Cigarettes and Tobacco News

Jul 24, 2007 -- You don't often see the words "safer" and "cigarettes" in the same sentence.

But that is the goal behind a movement to put the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in charge of tobacco products. Under a proposed bill in Congress, the FDA would have the authority to regulate levels of nicotine, tar and other components of tobacco.

New products would need FDA approval before hitting the market, and companies would have to follow national standards in manufacturing their goods -- as well as more stringent rules on disclosing their ingredients.

Let's be clear. No one thinks that a safe cigarette is possible. The hope is to make them less deadly. Smoking kills nearly one in five Americans.

"Are we going to cut cancer in half with FDA control? No," said Dr. David Burns, a tobacco expert at the University of California, San Diego. "[But] can we do things that are important in regulating a product to minimize its toxicity? Yes, I think we can."

Others worry that people might get a false sense of security if a cigarette bears FDA approval. And the agency itself has expressed concern about being given the job.

"It would still be a deadly product," said Dr. Michael Siegel from Boston University. "The problem is the public is going to perceive the product is safe because the FDA has assumed jurisdiction."

Strength training will benefit seniors

Grandma needs to do some crunches.

The American Heart Association is advising the elderly -- even those in nursing homes -- to use weights or do other strength-focused exercises to improve their overall health.

They can lift weights (as light as 1 pound), do sit-ups or crunches, use resistance cords, or tackle the weight machines. It's all good. Of course, check with your doctor first and start slowly.

The association says strength training is good for heart-disease patients. Tom Simerly, 57, of Texas, uses weight machines as part of his thrice-weekly workouts.

He recently underwent a procedure to open a clogged artery.

"The whole [exercise] regimen has been really good," Simerly said. "I sleep better. I feel better about myself. I've lost some weight."

Heed allergy warnings

Note to the 12 million Americans with food allergies: Do not ignore food labels -- your life may depend on them.

Experts say people often overlook these warnings. The danger comes when a product isn't supposed to include the ingredient but could be contaminated accidentally because it is processed on shared equipment.

According to a new study, fewer parents of children with food allergies avoid these products.

A 2006 survey of 600 parents found that 75 percent avoid everything with an "accidental allergy warning," compared with 85 percent in 2003.

Is it dangerous to eat these foods? For those with serious allergies, yes.

"I've characterized it as akin to playing Russian roulette with a really big gun that has 100 chambers and only one bullet," said Dr. Steve Taylor, a food scientist at the University of Nebraska. "Sooner or later, if you eat these products, you're going to eat the wrong one." [More on the subject, Page E8.]

Health lessons for soldiers

The Army has launched a new health campaign for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The goal? To teach soldiers the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and/or brain injuries, such as concussions. The message is twofold: These conditions can be serious, and there is no shame in getting help.

"There is a huge cultural issue here," said Lt. Gen. James L. Campbell, speaking of soldiers' hesitation to seek treatment.

During the next 90 days, the Army hopes to educate 1 million soldiers during one-hour classes on stress and brain injuries.