Latest news with #LeanaWen
Washington Post
36 minutes ago
- Health
- Washington Post
Political idiocy is going to make us, well, idiots
In today's edition: You walk into the pharmacy in Idaho and pick up the pamphlet that says 'Ivermectin and You.' You open it. Instead of information, loose pills simply tumble out. You ask the pharmacist about vaccines, and she pretends she hasn't heard you. This, my friends, is medical freedom. Leana Wen's latest column is a case study of the right's antipathy toward the medical establishment, chronicling how ivermectin — long used for deworming livestock — gained conservative cachet during the covid-19 pandemic and is now being made available over the counter in a bunch of red states; meanwhile, vaccine access is being 'sacrificed on the altar of contrarianism.' Yes, Leana says, 'proponents hail these moves as a win for the 'medical freedom' movement,' but they are in fact the manifestation of a diseased relationship with public health and science writ large. To wit: Vice President JD Vance doesn't seem to have a very good grasp on how America's space program happened, Mark Lasswell writes: Vance claims 'American talent' powered the program, with a teeny bit of help from 'some German and Jewish scientists' who came to this country from Europe. 'Some'? Mark entreats us to remember rocketry mastermind Wernher von Braun. Oh, of the Philadelphia von Brauns? Not quite. True, a lot of those contributors became Americans in the 1950s — but Vance doesn't appear too keen on the whole naturalization thing, either. All of this pairs very poorly with, as Mark writes, the White House 'working energetically to dissolve arrangements between several research universities and the government.' Max Boot characterizes it even more starkly: 'the suicide of a superpower.' That's because a lot of progress really has been the result of American ingenuity, which happens to occur largely at universities funded by the government. Examples include: the internet, GPS, smartphones, artificial intelligence, MRIs, LASIK, Ozempic, and drugs that actually prevent and treat covid. But, years hence, as our adversaries explore the cosmos, the human genome and the limits of generative AI, at least we will be worm-free. Chaser: Professor Carole LaBonne writes that it's true that colleges have benefited plenty from federal funding, but if we're looking at which way the reliance relationship really goes, it's the government that depends on universities. From Perry Bacon's essay on the way 'flyover country' conquered this basketball season, with the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder heading to the NBA Finals. 'Is the NBA self-sabotaging? Does the league just have terrible luck?' Perry asks. 'No and no. Teams in fairly small markets will host the championships for a league that craves a massive and even international audience. And that's just fine.' The league, Perry writes, will have plenty of money no matter how many viewers tune in to this year's finals. What's more interesting is the way the NBA sorta kinda stands athwart the supercity-cization of the United States, by way of its strict rules for how much teams can spend and what Perry calls its 'socialist-y system' for paying players. It is not just not bad, Perry argues, but actively great that littler cities are able to compete. As coastal megalopolises hoover up whole industries and their workers, we all ought to have it in us to cheer on these finals. 'Courage I know we have in abundance … but [gun]powder — where shall we get a sufficient supply?' Abigail Adams, I was not familiar with your game! John Adams was, though. The future president once told his wife and pen pal: 'I really think that your Letters are much better worth preserving than mine.' The powder letter is pretty much exactly 250 years old, exchanged in the lead-up to the Revolutionary War, and the resolve it displays is remarkable, writes historian Joseph Ellis, considering the overwhelming uncertainty still swirling at that point. Britain was the world's hegemon, Ellis writes, yet the Adamses 'were like poker players who were all-in before knowing what cards they had been dealt.' Even more remarkable is the couple's prescience that their correspondence would be important some day, as John noted. Ellis writes: 'They were not just writing letters to each other; they were writing to posterity — which is to say, us.' So read up on what Ellis excerpts. Then, in our own era of uncertainty, maybe start writing, too. It's a goodbye. It's a haiku. It's … The Bye-Ku. NBA reckons With remotest finals sites This side of Oort cloud *** Have your own newsy haiku? Email it to me, along with any questions/comments/ambiguities. See you tomorrow!
