FDA Forms New Tobacco Products Panel

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has named members to its new Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee, which will hold its first meeting at the end of March to discuss menthol in cigarettes.

The committee was mandated by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, passed last year, which gives the FDA regulatory control over tobacco products.

Child Obesity Rates Going Up

New research finds that the prevalence of obesity has grown in recent years among children aged 10 to 17, and certain kids are being especially hard hit.

And another study in the same journal points to a possible reason why: Kids are snacking on potato chips, candy and other fattening foods an average of almost three times per day.

Low-Fat Diet Tops Low-Carb in Long Run

Study Shows People on Low-Fat Diet More Likely to Keep Weight Off

A low-carb diet may offer quick results, but a new study suggests that a low-fat diet may be best for long-term weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.

Researchers found obese people who followed a low-fat diet may be more likely to keep the weight off three years later after starting the diet than those who followed a low-carbohydrate diet.

Health Programs Catching on with Employers, Staff

The corporate wellness trend has picked up its pace in 2010 as employees have decided that the workplace is a good place to take care of their health and as employers have figured that a healthy work force is a more productive workforce.

"Businesses are realizing that (on-site wellness programs) are a good thing from the standpoint of cost and engaging employees. Employees want it because they spend a good portion of their day at work," said Sheri Gatto, wellness coordinator for State Farm Insurance Cos.

Diabetic Shock and Insulin Reactions

Severe hypoglycemia, or diabetic shock, is a serious health risk for anyone with diabetes. Also called insulin reaction, as a consequence of too much insulin, it can occur anytime there is an imbalance between the insulin in your system, the amount of food you eat, or your level of physical activity. It can even happen while you are doing all you think you can do to manage your diabetes.

The symptoms of diabetic shock may seem mild at first. But they should not be ignored. If it isn't treated quickly, hypoglycemia can become a very serious condition that causes you to faint, requiring immediate medical attention.

Diabetic shock can also lead to a coma and death. It's important that not only you, but your family and others around you, learn to recognize the signs of hypoglycemia and know what to do about them. It could save your life.

Brown-Bag Lunches That Make the Grade

Get Lunch in the Bag - in a Hurry

Bringing a lunch to work is a great idea for lots of reasons: it saves calories, it saves money, and it even saves time, allowing you to relax at lunch instead of fighting the crowds at fast-food restaurants.

When you're packing a brown-bag lunch, you'll almost always do better, calorie- and fat-wise, say experts.

Health Tip: 10 Weight Loss Tips That Work in One Minute or Less

There's nothing like a weight loss strategy that takes almost no time or effort - but still works like a charm! Here are 10 successful strategies to cut calories and burn fat that literally take 60 seconds or less.

1. Mix a juice spritzer
Combine your favorite juice (half of your usual amount) with plain or sparkling water. You can cut up to 85 calories per glass - and lose 5 pounds or more a year.

2. Walk while you talk
Burn calories while you talk on the phone: Do the laundry (68 calories), set the table (85), or water plants (102).