American journal of preventive medicine
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The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 gave the U.S. Department of Agriculture authority to regulate school wellness policies, which include nutritional standards for foods advertised in schools. Brand marketing programs, which encourage students to purchase a company's products in exchange for money or rewards, were not explicitly prohibited. This study assesses the nutritional quality of products participating in "Box Tops for Education" ("Box Tops"), one of the largest national brand marketing programs in schools. ⋯ Fewer than one third of Box Tops foods met the Smart Snacks standards. Schools should consider whether the benefit of participation outweighs the harm of exposing kids to unhealthful marketing. Alternatively, schools could opt not to participate unless companies limit redeemable products to household items or healthful options meeting the Smart Snacks standards.
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Because of the rapidly increasing use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), this study aimed to investigate the individual characteristics and state-level prevalence of U.S. adults who have switched to e-cigarettes from traditional cigarettes. ⋯ There is an increase in the progression from traditional cigarette use to e-cigarette use. Further research is warranted to determine whether this change continues and facilitates cigarette smoking cessation as a possible public health benefit and opportunity to save lives rather than constitutes a potential threat to public health.