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The most popular breakfast food for kids has gotten even unhealthier. Here's what to serve instead
Sign up for CNN's Eat, But Better: Mediterranean Style. Our eight-part guide shows you a delicious expert-backed eating lifestyle that will boost your health for life. We all know that breakfast is an important meal, and even more so for children. Abundant research has demonstrated the benefit of nutritious breakfasts on children's health, well-being and academic performance. Ready-to-eat cereals are the predominant breakfast choice among American children, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But that may not be the best option for growing children and adolescents. In newly launched cereals between 2010 and 2023, there were significant increases in fat, sodium and sugar and decreases in protein and fiber content, according to a new research study in JAMA Network Open. I wanted to better understand the implications for parents who want to learn about healthier options for their children. To help guide us, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner and is the mother of two school-aged kids. CNN: How did these researchers study ready-to-eat cereals? Dr. Leana Wen: This study utilized a comprehensive database that tracks new product launches for food and beverages. Researchers examined cereal products that launched in the US market between 2010 and 2023 that were explicitly marketed to children ages 5 to 12 years old. During this period, about 1,200 children's ready-to-eat cereals were launched. Compared to 2010, total fat per serving increased 33.6%; sodium content increased by 32.1%; and sugar by 10.9%. On the other hand, both protein content and dietary fiber content decreased when comparing 2010 to 2023. Notably, the average amount of added sugar is so high that a single serving of children's cereal is more than 45% of the American Heart Association's total daily recommended limit for children, according to the authors. CNN: Were you surprised by these findings? Wen: Frankly, yes. In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of a healthy breakfast to children's well-being. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the problems associated with high levels of added sugar, sodium and fat content in food. Ultraprocessed foods laden with these additives have been associated with a myriad of negative health consequences, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and premature death. What's upsetting to me is that many products that are ultraprocessed and contain high levels of unhealthy ingredients are being marketed as being 'healthy.' A 2024 study published in the journal Nutrients found that 60% of foods marketed to children ages 6 months to 36 months on 10 supermarkets' shelves failed to meet recommended nutritional guidelines from the World Health Organization for infant and toddler foods. Virtually none of these meet WHO's standards for advertising— instead they contained inaccurate health claims or failed to have clear labeling. All of this makes it hard for parents and families who want to choose healthier options for their children. CNN: What advice do you have for parents who want to feed their children healthier breakfasts? Wen: Parents should consider options outside of ready-made cereal. Some options for healthy breakfasts include steel-cut oats with honey and fresh fruit and whole-grain bread with peanut butter. Kids may also like eggs; no-sugar-added yogurt, which still has sugar in it; smoothies made with milk and fresh fruit; and homemade muffins. For parents looking for grab-and-go breakfasts, consider fresh fruit, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, muffins, smoothies and whole-grain bagels with low-fat cream cheese. CNN: What if parents want to serve cereal? What should they look for on the label? Wen: As a parent who has tried to find healthy cereals for my kids, I know myself that it is very hard to go through the cereal aisle and make sense of the packaging that claim the cereal is healthy. The best thing to do is to look at the label for each cereal you are considering. First, look for whole grains. Ideally, the label says that the cereal has 100% whole grain. Then, look at the sugar content. It's best to have added sugar of less than 9 grams per serving . According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 10 grams per serving would already be 20% of the entire amount of added sugar someone is recommended to consume a day, if they have a 2,000 calorie diet. Try to find cereals with no food dyes or low-calorie sweeteners. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has a list of relatively healthier cereals. From a policy perspective, last year, the US Food and Drug Administration proposed a front-of-package label that would make it easier for consumers to know how products compare with regard to their added sugar, salt and saturated fat content. I think these improved labels can help if they are implemented. