Current Events in August 2012

People with blood type A, B, or AB had a higher risk for coronary heart disease when compared with those with blood type O, according to new research published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, an American Heart Association journal.

People in this study with the rarest blood type -- AB, found in about seven percent of the U.S. population -- had the highest increased heart disease risk at 23 percent. Those with type B had an 11 percent increased risk, and those with type A had a five percent increased risk. About 43 percent of the U.S population has type O blood.

"While people cannot change their blood type, our findings may help physicians better understand who is at risk for developing heart disease," said Lu Qi, M.D., Ph.D., the study's senior author and an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

Know your type

Knowing your blood type can be an important part of staying healthy and avoiding heart disease, Qi said. "It's good to know your blood type the same way you should know your cholesterol or blood pressure numbers," he said. "If you know you're at higher risk, you can reduce the risk by adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as eating right, exercising and not smoking."

The findings are based on an analysis of two large, well-known U.S. studies -- 62,073 women from the Nurses' Health Study and 27,428 adults from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Participants were between ages 30 and 75, and both groups were followed for 20 years or more.

Other factors

Researchers also considered the study participants' diet, age, body mass index, gender, race, smoking status, menopause status and medical history. Researchers noted that the percentages of different blood types seen among the men and women enrolled in the two studies reflected levels seen in the general population.

The study did not evaluate the biological processes behind blood type and heart disease risk.

"Blood type is very complicated, so there could be multiple mechanisms at play," Qi said.

However, there is evidence suggesting that type A is associated with higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the waxy substance that can clog arteries, and type AB is linked to inflammation, which may affect the function of the blood vessels. Also, a substance that plays a favorable role in blood flow and clotting may be higher in people with type O blood.

Understanding blood type could help healthcare providers better tailor treatments, Qi suggested. For example, a patient with type A blood may best lower heart disease risk by decreasing cholesterol intake.

The study group was predominantly Caucasian, and it's not clear whether these findings would translate to other ethnic groups. Environment also contributes to risk, Qi said.

"It would be interesting to study whether people with different blood types respond differently to lifestyle intervention, such as diet," Qi said, noting that further analysis is needed.

The Bumbo is a baby seat that helps babies sit up before they are able to do so on their own.

This is not a particularly good idea, since babies are not only top-heavy but also tend to be emotionally volatile and physically active. One good rock backwards and an infant can either fall out of the seat or cause it to overturn.

"I was in the bath and my 6-month-old son Billy was in the bathroom with me right next to the bath in his Bumbo playing with a toy when he dropped it. As he was reaching for it, he fell straight out onto his head," a mom named Zoe said in a ConsumerAffairs review in March. "I did not leave him alone. I was right next to him. The purpose of a Bumbo is so that they can sit unaided safely. You don't expect to have to hold them in the Bumbo just in case they fall out!"

It's bad enough if the seat is on the floor, as in Zoe's case, but it's potentially disastrous if it's on a table or a counter. This is not just a theoretical risk. There have been at least 50 accidents, including 19 skull fractures, since October 2007.

October 2007 is the magic date when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) ordered a recall of about a million of the seats.  Were they rounded up and destroyed? Fitted with seat belts? Equipped with safety helmets?

No. Instead, the "recall" consisted of mailing warning labels to parents, cautioning them not to let their children fall out of the seat.

So here we are more than four years later and there are now four million of the seats in the U.S. Once again, Bumbo is issuing a recall, this time to add not just another sticker but also a safety belt that will keep babies from falling out. 

The belts won't keep the seats from falling over though. The new warning label will caution parents not to put the seats on an elevated surface or to leave children alone in the seat.

Parents not thrilled

Parents were not exactly thrilled with the 2007 recall. 

"I feel that this item should be taken off the market, as a new warning label is not going to reduce the hazard this product poses," said Wendy of Hawthorne Fla., in a complaint to ConsumerAffairs.com.

Wendy said her child was injured while her Bumbo was on the floor.

"I have a Bumbo Baby Seat and have always used it as suggested. I keep it on the floor and keep a close eye on my daughter," Wendy said. "She weighs way less than the 22 lbs suggested maximum weight. She still managed to come out of the seat landing on her head resulting in a large bruise."

Kevin of Santa Rosa, Calif., had an even more harrowing experience.

"My 4-month-old son arched his back and the product tipped over," he said, resulting in skull fractures and a ruptured artery. "I had him on the table right next to me. There was no safety label on the product itself."

Kevin said his son's skull cracked and began filling with blood. He was rushed to the hospital and airlifted to another hospital where emergency surgery saved his life.

Besides there being no safety warning on his seat, Kevin noted that the seat's packaging showed children sitting in Bumbo seats that had been placed on tables.

Still being sold

Not only are the seats not being rounded up and melted down, they are still being sold. 

Sears, Target, Toys R Us (including Babies R Us), USA Babies, Walmart, and various other toy and children's stores nationwide and various online sellers have been selling the seats ever since the October 2007 recall and will presumably continue to do so.

The Bumbo International Trust of South Africa says the seat is safe when used as directed.  In merchandising directories, the company boasts that "Innovation, Safety and Comfort are the two [sic] most important starting points for developing any of our products here at Bumbo."

"No parent can afford to be without a Bumbo," according to the company's listing in GVPedia.com, an international business directory. 

Not everybody likes to vacation the same way. While some prefer to spend their time away in a pool-side chair, others may have travel aspirations that are a bit more exploratory.

Then of course you have your extreme vacationer who needs way more than a five star hotel experience and a tour-bus package.

For them, simply ordering room service and heading to the nearest museum just won't cut it. These travelers look for experiences that exist on the outer edges of the normal travel experience.

And there are plenty of places within the United States that will cater to them.

For example, Ace Adventure Resort in West Virginia offers rock-climbing, white water rafting and zip line canopies that allows you to slide from tree-top to tree-top. And that's just for starters.

Visitors at Ace Resort can also jump on ATVs for a few hours after receiving professional lessons from an instructor. Riders will be able to motor throughout wooded trails along the New River Gorge. The is known to appeal to the extreme vacationer that also loves nature.

If an ATV is too much machinery for you, Ace Adventure also offers horseback riding, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and expert guided fishing trips.

