Women Health Online

Last spring we planted Jerusalem artichokes and this fall and winter we have been creating recipes to enjoy the tasty harvest from our garden.  Jerusalem artichokes, or  sunchokes, are native to North America and were first eaten by Native Americans. They are hardy and easy to grow and produce abundant sunflowers and edible tubers.

You can find them at farmers markets, select grocery stores, or from your CSA, but for a reliable supply throughout the fall and winter try growing them yourself. They have a mild nutty taste, and are perfect for growing along a sunny fence as part of  your edible landscape. Se

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will invest approximately $1.8 million to increase its efforts to improve the treatment and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in Guatemala and to further strengthen ethical training on human research protections. Building on existing work by HHS agencies, these new activities are part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to ensuring that the United States has the strongest possible human subject protections at home and around the world.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will expand its current investment that supports the Guatemalan Ministry of Health and Social Assistance’s (MSPAS) strategy to improve surveillance and control of HIV and other STDs among at-risk populations in Guatemala. Read more info…

iStock / zimmytwsThe Supreme Court has turned aside a motion from a political advocacy group that sought to argue Justice Elena Kagan should not participate in the upcoming blockbuster appeals over the constitutionality of health care reform.

The justices without comment on Monday denied the request from Freedom Watch. Kagan herself did not get involved in this particular motion.

The court’s brief order all but assures the newest justice will participate in the late March arguments, and eventually rule on the cases’ merits. Read more info…

In the past 3 years, there has been a stark decline in the amount of meat that people in the U.S. are consuming. According to Your Daily Dose of Vegan Outreach:

Thats a billion animals saved over just a few years. Part of the decline is most likely linked to rising food prices, but you also have to give props to plant-based diets gaining popularity. Whether people are eating less meat to save money, improve their health, or for animal rights reasons, this trend is good news from an environmental perspective, given animal agricultures effect on the environment.

The bad news is that as Americans are eating less meat, demand for meat in other countries is on the rise.

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Almost two years after a massive earthquake hit the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, reconstruction has barely started, with many aid agencies still focused on basic humanitarian needs and containing a cholera epidemic.

Political uncertainty, poor coordination and land tenure issues have hampered reconstruction efforts. Around half a million Haitians still live in camps in worsening conditions.

Following are AlertNet interviews with experts and aid officials about ongoing challenges and lessons learnt on the ground in Haiti.