In a study of 43,960 African-American women, the incidence of type 2 diabetes was found to be higher with higher intake of both sugar-sweetened soft drinks and fruit drinks. Drinking at least 2 soft drinks per day was associated with a 24% increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and consumption of at least 2 fruit drinks per day was associated with a 31% increase. Sadly, sugar loaded "fruit drinks" are often marketed as a healthier alternative to soft drinks. With regards to fruit drinks, the authors state, "The public should be made aware that these drinks are not a healthy alternative to soft drinks with regard to risk of type 2 diabetes."

A new study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) finds that 70% of all adults in America aren't getting enough sleep. Of those questioned, 70% said they had not gotten enough rest or sleep every day of the past month. Of those between 18 and 34, 13.3% lacked enough sleep every day, compared to 7.3% of adults over 55. Adults that got six hours or less of sleep a night increased in all age in groups from 1985 to 2006, according to a National Health Interview Study. For example, in 1985, about 20% of men and women ages 45-64 reported sleeping an average of six hours or less. By 2006 that number had jumped to 30%.

Studies show that moderate alcohol intake — one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men — decreases the risk of heart attack. On the other hand, alcohol is linked to a very small increase in the risk of breast cancer (dozens of factors seem to play a role). But a new study shows that one type of alcohol may actually decrease the risk of both heart disease and breast cancer: red wine.

This study of over 12 million Canadians suggests that those who recently had the flu vaccine for the regular flu were less likely to be helped by the Swine flu vaccine. Because of this, many Canadian provinces are recommending that those who are under 65 years of age not get the regular flu shot this year till after the Swine flu season has passed. The research suggests to me that for those under 65, this is another reason to not bother with flu shots this year, and if getting a flu shot this year, to get only one and not both. As there are normally 30,000-50,000 U.S. deaths a year from the regular flu, and so far only about 500 from the Swine Flu, you should get the regular flu vaccine. That the Swine Flu vaccine manufacturer has likely received the OK to bypass safety measures leaves me concerned that the risk of the Swine Flu vaccine may be unnecessarily high.