All of these activities are set within the lush surroundings of West Virginia's gorgeous surroundings, so visitors can enjoy picturesque scenery while partaking in activities that are fun, healthful and very different from your traditional vacation experiences.

Swimming with sharks

For scuba diving enthusiasts, there's The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa that allows you to swim up close and personal with exotic sharks from around the world.

Although there is certainly a level of danger involved, which may be the appeal for some, the diving is within a controlled environment.

For $175 per person, certified divers ages 15 and up can be led by professional dive masters through the aquarium, as the tour seeks to prove that sharks really aren't the dangerous man-eaters that people think they are. 

How many times have you gone to an aquarium and wondered what it's truly like on the other side of the glass? Now divers can swim with fish and sharks from around the globe, while also getting a close and vivid look at other types of wild life that exist outside of the United States.

For those who still are a bit worried about swimming with sharks, the dive masters are certified by The National Association of Underwater Instructors, and pictures are taken during your experience that you -- or your survivors -- can purchase at an additional cost when the trip concludes.

This particular vacation idea further proves that one doesn't have to break the bank or travel halfway around the world to get a taste of an extreme vacation experience.

Live your fantasy

But of course not everyone is the rough and tumble type and many folks don't want to jump off a cliff during their vacation stay.

So those looking for an outside-of-the-box kind of vacation experience may want to try a fantasy camp, that allows you to live out your dream and hang out with the stars you've always admired.

Like The Broadway Fantasy camp in New York City, which is perfect for those who have dreamed about being underneath the bright stage lights, and performing in front of an audience.

Visitors to this camp will be trained daily by famed choreographers, directors, writers, and composers. They'll also be able to meet Tony Award winning actors, spend time with them, take pictures and get autographs and stage advice.

Although the camp doesn't come with lodging, it partners with the hotel InterContinental New York Times Square, so travelers going to the camp will receive a discounted rate.

Prices for The Broadway Fantasy camp depend on which package you choose.

For example, those interested in attending a fantasy session with the cast of the musical "Chicago" will spend $995 per person for a one day session, while those opting for a three day session with artists from “Cats” and “The Phantom of the Opera” will pay about $2,495 for the package.

The Broadway Fantasy camp is for vacationers 18 and over and all skill levels are encouraged to give it a go.

Get physical

KE Adventure Travel is another company that sets up cool vacations for the physically active adventurer. For $3,295 a person, one can go on a 15-day hiking and nature excursion that concludes with a tour of the Grand Canyon.

Hikers will first start their journey in Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons. From there they'll be brought to Colorado to visit obscure places amongst the Rocky Mountains and visit small ski towns in the area. The tour group will also be camping within the famous Mesa Verde National Park and learn about Navajo culture.

The cost of the trip includes airfare and lodging, and a $400 deposit is needed to reserve each spot.

For those who prefer colder climates and relish winter landscapes, DogSled Tours in Seward, Ala. may be for you. The action packed vacation experience comes with tours of well-known glaciers, actual dog sled rides, and helicopter sightseeing. Overnight stays on the Alaskan Tour are $520 per person, which isn't too bad considering what other extreme vacation packages go for these days.

What's really cool is that visitors can control a team of huskies through pristine white surroundings, while taking in the local wildlife and natural surroundings. You'll also receive training from a personal instructor so you don't spend your entire vacation trying to figure things out.

One wouldn't think so, but this particular tour is quite popular, so advance planning is encouraged and reservations can be made directly on the company's website.

So the next time you’re looking for a place to escape, you may want to give an extreme vacation or a fantasy camp a try. You never know, the experience may pull out the adventurous side of you, that you never knew you had.

If you are like most consumers, you carry a credit card balance. Never mind how you acquired it, you'd really like to pay it off but don't seem to be making much progress.

Do you want to know how long the payoff process will take? You may think you do but you may also quickly learn why economics is called “the dismal science.”

You credit card bill arrives each month showing new charges, the interest on the balance, the new balance, with the addition of the new charges and the interest, and a minimum payment you are required to make to keep the account current.

Helpful calculator

To pay down your balance you need a payment plan that you can stick to. The Federal Reserve provides a Credit Card Repayment Calculator that is a handy tool in developing your plan.

For starters, let's assume that you owe $15,450 and your interest rate is 21.9 percent ARR. We'll assume you make no more charges on the card but you only make the minimum payment. After entering those figures we hit “calculate” and get the following message from the calculator:

• $309 Estimated Initial Minimum Monthly Payment
• Amount of time to pay off your balance: 142 years
• Amount of interest you will pay in that time: $152,387

And that assumes you make your payments on time each month and don't rack up any late fees.

An eternity

Why in the world would it take 142 years? Because, your minimum payment – based on two percent of your monthly balance – will go down slightly each month because your balance will go down slightly. But if you just pay what the credit card company tells you is the minimum, you are putting less money each month toward the principal.

After that eye-opening exercise, let's see what happens if you pay that same $309 each month until the balance is paid off. Even though your minimum payment goes down each month, you keep paying $309. According to the calculator, it takes eleven years to pay off the balance, shaving off 131 years!

You can see why you should always pay more than the minimum due if you want to pay off your balance. The calculator will also tell you how much you should pay each month if you want to pay down the balance is a specific period of time. Using it, or one like it, can help you develop a plan to get out of debt.

Samsung's latest entry in the tablet wars, the Galaxy Note 10.1, will go on sale in the U.S. on Thursday, August 16, the company said.

It will be available in a 16GB version for $499 and a 32 GB version for $549 at major retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, hhgregg and Tiger Direct.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 has been described as a bigger version of the original Galaxy Note, which is not a tablet but a smartphone. Actually, it falls into the category known as phablet, providing nearly all the functions of both devices.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 does not make phone calls but appears to do nearly everything else. Like it's smaller cousin, the Note 10.1 comes with a stylus called the “S Pen.” You use the S Pen to write on the tablet's screen.

Multi-screen function

The screen can be divided in two, so that users can run apps or brows the Web on one side and make notes, using the S Pen, on the other. Tho help you keep up with the S Pen, there is a slot on the side of the tablet where it fits. When it is removed, it activates a taskbar that quickly launches the various apps that use the writing tool.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 operates on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and employs a 1.4-GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. The screen offers a sharp 1,280-by-800 LCD display and two cameras: a five-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1.9-megapixel one that faces front.