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made reducing ultraprocessed food a centerpiece of his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda. Perhaps there will be policy solutions Kennedy will announce that can make it easier for families to opt for healthier choices. CNN: In the meantime, should parents avoid cereals and switch to other breakfast products? What do you do with your kids? Wen: I think the takeaway should be simply knowing that many cereals marketed to children are not the most nutritious choices. This doesn't mean children should never be served these cereals but try to serve them in moderation or as a treat. Since I became aware of just how laden with additives our favorite cereals were, I began to serve my kids these cereals only as a treat, opting usually for milk served with steel-cut oats or whole-grain toast and peanut butter. On days when they have cereal, I make sure to tell them it's a treat — just as I tell them it's a treat when they have cookies and cupcakes. And then I try to make sure that their other meals are healthy. CNN: Do you have other advice for families trying to make more nutritional choices? Wen: It's best to aim for meals with whole foods that are minimally processed, such as whole grains, fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, legumes, fish and lean meat. Also keep in mind that what kids drink is just as important as what they eat. Stay away from sodas, juice drinks, energy drinks and other drinks with caffeine and high amounts of added sugar.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Where tariffs stand, ugly gems, best breakfast options: Catch up on the day's stories
👋 Welcome to 5 Things PM! The most popular breakfast food for kids — a bowl of cereal — has gotten even unhealthier. CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, the mother of two school-age children, offers some better options for what parents can serve instead. Here's what else you might have missed during your busy day: 1️⃣ Recession risks: President Donald Trump's tariffs — those he has threatened and those he has already enacted — have led some experts to predict that the US economy could enter a recession while also seeing inflation rise. Here's what it means for consumers. 2️⃣ On the lam: Grant Hardin, a former police chief in Arkansas, was serving lengthy prison sentences for murder and rape. Some call him 'evil,' and his brazen escape this week has left a small town on edge and reopened old wounds. 3️⃣ Keeping the faith: Todd and Julie Chrisley built an empire based on religion and family. Then they were convicted of conspiracy to defraud banks out of more than $30 million in loans. Thanks to a presidential pardon, they're embarking on a new chapter. 4️⃣ 'Ugly ducklings': Jewelry experts have always emphasized the importance of the clarity and cut of a gem — until now. Imperfections are no longer taboo as high-end jewelers champion stones with unique inclusions or a lack of sparkle. 5️⃣ Bright lights: The neon signs that used to illuminate Hong Kong have mostly gone dark because of safety concerns and tighter government regulations. Artist Jive Lau opened a studio to help keep the city's neon heritage alive. 👀 Breaking free: New video obtained exclusively by CNN shows a man escaping the New York City townhouse where he was allegedly tortured and held hostage for weeks in a cryptocurrency extortion scheme. • Harvard grads celebrate while the school's lawyers eke out another reprieve for international students• Trump met with Jerome Powell to scold him about rates. Powell stressed the Fed is staying out of politics• Israel approves biggest expansion of West Bank settlements in decades 🇬🇧 That's how many Americans have applied for UK citizenship since the start of Trump's second term. 🦍 Back where they belong: Four eastern lowland gorillas that had been captured by wildlife traffickers were reintroduced into the wild in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It's the largest translocation of the critically endangered species. 🎭 Dramatic reunion: The original cast of the hit Broadway musical 'Hamilton' will get back together to perform during the Tony Awards next week at Radio City Music Hall. 🧑⚖️ The prosecution rested its case in Karen Read's retrial. What is she accused of? A. Insurance fraudB. Killing her boyfriendC. Child abuseD. Embezzlement⬇️ Scroll down for the answer. 🫙 Making waves: When Roberto Beltrami was a physics student at Boston University, he was captivated by the work of American artist Dale Chihuly. He decided to take a glassblowing class and started his own workshop at the age of 25. Now he's one of the youngest master glassmakers in Murano, the Italian island renowned for centuries for the glass made there. 👋 We'll see you tomorrow. 🧠 Quiz answer: B. Read is accused of striking her boyfriend, an off-duty Boston police officer, with her vehicle and leaving him to die. Test your knowledge with CNN's weekly news quiz in tomorrow's 5 Things newsletter.📧 Check out all of CNN's newsletters. 5 Things PM is produced by CNN's Chris Good, Meghan Pryce, Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson.
