VIDEO: Taxing Sugary Drinks Could Help Curb Obesity Epidemic, Hypertension Increases Silent Stroke Risk, Anemia May Increase Mortality Risk Among Elderly Adults

28.07.2009 | 1:40 min

(July 28, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Washington - According to the director of the CDC, taxing sugary drinks could help curb America's obesity epidemic. As part of the CDC's "Weight of the Nation" conference, Dr. Thomas Frieden suggested that the average person is about 23 pounds overweight, so small reductions in caloric intake can make a significant difference. He suggests that a $.01 per ounce tax on sugary drinks could help, as well as bring in $100 to $200 billion over the next 10 years. From Sydney - According to research in the journal Neurology, high blood pressure may increase the risk of "silent strokes". In a study of nearly 500 participants, researchers found that those with hypertension had a 60% increased risk of suffering from a "silent stroke". These occurrences have been associated with cognitive deficits, and could even lead to vascular dementia. And finally, from the Netherlands - According to research in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, anemia may increase the risk of death among the elderly. In a study of over 560 elderly adults, researchers found that the presence of anemia in those aged 85 and older was linked to a 41% increased mortality risk. These risks remained significant even after adjusting for comorbid diseases and other factors. For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Kelly Schweitzer.
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