It comes preloaded with apps, including Adobe Photoshop Touch, optimized for the S Pen.

Floating video player

A familiar Samsung feature present on the Galaxy S III smartphone -- Pop up Play -- is back on the Note 10.1. Pop up Play is a floating picture-in-picture video player. On the Note 10.1 users can adjust the player's size.

"Our goal with the Samsung GALAXY Note 10.1 was simple -- redefine the tablet experience," said Tim Baxter, President, Samsung Electronics America. "The S Pen offers both active content creation as well as passive content consumption, while the Multiscreen capability finally enables true multitasking. For the user, the resulting experience is completely new and quite unexpected."

The Note 10.1 offers a mini-apps tray that can launch a selection of mini-apps on top of others apps and freely moves around the screen. They include Alarm, S Note, Music Player, Email, Calculator, World Clock.

Multitasking

The multi-screen feature enables users to utilize two different applications side-by-side simultaneously for multitasking. Users can view Web pages or videos, or launch other applications while writing or sketching ideas with the S Pen.

The tablet comes in a choice of white or dark gray. Available accessories include replacement S Pen, S Pen holder kit, book cover in gray or white, travel charger, USB connection kit to allow usage of thumb drives or USB peripherals, HDMI adapter and Universal desktop dock.

Nearly 20 percent of the drugs prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes may put those patients at increased risk of bladder cancer.

That's the conclusion of a new study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found that patients taking thiazolidinedione, better known as TZD drugs, are two to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who took a sulfonylurea drug, another common class of medications for diabetes.

Already at elevated risk

Not only is this a significant increase in the risk factor, but the researchers say people with diabetes are already at increased risk of developing bladder cancer compared to the general population.

Among the general population about 30 in 100,000 people develop bladder cancer. Among diabetes patients overall, the incidence of this cancer is typically about 40 out of 100,000.

The study is a major one, analyzing 60,000 Type 2 diabetes patients from the Health Improvement Network (THIN) database in the United Kingdom. They found that patients treated with the TZD drugs pioglitazone (Actos) or rosiglitzaone (Avandia) for five or more years had a two-to-three-fold increase in risk of developing bladder cancer when compared to those who took sulfonylurea drugs.

Risk sharply lower with sulfonylurea drugs

Patients taking TZDs for five or more years developed bladder cancer at a rate of 170 per 100,000. That compares with a rate of 60 in 100,000 for those who take sulfonylurea drugs -- such as glipizide (Glucotrol).

Diabetes afflicts 285 million people worldwide and the number is growing, thanks in part to increasing obesity.

“There are many factors clinicians must weigh in deciding which drug to use to control a patient’s diabetes, and these new data provide important information to include in that decision-making process,” said the study’s lead author, Ronac Mamtani, MD, an instructor in the division of Hematology-Oncology in Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center. “Our study shows that doctors who care for patients with diabetes should be very aware of any bladder-related symptoms patients might be having, like blood in the urine, and take steps to further evaluate those issues.”

Ninth most prescribed drug in U.S.

In recent years Avandia has fallen out of favor in the U.S. as it has been linked to heart attacks in some studies. Actos, meanwhile, is the ninth most commonly prescribed drug in the nation, accounting for some 15 million prescriptions each year.

The drug is often prescribed when Type 2 diabetes patients’ illnesses can no longer be controlled with the first-line diabetes drug Metformin.

Based on previous data examining safety risks among patients taking Actos, the FDA has already warned that it may be associated with a risk of bladder cancer, and France and Germany have removed the drug from their markets.

The authors say their findings add to mounting evidence against the entire class of TZDs, as one of the first studies examining this type of risk among people taking both types of TZDs and among those taking sulfonylurea drugs.

Patients currently taking a TZD to treat Type 2 diabetes should discuss the risk-benefit trade-off with their doctor.

It seems people have always been looking for the fountain of youth. Whether its expensive plastic surgery or Botox treatments, there is no shortage of procedures and treatments that promise to take years off your appearance.

You can spend a lot of money trying to look younger, or you can spend a little. If you decide on the latter course, here are some tips from dermatologists to get the best results.

“People often think that the more expensive a product is, the more effective it will be,” said board-certified dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, founding director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals in New York. “That’s not always the case. People need to shop smart since there are some very effective, affordable products in the skin care aisles of their local stores.”

Sunscreen for everyday use

For example, Taylor suggests wearing sunscreen every day, not just when you go to the beach. The sun can accelerate signs of aging, no matter where you are exposed to it.

Taylor recommends a sunscreen or facial moisturizer that offers broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all skin that is not covered by clothing.

Obviously if you are wearing sunscreen every day, you're trying to avoid getting a tan. Tan people do not age well. Getting a tan from the sun or a tanning bed exposes you to harmful UV rays that can accelerate aging, causing wrinkles, age spots, a blotchy complexion and even skin cancer.

Dollar for dollar, perhaps the most efficient anti-aging product is moisturizer. Moisturizing traps water in the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of some fine lines and make your complexion look brighter and younger.

Be careful with new products

Don't be a guinea pig for new products. Test them on a small part of your body, like your inner forearm, twice a day for four or five days. If you do not have a reaction, it is likely safe for you to apply to your face.

When you do use an anti-aging product, use it as directed. Sometimes active ingredients can do more harm than good when too much is used. Applying more than directed can cause clogged pores, a blotchy complexion, or other unwanted effects.

Be sensitive to reactions. If you use a product and it stings or burns, stop using it until you consult with a dermatologist. Some products prescribed by a dermatologist may cause stinging or burning. When under a dermatologist’s care, this can be safe and effective. Ordinarily, however, you want to avoid products that sting, since irritating the skin makes signs of aging more noticeable.

Finally, don't go overboard on anti-aging products. Using too many products on your skin, especially more than one anti-aging product, tends to cause irritation. This often makes signs of aging more noticeable.

“It’s very important that people allow time for the product to work. While a moisturizer can immediately plump up fine lines, most products take at least six weeks to work and sometimes it can take three months,” said Dr. Taylor. “See a dermatologist if after following these tips you still do not see the expected results,” Taylor said.

Consumers buying a home should be sure they know how much the home is really worth. A new rule proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) would make that information a little more accessible.

The CFPB today released a proposed rule that would require mortgage lenders to provide home loan applicants with copies of written appraisals and other home value estimates developed in connection with the application. The rule would ensure that consumers receive information prior to closing about how the property’s value was determined.

