A Message from Senator Vitter

The following is the current update from Senator David Vitter:

As we start a new year, we all have likely started  with resolutions for how we want to improve our lives in the coming  months.  And among the most popular resolutions are commitments to  improving health.

The website www.nutrition.gov provides online access to a wealth of information that can help us in reaching  these goals.  The site has links on food and nutrition topics ranging from  nutrition and physical activity for our kids to food safety and federal  nutrition assistance programs.

Medical experts also often recommend that people use  the first of the year as a regular time to schedule medical check-ups and  appointments.  Haven’t seen your dentist in a while?  Need to  schedule your annual physical?  What better time than now to get those  tasks checked off on your to-do list.

At the end of last year, many of us were concerned  when new government guidelines were issued suggesting women forego mammograms  until the age of 50 and reduce the frequency with which they get them.  I  fought and passed legislation through the Senate setting aside these guidelines  and maintaining the current recommendations for annual mammograms for women  starting at 40.

Nothing is more crucial in our fight against cancer  than early detection.  By resolving to schedule annual mammograms and  other cancer screenings, we can stay one step ahead in that fight.

As we move into 2010, I resolve to continue doing all  that I can to ensure that you are being effectively represented in Congress,  and I wish you all good luck in achieving your resolutions for 2010.