A few stories that got our attention this week:

The new flu season is on its way, so flu shot season is already upon us. The Centers for Disease Control have all-new flu season FAQs plus their first-ever videos in American Sign Language. (CDC.gov)

Fighting childhood obesity doesn’t get much more fun than Baby Loves Disco, a touring afternoon dance party to get tots shaking their booties. Find out when it’s in your town.

Also getting a younger crowd is water aerobics. Fun new options like Aqua Zumba are drawing more than just seniors. (Washington Post)

Economics affects obesity: In Brazil, a booming economy means rising obesity rates. (Reuters)
Obesity affects economics: In the US, there’s a boom for oversize casket companies to suit American’s booming waistlines. (San Francisco Examiner)

Last week, it was deli meat and eggs. (WebMD) This week, it’s ground beef and more eggs. (Organic Authority) If the recalls have you considering a change, check out the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart with tips, meal plans and other tools. (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine)

If you want your tax dollars to support safe and convenient access for pedestrians and cyclists in your area, then you may want to support the Active Community Transportation Act. (League of American Bicyclists)

This month brings Rosh Hashanah on the 9th and Yom Kippur on the 18th. Check out these recipes and tips for healthier holiday eating (when you’re not fasting, of course):

Our partners at EatingWell suggest this Sweet & Savory Beef Stew to put a little sweetness into your New Year the natural way: with butternut squash and dried cherries. Then, break your Yom Kippur fast with this easy, make-ahead Smoked Trout Salad; it’s low in fat with an extra antioxidant kick.

Sharon’s Heart-Smart Challah loses the egg yolk for less saturated fat. (Jerry’s Jewish Webpage) Or try this Vegan Challah with no egg at all. (Jewish Food Mailing List)

Cooking Light offers a few lightened Jewish desserts, including a Honey Cake, a Cinnamon-Apple Cake, and a Harvest-Festival Fruit Strudel for Sukkot.

Deliciously update traditional favorites with this Apple & Date Mousse and Beet Casserole. (VegCooking) This variation on Carrot Tzimmes uses heart-healthy oil, orange juice and fresh parsley. (MedicineNet) And skip the fried leek patties for these Easy Braised Leeks. (DoItYourself.com)

Healthy Kosher Eating with Chana pairs this light and citrusy Olive Oil Cake with figs and honey. For Sukkot, try her Red Lentil Soup with Buttermilk Cornbread. Finally, you can resolve to have a more nutritious 5771 with her seven strategies for eating healthier.

Like your familiar family recipes? You can still give them a little tweak with these four tips for healthier Jewish cooking and eating. (eHow)

Chag Sameach and an easy fast!

What’s Miley Cyrus have to do with endocrine disruptors? You can find all that and more in the week’s health news:

Michelle Obama officially launched her Let’s Move campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation. (Childhood Obesity Task Force)

Last week, a 240-page report from the President’s Cancer Panel sounded alarms about the risk from environmental chemicals: everything from tap water to bug spray to medical imaging and beyond. The report received some cheers with prevention tips (Environmental Working Group) and some jeers for what it ignores (Reuters).

On that note, a new report reveals the hidden, carcinogenic chemicals in popular fragrances. (Campaign for Safe Cosmetics) There’s even a petition to urge JLo, Halle, Miley and Britney to take action on their namesake fragrances. You can also search the Skin Deep database for safety info on your favorite personal care products. (Environmental Working Group)

You’ve heard about distracted driving. Take this quiz to see if you’re in danger from “distracted dining.” (SparkPeople)

When foodies quibble: check out the 5 lessons that the beef-and-butter crowd has for vegans. (Nourished Kitchen)

Why does Washington State’s new candy tax apply to Three Musketeers but not Milky Way? Read the fine print. (SeattlePI.com)

This week’s health news has us ready for a snack:

Hibiscus tea seems to lower blood pressure. This older study from Tufts has been confirmed by new research there (Journal of Nutrition). The tart tea, made from the hibiscus flower, can be enjoyed straight up or in this Hibiscus-Pomegranate Iced Tea from our partners at EatingWell.

The Willy Wonkas of the world are quick to remind you of the health benefits of some kinds of chocolate. Check this out to see if your next chocolate fix has any health benefits … or if it just tastes wonderful! (American Institute for Cancer Research)

How did one school teacher lose 25 pounds and control her blood sugar without pharmaceuticals? She went vegan, the diet that includes no meat or dairy. You can check it out yourself with this 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program, launching March 1. (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine)

Vitamin D has been getting a lot of press in recent months, but you may want to put the hype in perspective before you start popping fish-oil supplements. (New York Times)

The Department of Defense is exploring if omega-3 supplementation could help our troops to “enhance stress resilience, wellness, and military performance.” (NutraIngredients) The final decision may be a few years away; in the meantime, the nutrient – found in walnuts, salmon and other coldwater fish, flax seeds, spinach and kale – could still help you.

There’s a diverse array of characters in the health news that caught our eye:

The moustache has made a comeback, and the Movember movement is using it this month to raise money for prostate and testicular cancer research. Props to Christian and Cory, GlobalFit’s very own “Mo Bro’s,” getting fuzzy for a cause.

How aware of your surroundings are you when talking on your cell phone? Aware enough to notice a unicycling clown in your midst? Not likely, according to new research. (ScienceDaily)

How does a 35-pounds-overweight 40-year-old get to be an Ultraman competitor at 42? Rich Roll has some inspiring tips from his amazing fitness journey. (CNN)

The controversy over humans drinking cow’s milk hits a new peak? Find out why, along with the 411 on the soy and almond alternatives. (Washington Post)