“When looking to buy a home or refinance a mortgage, consumers need the best available facts and data,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “This rule would guarantee consumers receive important disclosures on how a lender determines the value of the home, making it easier for loan applicants to make informed decisions.”

In response to the mortgage crisis, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires that creditors provide mortgage applicants with a copy of written appraisals and home value estimates developed in connection with the application. 

Today’s proposed rule would require that creditors inform consumers within three days of applying for a loan of their right to receive a free copy of appraisal reports and home value estimates. Creditors would then be required to provide the reports to consumers as promptly as possible, but in no case later than three days before closing, regardless of whether credit is extended, denied, incomplete or withdrawn.

Appraisals and other home value estimates are used by creditors to make informed lending decisions for most home sales. Consumers are typically charged for the costs related to conducting an appraisal; however, currently consumers must request appraisal reports from creditors and may be charged a fee to obtain the report that they have already paid for. 

Under the proposed rule, creditors could still charge reasonable fees associated with conducting appraisals and home value estimates; however, the rule would prohibit creditors from charging consumers additional fees for obtaining the reports. 

If given final approval, the rule will become effective in January 2013.

Bumbo International Trust of South Africa is recalling about 4 million Bumbo Baby Seats in the U.S. One million of the seats were voluntarily recalled in October 2007 to provide additional warnings against use on raised surfaces.

Babies can maneuver out of or fall from the Bumbo seat, posing a risk of serious injuries.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Bumbo International know of at least 50 incidents after the October 2007 voluntary recall in which babies fell from a Bumbo seat while it was being used on a raised surface. Nineteen of those incidents included reports of skull fractures.

CPSC and Bumbo International are aware of an additional 34 post-recall reports of infants who fell out or maneuvered out of a Bumbo seat used on the floor or at an unknown elevation, resulting in injury. Two of these incidents involved reports of skull fractures, while others reported bumps, bruises and other minor injuries.

The bottom of the Bumbo seat is round and flat with a diameter of about 15 inches. It is constructed of a single piece of molded foam and comes in various colors. The seat has leg holes and the seat back wraps completely around the child. On the front of the seat in raised lettering is the word "Bumbo" with the image of an elephant on top. The bottom of the seat has the following words: "Manufactured by Bumbo South Africa Material: Polyurethane World Patent No. PCT: ZA/1999/00030." The back of the seat has several warnings and seats manufactured since 2008 have an additional label on the front of the seat warning against use on raised surfaces.

The seats were sold by Sears, Target, Toys R Us (including Babies R Us), USA Babies, Walmart, and various other toy and children's stores nationwide and various online sellers from August 2003 through August 2012 for between $30 and $50.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product until they order and install a free repair kit, which includes: a restraint belt with a warning label, installation instructions, safe use instructions and a new warning sticker. The belt should always be used when a child is placed in the seat. Even with the belt, the seat should never be used on any raised surface.

Consumers should also immediately stop using Bumbo seat covers that interfere with the installation and use of the belt. A video demonstrating proper installation of the restraint belt and proper use of the Bumbo seat are available here.

Order the free repair kit here or by calling (866) 898-4999 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. CT on Friday.

Do not return the Bumbo seat to retailers as they will not be able to provide the repair kit.

An additional 172 counties in 15 states have been added to the list of primary natural disaster areas due to drought and heat, making all qualified farm operators in the areas eligible for low-interest emergency loans.

Thus far, the Agriculture Department (USDA) has designated 1,792 counties as disaster areas -- 1,670 due to drought.

Drought assistance

USDA also announced today the availability of up to $5 million in grants to evaluate and demonstrate agricultural practices that help farmers and ranchers adapt to drought. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is taking applications for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to help producers build additional resiliency into their production systems.

NRCS is offering the grants to partnering entities to evaluate innovative, field-based conservation technologies and approaches. These technologies and/or approaches should lead to improvements such as enhancing the water-holding capacity in soils and installing drought-tolerant grazing systems, which will help farms and ranches become more resilient to drought.

Within the last month, USDA has opened the Conservation Reserve Program to emergency haying and grazing, lowered the borrower interest rate for emergency loans, and worked with crop insurance companies to provide flexibility to farmers. USDA has also:

• Authorized $16 million in existing funds from its Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to target states experiencing exceptional and extreme drought.
• Initiated transfer of $14 million in unobligated program funds into the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to help farmers and ranchers rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters and for carrying out emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought.
• Authorized haying and grazing of Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) easement areas in drought-affected areas where haying and grazing is consistent with conservation of wildlife habitat and wetlands.
• Lowered the reduction in the annual rental payment to producers on CRP acres used for emergency haying or grazing from 25 percent to 10 percent in 2012.
• Simplified the Secretarial disaster designation process and reduced the time it takes to designate counties affected by disasters by 40 percent.

The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that 63 percent of the nation's hay acreage is in an area experiencing drought, while approximately 73 percent of the nation's cattle acreage is in an area experiencing drought. Approximately 87 percent of the U.S. corn is within an area experiencing drought, down from a peak of 89 percent on July 24, and 85 percent of the U.S. soybeans are in a drought area, down from a high of 88 percent on July 24. On Aug. 10, USDA reduced the estimate for the 2012 U.S. corn crop to 123.4 bushels per acre, down 23.8 bushels from 2011. However, record corn plantings in 2012 have put the crop in position to be eighth largest in history. In 1988, when U.S. farmers were impacted by another serious drought, total production was 4.9 billion bushels. Total production is now forecast at 10.8 billion bushels.

