A 1998 study that attempted to link the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine with autism in children has been retracted from the published record by the medical journal, The Lancet. To explain the decision to retract the controversial study, The Lancet stated the following: “It has become clear that several elements of the 1998 study by Wakefield, et al are incorrect, contrary to the findings of an earlier investigation.” Read more.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals recently launched http://www.healthfinderla.gov, a comprehensive online resource that allows users to compare cost and quality of services offered by hospitals, nursing homes, and public and private health care plans. The site also helps you compare retail prices for the 100 most commonly prescribed drugs. Visit the site. 

More and more, there is growing recognition that the built environment has an impact on our health. Studies show that poorly built neighborhoods, outdoor spaces and buildings can contribute to obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The New York City Department of Design and Construction has partnered with experts from multiple industries to publish strategies for architects and urban designers that could improve the health of communities. Click here to read more.

A new study reveals that kids with access to a health center at school not only receive quality health services, but they may also be less likely to engage in behaviors that put their health at risk including drug use, risky sexual activity, violence, smoking, unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise. Read more.

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living is looking for supporters of smoke-free air to come out and be a part of its next statewide mass media campaign. Film crews will be on site in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans this week to conduct on-camera interviews with volunteers who want to speak up in support of a smoke-free Louisiana. Some footage from the interviews will be used for a new statewide television ad campaign, while others will be featured in a documentary. Get details of the film shoot. You can also show your support at www.LetsBeTotallyClear.org.

Toyota recently issued a massive recall and sales suspension of eight vehicle models due to accelerator pedals getting stuck. Models named in the recall include: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, certain 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, and 2008-2010 Sequoia. Consumers who encounter such problems can report them to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration by calling their safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT. Here’s another helpful website that explains how car recalls actually work.

A new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals a risky past time is more popular than previously thought. More than a third of kids have heard of the “choking game,” in which a high is achieved by depriving the brain of oxygen through brief strangulation. Public health officials warn that this extremely dangerous “game” can lead to brain damage, long-term neurological disability and even death. Read more.

Serves 10
Recipe:  Chef Elizabeth Hales, Compass Group

Ingredients

Tomatillo Salsa:
10.5 ounce Tomatillo, green whole canned
½ cup Onions, diced
2 Tbsp Jalapeno Peppers, chopped
3 Tbsp Cilantro, Fresh, chopped

Enchilada:
3 ¾ cups Red Enchilada Sauce, canned
¾ cup Cilantro, Fresh, chopped
1 Tbsp Cumin, ground
20 Corn Tortillas, 6″
1 cup Canola Oil
10 each Black Bean Meatless Burger, 4.25 oz each
7 ½ ounce Red Onions, small diced
15 ounces Black Beans, cooked
10 ounces Pepper Jack Cheese
10 ounces Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
1 ¼ cup Guacamole

Method
Tomatillo Salsa:
In a food processor, combine the onion, tomatillos, and jalapeno. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are well blended. Add the cilantro and pulse the food processor again. Refrigerate until needed.

Enchilada:
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine enchilada sauce, cilantro and ground cumin. Place half of the enchilada sauce mixture on the bottom of a large baking dish. Heat 1 cup of oil in a large skillet to 350F degree and carefully submerge the tortillas (individually) for 15 seconds. (This helps them hold their integrity through the rolling and baking processes). In a pan, saute the diced burger and onions until slightly browned. Add black beans and remaining half of the enchilada sauce.
Simmer for 5 minutes. To build the enchiladas, evenly spoon 1/2 cup of burger mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll tortillas up and place seam-side down in baking pan. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Spoon tomatillo salsa and cheese evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Bake at 350F until bubbling, about 15 minutes and internal temperature reaches 165F. Serve 2 enchiladas per serving. To serve, place two enchiladas on a plate and garnish with shredded lettuce and 1 ounce guacamole.

With over one-third of America’s children overweight or obese, the federal government is pooling resources and partnering with state and local leaders to fight the battle of the bulge. First lady Michelle Obama is set to spearhead efforts to make healthy living easier for American families by creating healthy school lunch programs, allowing kids more opportunities to be physically active and providing communities with access to healthy food options. Read the whole story.