Public Health News Roundup: February 8

CDC: Americans Eat Too Much Salt
Most Americans consume too much sodium, according to a Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The February 2012 issue of the monthly Vital Signs report finds that 10 types of foods are responsible for more than 40 percent of people’s sodium intake:

• breads and rolls
• luncheon meat such as deli ham or turkey
• pizza
• poultry
• soups
• cheeseburgers and other sandwiches
• cheese
• pasta dishes
• meat dishes such as meat loaf
• snack foods such as potato chips, pretzels and popcorn

“Too much sodium raises blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke,” said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, MD, MPH. “These diseases kill more than 800,000 Americans each year and contribute an estimated $273 billion in health care costs.”

The report found that the average American consumes about 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day, not including any salt added at the table. That level is more than twice the recommended limit.  The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day. The recommendation is 1,500 milligrams per day for people aged 51 and older, and anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, and African Americans.

CDC offers tips on how to cut down on sodium at www.cdc.gov/salt.   

College Students More Likely Than Non Student Counterparts to Enter Treatment for Alcohol Use
A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) shows that alcohol was the main culprit in nearly half of all substance abuse treatment admissions involving college and other post-high school students ages 18 to 24. However, the rate of alcohol-related admissions at treatment centers is far higher among college students than young adults in the same age range who don’t’ attend college (46.6 percent versus 30.6 percent.)

“This report confirms the pervasive and potentially devastating role that alcohol plays on far too many college campuses,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde.

Both college and non-college groups had similar admission rates for marijuana-related problems, and college students had lower rates of treatment admissions than nonstudents their age for other types of substance abuse such as heroin and cocaine.

SAMHSA offers an on-line treatment locator service, and information about the prevention and treatment of alcohol use and misuse by college students is available here. Read more on substance abuse.

DOT Announces Funds to Increase Transportation Access for Veteran and Military Families
The Department of Transportation has announced availability of about $30 million to create or increase access to local and regional transportation resources that veterans and military families depend on to get to work, school and doctor’s offices. This is the second round of such funding. Read more on the connection between transportation and health.