Latest designees 

Primary counties and corresponding states recently designated as disaster areas for drought and other reasons include:

Alabama [drought]

• Calhoun

Arkansas [drought]

• Chicot
• Desha
• Drew

Colorado [other]

• Weld

Illinois [drought]

• Bureau
• Cook
• De Kalb
• Du Page
• Grundy
• Henry
• Kane
• Kankakee
• Kendall
• Knox
• Mercer
• Putnam
• Stark
• Will

Indiana [drought]

• Adams
• Benton
• Dearborn
• Decatur
• Fayette
• Franklin
• Jennings
• Ripley
• Starke
• Union
• Washington
• Wayne

Iowa [drought]

• Adair
• Adams
• Audubon
• Buena Vista
• Calhoun
• Carroll
• Cass
• Cerro
• Cherokee
• Clay
• Crawford
• Dallas
• Floyd
• Franklin
• Fremont
• Gordo
• Greene
• Guthrie
• Hancock
• Harrison
• Humboldt
• Ida
• Louisa
• Mills
• Monona
• Montgomery
• O'Brien
• Osceola
• Page
• Pocahontas
• Pottawattamie Sac
• Shelby
• Washington
• Webster
• Wright

Kentucky [drought]

• Adair
• Allen
• Anderson
• Barren
• Bath
• Boone
• Bourbon
• Boyd
• Bracken
• Bullitt
• Campbell
• Carroll
• Carter
• Clark
• Clinton
• Cumberland
• Edmonson
• Elliott
• Estill
• Fayette
• Fleming
• Floyd
• Franklin
• Gallatin
• Garrard
• Grant
• Green
• Greenup
• Harrison
• Hart
• Jackson
• Jefferson
• Jessamine
• Johnson
• Kenton
• Laurel
• Lawrence
• Lewis
• Lincoln
• Madison
• Magoffin
• Marion
• Mason
• Menifee
• Metcalfe
• Montgomery
• Nelson
• Nicholas
• Owen
• Pendleton
• Pike
• Powell
• Pulaski
• Robertson
• Rockcastle
• Rowan
• Russell
• Scott
• Shelby
• Simpson
• Spencer
• Taylor
• Trimble
• Warren
• Washington
• Wayne
• Wolfe
• Woodford

Kansas [drought]

• Nemaha

Louisiana [drought]

• Morehouse
• Richland
• Union
• West Carroll

Minnesota [drought]

• Nobles

Mississippi [drought]

• Quitman
• Sunflower
• Tallahatchie
• Yalobusha

Nebraska [drought]

• Cass
• Douglas
• Fillmore
• Lancaster
• Otoe
• Saline
• Sarpy
• Seward
• Washington

Ohio [drought]

• Butler
• Defiance
• Fulton
• Hamilton
• Henry
• Paulding
• Preble
• Putnam
• Van Wert

Oklahoma [drought]

• Murray
• Pontotoc

Tennessee [drought]

• Madison

Wyoming [drought and other]

• Big Horn
• Campbell
• Converse
• Fremont
• Goshen
• Johnson
• Natrona
• Park
• Platte
• Sheridan
• Sublette
• Washakie
• Weston

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued a Drug Safety Communication concerning three children who died and one child who experienced a non-fatal but life-threatening case of respiratory depression after taking the pain reliever codeine following surgery to remove tonsils (tonsillectomy) and/or adenoids (adenoidectomy).

The surgeries were performed to treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, a condition that results in repeated episodes of complete or partial blockage of the upper airway during sleep. The children received doses of codeine that were within the typical dose range.

Doctors, parents alerted

Health care professionals and parents should be aware of the risks of using codeine in children who have had their tonsils and/or adenoids removed to treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. When prescribing codeine-containing drugs, health care providers should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time on an as-needed basis.

If parents or caregivers notice signs of overdose in a child, such as unusual sleepiness, difficulty being aroused or awakened, confusion, or noisy and difficult breathing, they should stop giving the child codeine and seek medical attention immediately.

“The FDA is currently conducting a review of adverse event reports and other information to determine if there are additional cases of inadvertent overdose or death in children taking codeine, and if these adverse events occur during treatment of other kinds of pain, such as post-operative pain following other types of surgery or procedures,” said Bob Rappaport, M.D., director of the Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Addiction Products in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “The FDA will update the public when more information is available.”

Strong painkiller

Codeine is an ingredient found in prescription medicines used to relieve pain or cough. Once in the body, codeine is converted to morphine in the liver by an enzyme called cytochrome P450 isoenyme 2D6 (CYP2D6).

Some people metabolize codeine much faster and more completely than others. These people, known as ultra-rapid metabolizers, are likely to have higher-than-normal levels of morphine in their blood after taking codeine.

These high levels can lead to overdose and death. The three children who died after taking codeine exhibited evidence of being ultra-rapid metabolizers.

The estimated frequency of ultra-rapid metabolizers is generally 1 to 7 out of every 100 people. However, in certain ethnic groups, the frequency may be as high as 28 out of every 100 people. The only way to know if someone is an ultra-rapid metabolizer is to do a genetic test. There are FDA-cleared tests to check for ultra-rapid metabolism.

Cigarette labels warn that using the product as intended may cause disease, disability and death. Cars have warnings that sitting too close to the airbags may cause injury. Highways have signs that deliver such startling messages as "Slippery When Wet."

But cell phones? Despite a lack of conclusive evidence about whether or not long-term use of cell phones may contribute to brain tumors or other disorders, cell phones carry no warning about such potential ill effects.

Except in San Francisco, that is. Under the Cell Phone Right-to-Know Ordinance of 2010, retailers in the city must display information about each cellphone's Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of radio frequency radiation.

Like the tobacco industry before it, the cell phone industry is fighting the measure, insisting the warnings are unnecessary and that there is no evidence cell phones are harmful to health. 

The phone companies may soon have more than San Francisco to worry about. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), known for going against the grain in Congress, has introduced the Cell Phone Right to Know Act, which would require a warning label on each handset sold nationwide.

The San Francisco fight is now in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, where the cell phone industry is arguing that it is a violation of the First Amendment to require businesses to post the regulations, even though nearly every square inch of space in California is already covered by one of the ubiquitous stickers warning that potential carcinogens may be lurking nearby.

The cell phone industry's lobbying organization, known as CTIA, also argues that the city ordinance is pre-empted by federal laws that do not require any warnings.

FCC standards

As CTIA tells it, radiation from wireless phones is limited by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and that the limit set by the FCC is 50 times less than what is harmful to human health. The phone companies say 100 percent of the phones for sale in the U.S. meet the FCC standard.

What the cell phone lobbyists omit from their arguments is that just last week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said the FCC standards were 15 years old and may not be adequate to protect public health. It's not just that the standards have not been updated recently. They have not been updated at all since they were established back in the early days of cell phone usage.

Critics note that the FCC’s current standards allow 20 times more radiation to reach the head than the body as a whole, do not account for the possible risks to children’s developing brains and smaller bodies, and consider only the impact of short-term cell phone use, not frequent calling over decades. 

