"Americans shouldn't waste their time or energy on avoiding phantom health risks."
By Ruth Kava, Ph.D., R.D.
Posted: Monday, December 24, 2007

PRESS RELEASE
Publication Date: December 24, 2007

New York, NY -- December 26, 2007. Americans can improve and safeguard their health and wellbeing by following twelve lifestyle pointers presented by the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH). ACSH, a consortium of over 300 physicians and scientists urges Americans to focus their efforts on things that matter -- such as maintaining a healthy body weight and not smoking -- rather than the countless pieces of nonsensical or trivial health advice that fill the news.

Listed here and explained in greater detail on ACSH's site are probably the most important resolutions for the new year. Although the popular press frequently exhorts consumers to decrease their exposure to various foods or chemicals, in reality many of these warnings are more hyperbole than fact. ACSH presents some of the real risks to health -- risks that have been substantiated by sound scientific studies. Science-based resolutions include:

• Avoid smoking -- the leading cause of preventable death
• Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
• Don't drink and drive
• Exercise regularly at an appropriate level
• Drink alcohol only in moderation
• Get regular preventive health care and checkups
• Protect yourself against sexually-transmitted diseases

And several more.

"Incorporating these resolutions into their daily lives will help people both improve their health and avoid some significant risks to life and safety," said Dr. Gilbert Ross, ACSH medical and executive director.

"Americans shouldn't waste their time or energy on avoiding phantom health risks," stated ACSH president Dr. Elizabeth Whelan. "Our resolutions point to real risks that have been proven to affect our lives and well-being -- countering these are the actions that people should undertake," she concluded.

Contact:
Dr. Gilbert Ross, 212-362-7044 x242, rossg[at]acsh.org
Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, 212-362-7044 x235, whelane[at]acsh.org
Dr. Ruth Kava, 212-362-7044 x234, kavar[at]acsh.org