This report (tentatively scheduled for Sept. 30) from the National Center for Health Statistics presents the results of a comparison of the mortality experience of the 1986-2000 NHIS cohorts (between the NHIS interview and December 31, 2002) with that of the U.S. population, and thus provides information on how well mortality was ascertained in the NHIS Linked Mortality Files.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality will conduct a telephone media briefing providing an update on the status of the Agency's new and current research in the area of health care-associated infections.

Meeting Objectives:

• To understand familial aspects of breast cancer;

• To understand the contribution of high risk alleles and low penetrant genes;

• To emphasize primary prevention strategies for familial breast cancer; and

• To explore interventions for breast cancer prevention, including lifestyle and nutritional approaches.

On October 2, 2008, FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research will convene a public meeting to obtain public comment about over-the-counter cough and cold medications for pediatric use as it proceeds with the rulemaking for these ingredients.

Sen. Obama has proposed a plan that builds on the existing employer-based system, while expanding public programs, putting in place new insurance regulations and providing new coverage options. In this live webcast, moderator Larry Levitt, vice president, Kaiser Family Foundation, and David Cutler, adviser, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), will discuss the plan.

Just weeks before the election and two nights after a presidential debate, political experts and commentators will give the inside scoop on how much health reform to expect in the new administration. Join us for this Center Scene Public Program and the return of panelists Mark Halperin, Chris Lehane and Adam Mendelsohn.

Is biology destiny? Is it our genes or the environment? What factors influence our health and how do these various factors interact? The Institute of Medicine will host a daylong public symposium during its 38th annual meeting to discuss the biological, behavioral, and social determinants of health. Audio of the symposium will be available through an webcast.

This report (tentatively scheduled for Oc.t 15) presents recent trends in infant mortality in the U.S., along with disparities along race/ethnic lines as well as international comparisons.

Sen. McCain's plan would replace the existing tax preference for employer-based coverage with a refundable tax credit for the purchase of private insurance, and allow people to buy health insurance across state lines.

This report describes demographic differences and recent trends in food allergy in U.S. children.

This report (tentatively scheduled for Oct 22) presents average national height, weight and BMI reference data for all ages of the U.S. population in 2003-2006.

Because of their societal impact, arsenic and mercury have been highlighted in a number of recent newspaper and magazine articles about the mass arsenic poisoning of humans in Bangladesh and other parts of southeast Asia, and the potential dangers of consuming fish containing methylmercury from San Francisco Bay and drinking water from reservoirs in the Bay Area.

This one-day workshop will provide science journalists with background knowledge to better understand nano-to-macro scale processes that govern the fate and effect of important environmental contaminants.