“The FCC has been wearing a blindfold for more than a decade, pretending that while cell phones were revolutionizing how we communicate, the agency didn't have to take a hard look at what this meant for its so-called safety standards,” said Renee Sharp, director of Environmental Working Group’s California office and senior scientist.

Injunction issued

In October 2011, U.S. District Judge William Alsup issued an injunction delaying the labeling and poster requirements, but allowed the city to require stores to distribute a fact sheet.

Alsup said that although San Francisco has a public health interest in preventing cancer, the claimed interest "amounts only to protecting the public from a 'possible' carcinogen." Since the factsheets explain that "a debate exists about whether wireless phone use is linked to cancer and other illnesses," the judge upheld the law requiring their dissemination.

He directed the city to note that the World Health Organization has classified cellphone radiation as a "possible" carcinogen, putting it in the same league as coffee and pickled vegetables.

After San Francisco passed an amended ordinance within two weeks of Alsup's ruling, the cellphone companies against sought a preliminary injunction. Alsup denied the request, but the law has been stayed temporarily pending appeal.

Communist manifesto

The cell phone industry is taking a no-prisoners approach to the issue, not willing to make even the slightest concession. 

CTIA attorney Andrew McBride said the city is misusing its police power to make retailers say things they may not wish to say, and argued that the fact sheet is not objective.

The factsheet label is "like calling the communist manifesto a treatise on economics," McBride said.

"Let's not let this thing out the door until I get to litigate it because that's a bell that can't be unrung," he told the court. "Once I have to pass this out ... consumers will get the opinion that these phones are dangerous," Courthouse News reported.

San Francisco Deputy City Attorney Vince Chhabria said the law represents a reaction to sufficient evidence of harmful radiation.

"There is no rule that says that the government must wait until we know that a product actually kills people," he said. "Just look at asbestos; just look at tobacco. There was a long time where we didn't have conclusive proof that tobacco kills people, that asbestos kills people, but there was a strong suspicion."

Higher One Inc., which provides financial services for colleges, will soon pay $11 million to 60,000 students in a settlement. The financial institution has been accused of charging questionable service fees.

The company, based in New Haven, Conn., enables students to electronically keep track of their financial aid amounts, and extract funds by use of a debit card called the OneAccount card.

Upon each swipe or ATM use, Higher One charged students 50 cents per transaction fee, which diminishing the amount of the financial aid award that students rely on for tuition and other pertinent expenses.

Critics said Higher One charged students multiple fees for only one transaction, and allowed overdraft penalties to linger without notifying students.

This allowed the financial institution to continually tack on overdraft charges, which the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) charged was deceptive. The government agency has since told Higher One it must present its rules and penalty fees in a clearer and less deceptive way.

The consumer protection group US PIRG said the settlement should be a sign for other colleges that use Higher One, to fully understand what they're signing up for when hiring out these types of companies.

The advocacy group also said colleges should forbid any financial institution from charging service fees that ultimately diminish the financial aid amount, and take away the ability of students to make consistent tuition payments.

Piggy bank

“Student aid should not be a piggy bank for banks to dip into especially when their practices are unfair or deceptive,” said US PIRG rep Rich Williams. “We urge colleges to insist if they partner with Higher One or any other bank or firm to disburse financial aid or provide campus services, that contracts prohibit onerous fees and other unfair practices.”

Higher One said it has student’s best interest first in mind.

“We believe the relatively low civil money penalty imposed reflects how seriously we take our commitment to our customer, the degree of the issue, and our level of cooperation with FDIC,” it said.

In addition Higher One will pay $110,000 on top of the $11 million, and Bancorp Bank, which provides the debit cards, will also pay $172,000 to students in the settlement.

Going forward, Higher One will not charge penalties for accounts that have insufficient funds for more than a 60-day period.

Students who are eligible for the refund are those who started using the OneAccount card from July 16, 2008 until the institution officially said it would stop charging such fees in December of 2011.

Unfairly penalized

The settlement concludes ongoing complaints from colleges and students alike that have long accused Higher One of unfairly penalizing students by way of 12 different fees the institution uses.

And with college students being among the least financially stable  consumers, the penalty costs hits them harder than it would regular bank customers, who are more established, and usually know more about bank costs, critics said.

Before the settlement was reached, Miles Lasater, Higher One's founder and CEO, said students should research and become familiar with all of the company's fees before using the card or taking out money.

Higher One also said it would waive $6 million in penalty fees that students owed the company before the FDIC stepped in. In addition to the settlement, the FDIC said Higher One will no longer charge more than three non-sufficient fund fees during one day.

Higher One has contracts with 520 campuses and service about 4.3 million students, according to a U.S PIRG report, entitled “The Campus Debit Card Trap.”

The report focuses on the bad aspects of colleges and universities that outsource their financial aid management to institutions. It goes on to say while these types of agreements benefit the school by helping them manage funds, they often impact the student in a negative way.

What to do

The Campus Debit Card report also outlines what schools need to do to ensure their students aren’t being taken advantage of by financial institutions. Like providing students with alternate banks to use that’s not contracted by the school.

The report suggests that schools need to negotiate with banks and institutions to remove all debit card fees before working with them.

Also, if the school decides to use a company like Higher One, colleges shouldn’t be advertising to students about the debit cards or any other services offered, the report said.

Marketing debit cards to students can lead them to make unnecessary commitments before researching other options, the report found.

When pet owners make plans to head out on vacation, one of the first things they do is make the necessary arrangements for their animals to be safe and secure while they're away.

But consumers often aren't so careful when they decide to bring their pets with them. That may be OK if the pooch will be riding in the back seat on a road trip but if you're traveling by air, it gets a little more complicated.

Is it a good idea to put your pet in the plane's underbelly?

“The sound of the jet engines alone is enough to traumatize a pet,” said animal behaviorist Colleen Paige, in a published interview. “If you have a sensitive animal or an animal with any kinds of fears you will definitely create more of a problem in that area.”

The first thing to do if you pet will be traveling by air, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), is pay a visit to your animal's veterinarian and secure a health certificate 10 days prior to your trip. If you're traveling abroad, you'll want to contact the destination country to find out what health measures may be required. Many countries require a quarantine period for incoming animals.

