(March 12, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From San Francisco - According to research presented to the American Heart Association, a small reduction in salt intake could lower rates of heart disease and death. Americans consume between 9 and 12 grams of salt per day, or as much as 4,800 mg of sodium. Researchers state that every gram of salt reduced in the diet could mean 250,000 fewer new cases of heart disease and 200,000 fewer deaths over a 10-year period.

From Copenhagen - According to experts from the World Health Organization, the health impact of climate change is a critical issue that policy makers must be aware of. The experts claim that 150,000 deaths now occur in low-income countries due to climate change related factors including malaria, flooding, diarrheal disease, crop failure and malnutrition. Young children account for nearly 85% of these deaths.

And finally, back to San Francisco - According to another study presented to the AHA, short sleep duration may increase the risk of diabetes. In a study of over 1,400 people, researchers found that those who slept an average of under six hours per night over the course of six years were 4.5 times more likely to develop impaired fasting glucose - a precursor to diabetes - than those who slept six to eight hours per night.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.