Health Buzz: No More BPA in Baby Bottles and Other Health News

Baby Bottle Makers Agree to Halt Use of BPA

Six major baby bottle companies say they intend to stop selling bottles in the United States that contain bisphenol A, or BPA, a compound in hard, clear polycarbonate plastics, the Washington Post reports. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, joined by the Delaware and New Jersey attorneys general, wrote a letter to the following bottle manufacturers last year, asking them to halt BPA use: Avent America, Disney First Years, Dr. Brown, Evenflo, Gerber, and Playtex Products. Several major retailers announced plans last year to stop selling BPA-containing baby bottles, which some research has linked to diabetes and other health problems. Blumenthal told the Washington Post that he is seeking support from other states' attorneys general to call for BPA to be eliminated from cans for infant formulas and from containers for food and beverages.

Try these tips for avoiding contact with BPA and these 5 ways to keep BPA out of your food. This list of resources can help you locate BPA-free products. Phthalates, another chemical often found in plastics, also is a concern; find advice on how to avoid exposure to this chemical.

13 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Daylight Saving Time

Americans will set their clocks ahead an hour when daylight saving time begins Sunday. "Springing forward" creates another hour of sunlight in the evening. It also has some effects on health and public safety that many people are unaware of, Ben Harder reports. These 13 things you probably didn't know about daylight saving time help shed light on little-known facts, such as the transition's mixed effects on people's health. It can disturb people's sleeping patterns, for example, and make them more restless at night. Night owls tend to be more bothered by the time changes than people who like mornings, Finnish researchers concluded last year.

If you find yourself routinely losing sleep this time of year, consider these 10 reasons not to skimp on sleep and these 10 ways to get better sleep.

President Obama Hosts Health Reform Summit

President Obama held a health reform summit yesterday that allowed him to showcase his commitment to healthcare reform, Michelle Andrews reports. The nearly 100 attendees were able to show their constituents and the rest of the world their willingness to work with the Obama administration and each other. In his closing remarks, Obama noted that Congress was eager to get moving on healthcare reform and said, "I just want to be sure I don't get in the way of all of you moving forward." So far, the president hasn't shown much appetite for championing specific reforms, focusing instead on broad principles and goals. Several more of these summits are planned around the country.

Learn about the state of America's health as President Obama stepped into office. Also, wealthy seniors may find their budgets squeezed by Medicare changes included in Obama's budget proposal.

—January W. Payne

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