Cargo areas

There has been a tremendous amount of controversy about transporting animals in airplane cargo areas, and some airlines have decided not to offer the service.

In 2010, JetBlue and Southwest decided they would no longer carry animals in  cargo, due to conflicting reports about safety.

For quite some time, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has required airlines to report deaths or disappearances of animals that were  considered pets. Other animals, however, were on their own -- even potential pets, iincluding dogs and cats being shipped to pet stores.

Recently, however, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) filed a petition with DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting that they require airlines to report all animal-related issues, whether the animals are considered pets or not.

In addition, Senators Richard Durbin of Illinois, Robert Menedez of New Jersey and Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut submitted a joint letter to the Secretary of Transportation saying the regulations that surround animal transport are based on a “flawed interpretation of laws.”

As of June of this year, the DOT updated its rules to require airlines to report any mishandling of cats or dogs, regardless of whether they're considered pets or whether they're shipped by individuals, stores or professional pet breeding facilities.

Get a crate

If you decide the cargo area is the way to go, the next item on your list is a shipping crate approved by the USDA. The crate should be large enough for your animal to move normally in, and pets should be able to shift positions, stand, sit, and have ample room for comfort, says the ASPCA.

Be sure to write “Live Animal” in one-inch-tall letters directly on top of the crate.

You should also include your name, address, telephone number and the final destination. The crate should also be lined with paper or towels for when the pet relieves itself.

Also, an up-to-date picture of your pet should be placed on top of the crate so handlers know what your animal looks like in case of a mix-up. Owners are also encouraged to carry a picture of their pet in case their animals are lost or become separated.

Water & snacks

Other tips for sending your pets on an airplane include providing them with a frozen water dish, which will not spill when your dog is being loaded but will melt by the time the flight is underway so your pet can stay hydrated, which is especially important for long trips.

A small cloth pouch containing dried food should be placed in the crate, so airline employees can feed your animal during long layovers and extended flights. (Don't count on that happening, though).

It's also important to contact the airline you're using well in advance of your flight, to see if there are any specific rules regarding pet travel, as guidelines may differ from airline to airline.

For example, Continental and American Airlines will not allow you to bring pets younger than 8 weeks old onboard, whether you bring them on as a carry-on, or ship them in cargo.

Costs differ

Costs of shipping your pet in the cargo area will differ between airlines, and many flights will consider the crate as baggage, which may or may not incur fees depending on the company's policy.

Some airlines provide additional services for you and your traveling pet, which may cost a bit more.

For example, United Airlines has a team of customer service agents that are set up just to answer questions or concerns about your pet 24 hours a day. The airline also has a service that allows owners to track pets online.

Experts say consumers should look for airlines with these additional services, as they tend to make owners feel more secure during their pet's travel and tend to make the airline more accountable if anything goes wrong.

Some airlines provide insurance for your animal, and will pay for any mishaps that they're responsible for. But many experts say these insurance payouts do little to comfort an owner who has a lost or injured pet.

“These normally only pay out a few hundred dollars max,” says travel expert Christina Shelter. The insurance does not bring your animal back and most pet owners with a lost or injured or killed pet on an airline are not exactly happy with a $200 check.

Overall, experts say that pet owners should not count on airlines to make sure their animals are fed, hydrated and comfortable during a flight, and the more preparation you do, the better travel experience your pet will have.

A good amount of homework beforehand will also make owners feel much better during their pet's travel, as they'll know ahead of time what and what not to expect, which can make all the difference in the world for both you and your animal.

Trips to the grocery store are getting more expensive and the cost will rise even more in the months ahead as the effects of this summer's drought make their way into the marketplace.

But a savvy consumer can still eat well while staying on a budget. It just may require a little more work and creativity.

First, if you aren't using coupons, start. You don't have to become an extreme couponer, just be aware of savings on the items you normally buy. The savings may seem small but they quickly add up.

Sites like Groupon and Coupons.com may be a good source of savings, but check with your local grocery store to make sure they accept online coupons. Not all stores do. Scan local newspaper inserts for savings and don't forget to check your grocery receipt.

Often stores will give you coupons at check-out that can be used on your next trip. Since these savings are often for items you have just purchased and perhaps buy on a regular basis, this may be the most targeted source of savings there is.

Make a list

The second step to saving at the checkout counter is to plan each trip to the supermarket carefully. No more heading down the grocery aisle without a list.

Plan meals for the next several days, making a list of the things you'll need to prepare them. Plan meals around what produce is in season. The quality and prices will be better.

Avoid pre-cut or pre-portioned food. In most cases the price of convenience is not worth the added cost.

Look for sales and stock up. That's what your freezer is for. Meat and bread are both items that will keep for extended periods. Use a permanent marker and write your purchase date on the package so you know how long it's been in the freezer.

Meat prices, especially, are rising in response to the drought. Try to buy it when it has been marked down. It would be helpful to know if the meat department at your supermarket has a regular time each day that it drops the price on meat that hasn't sold.

Don't neglect the top and bottom shelves

When you're cruising the grocery aisles, look at all the shelves. The store stocks the items it really wants to sell at eye-level. Some bargain-priced items might be found by checking the top and bottom shelves.

Finally, reduce portion sizes. Most U.S. consumers have gotten into the habit of eating too much at meals, which contributes to obesity. You can eat well without eating a lot.

Because of the effects of the drought, consumers can expect to see a three to four percent rise in commodity food prices next year. But those higher costs will also have a ripple effect throughout the entire food chain, so that nearly all food costs are expected to rise.

But with some careful planning and savvy shopping, consumers can actually achieve savings greater than the price increases.

Only three of 11 midsize luxury and near-luxury cars evaluated earn good or acceptable ratings in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) new small overlap frontal crash test -- the latest addition to a suite of tests designed to help consumers pick the safest vehicles.

The Acura TL and Volvo S60 earn good ratings, while the Infiniti G earns acceptable. The Acura TSX, BMW 3 series, Lincoln MKZ and Volkswagen CC earn marginal ratings. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS 250/350, Audi A4 and Lexus ES 350 earn poor. All of these cars are 2012 models.

The test

In the test, 25 percent of a car’s front end on the driver side strikes a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph. A 50th

percentile male Hybrid III dummy is belted in the driver seat. The test is designed to replicate what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. Outside of some automakers’ proving grounds, such a test isn’t currently conducted anywhere else in the United States or Europe.

