Recent media coverage of potential carcinogens in the common artificial sweetener aspartame alarmed people who consume products containing it. A follow-up report on the health impacts by the World Health Organization said there is "limited evidence" it causes cancer in humans.

Leslie Bonci, a registered sports dietician and owner of Active Eating Advice in Pittsburgh, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration agreed with the WHO's assessment aspartame is fine to use.

"The most important thing for people to know is that the World Health Organization made clear that aspartame is safe," Bonci emphasized. "And also reaffirmed the acceptable daily intake of aspartame. So what that level is, is also considered to be safe and appropriate."

The FDA disagreed with the International Agency for Research on Cancer's decision to classify aspartame as possibly carcinogenic in humans. It said the WHO labeling aspartame as a "possible" carcinogen does not mean it is actually linked to cancer and is based on what the agency calls "limited research." The FDA said it will continue to monitor the latest science available on sweeteners.

The Joint Expert Committee and Food Additives concluded the data it evaluated indicate no sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake, which is up to forty milligrams. Bonci stressed the sweetener is still a reliable alternative.

"A lot of people like the taste of sweet, but maybe they're trying to curtail their overall sugar intake," Bonci pointed out. "Because of some preexisting health concern, trying to optimize their body composition. I see that with my athletes all of the time, and people want to have a choice, and they want to feel comfortable in the choice that they make about the foods and beverages that they choose to consume."

As temperatures continue to soar, Bonci noted staying hydrated is absolutely vital during the summer months. She recommended Pennsylvanians exercising outdoors can beat the summer heat by avoiding sugary drinks. Eating fruits, vegetables and drinking a lot of water are all major sources of hydration.

"When people are doing intense exercise, getting in some carbohydrates, so this isn't just eating a hunk of cheese, when you're done," Bonci cautioned. "You really have to get in some carbohydrates, because that helps the body recover. And if people are doing any kind of strength training activity, they need to have a little protein as well."

Bonci stated it is important to stay informed on the health and safety of aspartame from the World Health Organization and Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives as they are the organizations with the science, evidence and the rigorous research on aspartame.


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After more than 50 years of use, some Michigan lawmakers say naloxone may not be the best choice in an overdose situation.

Naloxone is sometimes called the "Lazarus drug" because of its powerful ability to seemingly resurrect people after a drug overdose.

Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, and some of his colleagues have introduced a bill which would open the door for what they say are more costly, but more powerful, antidotes.

"Given the prevalence of fentanyl in our communities, and how much stronger some of these drugs that we're now seeing are, we believe -- and in talking with others -- that there should be other tools to respond to an overdose," Hertel explained. "To make sure we're doing everything we can to save somebody's life."

Not everyone is on board with the proposed legislation, Senate Bill 542. Opponents argued the more expensive naloxone alternatives are not necessary, and using them would only increase profits for the pharmaceutical industry.

Jonathan Stoltman, director of the Opioid Policy Institute in Grand Rapids, said while the naloxone alternatives do help in overdose situations, they can also cause nasty side effects.

"The newer approaches, they put people into more severe withdrawal," Stoltman pointed out. "That's a pretty profound negative side effect. The one approach is very inexpensive and works great; the other approach is far more expensive and has this strong negative side effect."

Sponsors of the bill say they're hoping to give Michigan residents a chance to chime in on the issue in a public hearing sometime in June. Michigan saw more than 3,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2021.


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New Mexico saw record enrollment numbers for the Affordable Care Act this year and is now setting its sights on lowering out-of-pocket costs - those not reimbursed by insurance. More than 56,000 New Mexicans are enrolled in a medical health insurance plan on the state exchange - an increase of 12,000 people overall.

Colin Baillio, deputy superintendent with the state's Office of Insurance, said the state has boosted its outreach and made efforts to improve the overall consumer experience.

"We saw a 40% year-over-year increase, and New Mexico saw the biggest percentage increase during the open-enrollment period among all of the state-based marketplaces," he explained

Part of the enrollment increase is due to what's called the "unwinding" - a federal directive that required all states to redetermine Medicaid eligibility following a three-year pause on checks during the COVID pandemic. He said by using expanded tools made available by the federal and state government, 8% of New Mexico's population is now uninsured - down from 23% in 2010.

Following approval by lawmakers in the 2024 legislative session, the New Mexico governor signed seven health care-related bills into law - one of which requires annual reporting of prescription drug pricing. Baililo said the Affordable Care Act built the foundation that has allowed the state to pursue additional affordability initiatives.

"I'm really glad to see that there's so much interest in the next step of health reform, really leaning into these out-of-pocket cost issues and making it easier for people to afford to stay covered and see their doctors," he continued.

Two years ago, the state also passed a one-of-a-kind law that did away with behavioral health co-pays for people in certain insurance plans.

New York's medical aid-in-dying bill is gaining further support. The Medical Society of the State of New York is supporting the bill. New York's bill allows terminally ill people with only six months to live to use this option, with safeguards requiring two physicians' approval.

The bill's Assembly sponsor Amy Paulin, D-Westchester, said despite the growing support, other hurdles lie ahead.

"Now we have what I believe, if it came to the floor, a majority. There's still a hesitation on the part of leadership. You know, we need members to assure leadership that they no longer have reservations," she said.

Other newly resolved concerns center on making sure insurance companies and doctors who don't support this aren't held liable. She's optimistic the bill will pass after nine years in the Legislature. New York would be the 11th state along with Washington, D.C. to have medical aid in dying legislation.

Corinne Carey, senior New York campaign director with Compassion and Choices finds the pandemic drew a vivid picture of a person's end-of-life experience. There were images of people dying on ventilators, apart from loved ones, and unable to communicate. She said people began thinking about a "good death."

"And, what is a good death is being surrounded by loved ones, having some measure of control, experiencing the touch of your loved ones, and being the one in the driver's seat," she explained.

Now people have different options for end-of-life care, each of which presents various challenges. Polls show medical aid in dying has garnered considerable support since being introduced in 2015. A 2022 Compassion and Choices poll finds 57% of nurses support medical aid in dying professionally, although fewer support it personally.