CNN
5 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Kids' breakfast cereal has gotten unhealthier, a new study finds
Sign up for CNN's Eat, But Better: Mediterranean Style. Our eight-part guide shows you a delicious expert-backed eating lifestyle that will boost your health for life. We all know that breakfast is an important meal, and even more so for children. Abundant research has demonstrated the benefit of nutritious breakfasts on children's health, well-being and academic performance. Ready-to-eat cereals are the predominant breakfast choice among American children, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But that may not be the best option for growing children and adolescents. In newly launched cereals between 2010 and 2023, there were significant increases in fat, sodium and sugar and decreases in protein and fiber content, according to a new research study in JAMA Network Open. I wanted to better understand the implications for parents who want to learn about healthier options for their children. To help guide us, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner and is the mother of two school-aged kids. CNN: How did these researchers study ready-to-eat cereals? Dr. Leana Wen: This study utilized a comprehensive database that tracks new product launches for food and beverages. Researchers examined cereal products that launched in the US market between 2010 and 2023 that were explicitly marketed to children ages 5 to 12 years old. During this period, about 1,200 children's ready-to-eat cereals were launched. Compared to 2010, total fat per serving increased 33.6%; sodium content increased by 32.1%; and sugar by 10.9%. On the other hand, both protein content and dietary fiber content decreased when comparing 2010 to 2023. Notably, the average amount of added sugar is so high that a single serving of children's cereal is more than 45% of the American Heart Association's total daily recommended limit for children, according to the authors. CNN: Were you surprised by these findings? Wen: Frankly, yes. In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of a healthy breakfast to children's well-being. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the problems associated with high levels of added sugar, sodium and fat content in food. Ultraprocessed foods laden with these additives have been associated with a myriad of negative health consequences, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and premature death. What's upsetting to me is that many products that are ultraprocessed and contain high levels of unhealthy ingredients are being marketed as being 'healthy.' A 2024 study published in the journal Nutrients found that 60% of foods marketed to children ages 6 months to 36 months on 10 supermarkets' shelves failed to meet recommended nutritional guidelines from the World Health Organization for infant and toddler foods. Virtually none of these meet WHO's standards for advertising— instead they contained inaccurate health claims or failed to have clear labeling. All of this makes it hard for parents and families who want to choose healthier options for their children. CNN: What advice do you have for parents who want to feed their children healthier breakfasts? Wen: Parents should consider options outside of ready-made cereal. Some options for healthy breakfasts include steel-cut oats with honey and fresh fruit and whole-grain bread with peanut butter. Kids may also like eggs; no-sugar-added yogurt, which still has sugar in it; smoothies made with milk and fresh fruit; and homemade muffins. For parents looking for grab-and-go breakfasts, consider fresh fruit, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, muffins, smoothies and whole-grain bagels with low-fat cream cheese. CNN: What if parents want to serve cereal? What should they look for on the label? Wen: As a parent who has tried to find healthy cereals for my kids, I know myself that it is very hard to go through the cereal aisle and make sense of the packaging that claim the cereal is healthy. The best thing to do is to look at the label for each cereal you are considering. First, look for whole grains. Ideally, the label says that the cereal has 100% whole grain. Then, look at the sugar content. It's best to have added sugar of less than 9 grams per serving . According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 10 grams per serving would already be 20% of the entire amount of added sugar someone is recommended to consume a day, if they have a 2,000 calorie diet. Try to find cereals with no food dyes or low-calorie sweeteners. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has a list of relatively healthier cereals. From a policy perspective, last year, the US Food and Drug Administration proposed a front-of-package label that would make it easier for consumers to know how products compare with regard to their added sugar, salt and saturated fat content. I think these improved labels can help if they are implemented. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made reducing ultraprocessed food a centerpiece of his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda. Perhaps there will be policy solutions Kennedy will announce that can make it easier for families to opt for healthier choices. CNN: In the meantime, should parents avoid cereals and switch to other breakfast products? What do you do with your kids? Wen: I think the takeaway should be simply knowing that many cereals marketed to children are not the most nutritious choices. This doesn't mean children should never be served these cereals but try to serve them in moderation or as a treat. Since I became aware of just how laden with additives our favorite cereals were, I began to serve my kids these cereals only as a treat, opting usually for milk served with steel-cut oats or whole-grain toast and peanut butter. On days when they have cereal, I make sure to tell them it's a treat — just as I tell them it's a treat when they have cookies and cupcakes. And then I try to make sure that their other meals are healthy. CNN: Do you have other advice for families trying to make more nutritional choices? Wen: It's best to aim for meals with whole foods that are minimally processed, such as whole grains, fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, legumes, fish and lean meat. Also keep in mind that what kids drink is just as important as what they eat. Stay away from sodas, juice drinks, energy drinks and other drinks with caffeine and high amounts of added sugar.