“Nearly every new car performs well in other frontal crash tests conducted by the Institute and the federal government, but we still see more than 10,000 deaths in frontal crashes each year,” Institute President Adrian Lund says. “Small overlap crashes are a major source of these fatalities. This new test program is based on years of analyzing real-world frontal crashes and then replicating them in our crash test facility to determine how people are being seriously injured and how cars can be designed to protect them better. We think this is the next step in improving frontal crash protection.”

The number of drivers of 0-3-year-old passenger vehicles involved in fatal frontal crashes has fallen 55 percent since 2001. Much of the improved outlook is due to the success of consumer information testing like the New Car Assessment Program begun by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 1978 and crashworthiness evaluations the Institute started in 1995. In NHTSA’s frontal test, passenger vehicles crash at 35 mph into a rigid barrier covering the full width of the vehicle. In the Institute’s 40 mph offset frontal test, now called a moderate overlap frontal test, 40 percent of the total width of a vehicle strikes a deformable barrier on the driver side.

In a 2009 Institute study of vehicles with good ratings for frontal crash protection, small overlap crashes accounted for nearly a quarter of the frontal crashes involving serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants. Another 24 percent of the frontal crashes were moderate overlap crashes, although they likely occurred at much higher speeds than the Institute’s moderate overlap test. An additional 14 percent occurred when passenger vehicles underrode large trucks, SUVs or other high-riding passenger vehicles. The Institute is exploring countermeasures for large truck underride crashes and in other research has found that the problem of crash incompatibility between cars and SUVs is being reduced.

If you bought Disney- or Marvel Hero-themed vitamins for your kids during the last few years, you may be eligible for a refund.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is providing the refunds as a result of a settlement with vitamin marketer NBTY Inc. and two subsidiaries, which agreed to pay $2.1 million to settle charges that they made false health claims about their multivitamins.

Among the vitamins are those that featured characters such as the Disney Princesses, Winnie the Pooh, Finding Nemo, and Spider-Man. They were sold by major retailers such as CVS Pharmacy, Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, Kmart, Meijer, and Rite Aid, as well as online. 

The FTC urges consumers who believe they may have purchased them between May 1, 2008 and September 30, 2010, to file a claim online, or call 866-224-4336 and request a paper claim form in the mail.  Eligible consumers will have until October 12, 2012 to file their claims.

As part of its ongoing efforts to stop bogus health claims, the Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement in 2010 requiring children’s vitamins marketers NBTY, Inc. and two subsidiaries to stop making false and unproven claims that their multivitamins promote healthy brain and eye development in children.

The FTC charged NBTY, Inc., NatureSmart LLC, and Rexall Sundown, Inc., with making deceptive claims about the amount of DHA in their children’s vitamin gummies and tablets, and the effect of that amount on eye and brain development in children.

A consumer advocacy group takes issue with Welch's slapping a heart-health icon on its grape juice and other products.

In fact, says the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), not only does Welch's juice not improve heart health, it may, on balance, do harm by contributing to insulin resistance and obesity.

Welch's said CSPI made "a number of misguided accusations regarding Welch’s messaging." 

"At Welch’s, we take great pride in the quality of our products and go to great lengths to ensure that all our communications are truthful, well supported by science, and easy for consumers to understand," Karen Mitchell, Director of Marketing, Strategy for Welch's.

CSPI has told Welch Foods, Inc., that it will face a lawsuit unless it stops making heart-health claims on its juices, spreads, fruit juice cocktails, and fruit snacks.

Welch's relies on the presence of polyphenols and vitamin C in grape juice to justify its statement, often placed inside a red heart shape, that the juice "helps support a Healthy Heart." But CSPI argues that Welch's cites only studies that were uncontrolled, conducted on animals, or that actually showed that grape juice was ineffective at providing the cardiovascular benefits associated with polyphenols. And the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements found that studies of vitamin C gave no indication of cardiovascular benefits.

Making matters worse, says CSPI, is that Welch's encourages consumers to drink juice in lieu of eating fresh fruit, stating that "Getting enough fruits and vegetables each day is important for overall health — but everyday life often gets in the way … Welch's 100% Grape Juice makes it easy to squeeze in more purple fruit each day as part of a healthy diet for the whole family."

Mitchell noted that USDA guidelines say that "100% juice is one way to add more fruit to the diet as a complement to whole fruit intake.

"When it comes to heart health, the substantial body of research conducted over a 15-year period supports the cardiovascular benefits of 100% grape juice made with Concord grapes, including many placebo controlled, human studies," Mitchell said. "In addition, a recent comprehensive review of the science published in Nutrition Today concluded that consuming grapes and grape juice can support cardiovascular health without adversely affecting weight in healthy adults."

Too much sugar?

The effects of too much sugar and too many calories negate any possible health benefits from Welch's products, the group wrote in a letter to Welch Foods Inc. president and CEO Bradley Irwin. An 8-ounce serving of Welch's grape juice contains 36 grams of sugar and 140 calories, about one-third more than the same amount of Coca-Cola.

"Most Americans concerned about their weight and risk of diabetes would actually do well to drink less juice," said CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson. "It's deceptive and misleading for Welch's to claim that grape juice has any special benefit to heart health."

Mitchell again took issue with Jacobson.  

"Contrary to CSPI’s view on the role of 100% fruit juice, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that everyone – adults and children – get more fruit each day.  The guidelines also say that 100% juice is one way to add more fruit to the diet as a complement to whole fruit intake," she said.

"Furthermore, equating the nutritional value of 100% grape juice to soft drinks is not only misleading but potentially harmful to the public.  Calorie for calorie, 100% grape juice packs more nutrition than soft drinks and delivers essential vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant nutrients – to help promote health," she said.

CSPI's letter invites Welch's to resolve the issues it raises without litigation but says that if Welch's does not respond, CSPI will pursue litigation.

CSPI's in-house litigation unit is currently pursuing cases to improve the labeling or marketing of products made by General Mills (fruit snacks, Nature Valley granola bars), Coca-Cola (Vitaminwater), and others. It has negotiated improvements in Kellogg’s food marketing to children, the labeling of Aunt Jemima blueberry waffles, and the labeling and advertising of Airborne dietary supplements.