world could be dwelling among us, that could make them more than irksome: it could make them downright scary. So where exactly in the U.S. could mosquitos capable of carrying Zika mosquitoes show up? [More]
Here’s What’s Going On With The Rio Olympics & The Zika Virus
By 6.9.16
If you haven’t been living under a rock for the last few months, you’ve likely heard the words “Zika virus” and “Rio Olympics” paired together often, both in the media and everyday conversations. With the 2016 Summer Olympics set to start in August, you may be wondering what’s going on — is Zika a threat to tourists and athletes in Brazil? Will the games be postponed or moved? [More]
Court Slams Brakes On San Francisco’s Mandatory Warnings On Soda Ads
By 6.8.16
Only a few weeks ago, a federal court refused to halt a new San Francisco ordinance requiring soda companies to place warnings on all their ads in the city, but today that same court decided to grant a temporary injunction preventing the rule from kicking in while the beverage industry appeals its case. [More]
FDA Issues Warning That Misuse, Abuse Of Imodium Can Cause Heart Issues
By 6.8.16
Following reports that some opioid addicts are taking potentially lethal doses of over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about the dangers of abuse and misuse of these seemingly innocuous products. [More]
The FDA Wants You To Eat Less Salt, Hopes The Food Industry Will Help With That
By 6.1.16
When it comes to salt, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration agrees with the Centers for Disease Control: we’re all consuming too much sodium, and the food industry should be helping us cut back by cutting it from their products. [More]
Ticks Are Your Enemies. Here Is How To Destroy Them With Your Dryer
By 5.27.16
If you’re going for a hike this holiday weekend to enjoy the beauty only nature can provide, there is one thing you should know: ticks are your enemies, they’re out for your blood, and it’s up to you to destroy them. [More]
Court Says NYC’s Salt Warning Labels Can Go Into Effect As Planned
By 5.27.16
Despite efforts from a restaurant trade group to stop a New York City rule requiring warning labels on foods high in sodium from going into effect, a state appeals court says the city can begin enforcing the rule as planned starting June 6. [More]
$25M Government Study Finds Cell Phone Radiation Causes Cancer In Rats
By 5.27.16
A newly released study from the National Toxicology Program, a division of the National Institutes of Health, has found a link between the kind of radiation emitted by cell phones and cancer in rats. [More]
San Francisco Pot-Friendly Gym Will Let Members Get High While They Get Buff
By 5.26.16
First it was juice bars, now this: a new pot-friendly gym in San Francisco will allow members to get high on the premises. [More]
Congressional Report: NFL Tried To Influence Government Research On Head Injuries
By 5.23.16
Even though the National Football League currently paints itself as a player-friendly organization that puts safety above the base thrill of seeing a dude repeatedly getting his bell rung, the league has a long history of not only ignoring the issue but actively seeking to smother scientific research linking the sport to devastating longterm brain damage. A newly released Congressional investigation appears to confirm earlier news reports claiming that the NFL isn’t done trying to insert itself into research that could have an impact on the country’s most popular team sport. [More]
Former Biggest Loser Contestants Allege Show Provided Them With Ephedra, Left Them With Eating Disorders
By 5.23.16
For 17 seasons, NBC’s The Biggest Loser has proven that anyone can lose weight with a strict diet, lots of exercise, access to world-class trainers and training facilities, a few months away from your job and family, the incentive of a huge cash reward, and the knowledge that millions of TV viewers are scrutinizing your every move. According to some former contestants, it also involved some show-provided pills. [More]
Some Opioid Addicts Are Risking Their Lives By Taking Large Amounts Of Imodium
By 5.12.16
The use of opioid painkillers can result in constipation, so the last drug you might expect to see an opioid addict consume is the over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication Imodium. What you might not know is that loperamide, the active ingredient in Imodium and its store-brand knock-offs, is itself an opioid — one that must be taken in very high, potentially lethal, doses to achieve any noticeable effects, but one to which a growing number of addicts are turning. [More]
Foodservice Employees: Have You Ever Gone To Work Sick? Tell Us About It
April 21, 2016
Every day, countless American workers go to their jobs knowing they have a cold, flu, or some other communicable illness, but not all of these people have work that puts them in contact with other folks’ food. If you’ve worked in foodservice and gone to a job while still ill, we want to hear your story. Were you concerned about losing your job if you didn’t show up? Does your employer not offer sick leave? Could you not afford to lose those few hours? Whatever your reason, we’d like to hear your story. Email us at tips@consumerist.com with “SICK AT WORK” in the subject line. All details would remain anonymous, and no names or other identifying information would be published. [More]
Chocolate Milk Maker Behind Sketchy “Cognitive Skills” Study Hoped To Cash In On Concussion Movie
By 4.20.16
Last December, researchers from the University of Maryland put out a press release claiming — without showing any of the science to back up the assertions — that a certain brand of chocolate milk could improve cognitive skills of concussed athletes. The study — paid for by the chocolate milk company — was widely derided and the school has since admitted that the press release was rushed and botched. So what was the hurry in getting this incomplete science news out there? Apparently, in the hopes of riding the coattails of a new Will Smith movie. [More]
Mars Plastering Special Labels On Pasta Sauces That Are High In Salt, Fat, Or Sugar
By 4.15.16
The next time you reach for your favorite sauce in the grocery aisle, you could be greeted with a warning that you maybe shouldn’t over-indulge in the stuff. Mars Food, the maker of brands like Dolmio and Uncle Ben’s, is putting new labels on some of its pasta sauces suggesting they be an occasional treat due to high content of sugar, salt, or fat. [More]
Indoor Tanning Company Issuing Refunds After Claiming Tanning Won’t Increase Cancer Risk
By 4.14.16
Because there is no magical indoor tanning system that uses UV lamps and comes with a 100% guarantee you will not get cancer from using it, a company that marketed indoor tanning systems will have to pay out refunds to consumers under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. [More]
Starbucks Apologizes For “Diabetes Here I Come” Message On Customer’s Cup
By 4.11.16
It’s one thing when Starbucks staffers mess up your name — hello, I’m “Marky Beth” — but getting a rude message is an entirely other matter. The Seattle coffee chain has apologized for one such incident, in which a customer received his grande white mocha with the words “Diabetes here I come” written on the cup. [More]
