Could California Soda Tax Prevent Kid Obesity, Save Schools?

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Soda Tax: California schools and childhood obesity prevention programs could land $1.7 billion from a proposed state tax on soda, Lisa Vorderbrueggen reports for the Contra Costa Times.  Interesting factoid: The average American consumes 50 gallons a year of sugary beverages or 39 pounds of sugar.

Patient Safety: Lack of state oversight over California's in-home health agencies means seniors may unwittingly hire criminals to care for them in their homes, according to a new state senate report examined by Torey Van Oot of the Sacramento Bee.  

Oil Spill: A year after the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a Louisiana physician tells CNN International that he's treated dozens of patients complaining of similar unexplained symptoms, including memory loss and lung problems, that he believes are related to the spill and the dispersants used to clean it up. Several studies are underway to examine public health problems resulting from the massive spill.

Hypertension: Good to know (sips coffee): researchers say there's no credible evidence linking drinking more than three cups of coffee a day to higher blood pressure, Catharine Paddock reports for Medical News Today.

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