CNN
5 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Kids' breakfast cereal has gotten unhealthier, a new study finds
Sign up for CNN's Eat, But Better: Mediterranean Style. Our eight-part guide shows you a delicious expert-backed eating lifestyle that will boost your health for life. We all know that breakfast is an important meal, and even more so for children. Abundant research has demonstrated the benefit of nutritious breakfasts on children's health, well-being and academic performance. Ready-to-eat cereals are the predominant breakfast choice among American children, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But that may not be the best option for growing children and adolescents. In newly launched cereals between 2010 and 2023, there were significant increases in fat, sodium and sugar and decreases in protein and fiber content, according to a new research study in JAMA Network Open. I wanted to better understand the implications for parents who want to learn about healthier options for their children. To help guide us, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner and is the mother of two school-aged kids. CNN: How did these researchers study ready-to-eat cereals? Dr. Leana Wen: This study utilized a comprehensive database that tracks new product launches for food and beverages. Researchers examined cereal products that launched in the US market between 2010 and 2023 that were explicitly marketed to children ages 5 to 12 years old. During this period, about 1,200 children's ready-to-eat cereals were launched. Compared to 2010, total fat per serving increased 33.6%; sodium content increased by 32.1%; and sugar by 10.9%. On the other hand, both protein content and dietary fiber content decreased when comparing 2010 to 2023. Notably, the average amount of added sugar is so high that a single serving of children's cereal is more than 45% of the American Heart Association's total daily recommended limit for children, according to the authors. CNN: Were you surprised by these findings? Wen: Frankly, yes. In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of a healthy breakfast to children's well-being. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the problems associated with high levels of added sugar, sodium and fat content in food. Ultraprocessed foods laden with these additives have been associated with a myriad of negative health consequences, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and premature death. What's upsetting to me is that many products that are ultraprocessed and contain high levels of unhealthy ingredients are being marketed as being 'healthy.' A 2024 study published in the journal Nutrients found that 60% of foods marketed to children ages 6 months to 36 months on 10 supermarkets' shelves failed to meet recommended nutritional guidelines from the World Health Organization for infant and toddler foods. Virtually none of these meet WHO's standards for advertising— instead they contained inaccurate health claims or failed to have clear labeling. All of this makes it hard for parents and families who want to choose healthier options for their children. CNN: What advice do you have for parents who want to feed their children healthier breakfasts? Wen: Parents should consider options outside of ready-made cereal. Some options for healthy breakfasts include steel-cut oats with honey and fresh fruit and whole-grain bread with peanut butter. Kids may also like eggs; no-sugar-added yogurt, which still has sugar in it; smoothies made with milk and fresh fruit; and homemade muffins. For parents looking for grab-and-go breakfasts, consider fresh fruit, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, muffins, smoothies and whole-grain bagels with low-fat cream cheese. CNN: What if parents want to serve cereal? What should they look for on the label? Wen: As a parent who has tried to find healthy cereals for my kids, I know myself that it is very hard to go through the cereal aisle and make sense of the packaging that claim the cereal is healthy. The best thing to do is to look at the label for each cereal you are considering. First, look for whole grains. Ideally, the label says that the cereal has 100% whole grain. Then, look at the sugar content. It's best to have added sugar of less than 9 grams per serving . According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 10 grams per serving would already be 20% of the entire amount of added sugar someone is recommended to consume a day, if they have a 2,000 calorie diet. Try to find cereals with no food dyes or low-calorie sweeteners. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has a list of relatively healthier cereals. From a policy perspective, last year, the US Food and Drug Administration proposed a front-of-package label that would make it easier for consumers to know how products compare with regard to their added sugar, salt and saturated fat content. I think these improved labels can help if they are implemented. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made reducing ultraprocessed food a centerpiece of his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda. Perhaps there will be policy solutions Kennedy will announce that can make it easier for families to opt for healthier choices. CNN: In the meantime, should parents avoid cereals and switch to other breakfast products? What do you do with your kids? Wen: I think the takeaway should be simply knowing that many cereals marketed to children are not the most nutritious choices. This doesn't mean children should never be served these cereals but try to serve them in moderation or as a treat. Since I became aware of just how laden with additives our favorite cereals were, I began to serve my kids these cereals only as a treat, opting usually for milk served with steel-cut oats or whole-grain toast and peanut butter. On days when they have cereal, I make sure to tell them it's a treat — just as I tell them it's a treat when they have cookies and cupcakes. And then I try to make sure that their other meals are healthy. CNN: Do you have other advice for families trying to make more nutritional choices? Wen: It's best to aim for meals with whole foods that are minimally processed, such as whole grains, fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, legumes, fish and lean meat. Also keep in mind that what kids drink is just as important as what they eat. Stay away from sodas, juice drinks, energy drinks and other drinks with caffeine and high amounts of added sugar.
