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January - March 2010
Newsworthy Stuff |
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Just released today online... according to a report in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
"Consuming two or more soft drinks per week increased the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by nearly twofold compared to individuals who did not consume soft drinks."
This is just one of the growing number of studies that show soda is bad for you, and a major contributor to the obesity epidemic. For more information about the negative consequences of drinking soda, check my Nutrition Page. Nothing beats water - zero calories, yet includes everything your body needs.
Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-02/aafc-sdc020310.php
Graphic source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/06/your-money/life-and-disability-insurance/06money.html?emc=tnt&tntemail1=y |
The February 5th New York Times article, "The Odds of a Disability Are Themselves Odd" contends that disability statistics are unreliable, as they can vary anywhere from 30% to 52%. As with any kind of statistics, it really is important to know what's in the denominator and what's in the numerator.
It does make you wonder why reproduction, a natural process, has to be viewed in such a negative light when talking about "productivity", and what pregnancy "complications" are they talking about? Like spending time to take care of a little baby? Obviously, this does not explain why the percentages are higher for women in the 45 to 65 age groups. A more useful analysis would be to eliminate "pregnancy" from disability statistics, which would help in identifying the health issues that are causing workplace disabilities. Based on such statistics, employers can then develop workplace wellness programs to address those lifestyle factors that are protective for and destructive to workplace productivity. I believe that once this is done, these graphics will be very different. Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/06/your-money/life-and-disability-insurance/06money.html?emc=tnt&tntemail1=y |
According to a recent Harris poll, U.S. adult Internet users spend an average of 13 hours a week online. Even when they looked at users by age groups, it's surprising to see that a fifth of those over 65 spend 8 to 15 hours online. Researchers found that the age groups spending the most time online are those ages 30-39 (18 hours) and those aged 25-29 (17 hours) and 40-49 (17 hours). Graphic and story source: http://www.marketingcharts.com/ interactive/internet-users-now-spend-13-hoursweek-online-11471/ ?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=mc&utm_medium=textlink |
Just yesterday, Medpage Today reported findings from the first National Health Interview Survey to collect data on health information technology that was conducted by the CDC and the National Center for Health Statistics. "The study found 51% of adults 18 to 64 used the Internet to look up health information at some point over a 12-month period. Previous research had shown that over 60% of all adults in the U.S. had, at some point, used the Internet to search for health or medical information. Not surprisingly, 18- to 49-year-olds were more likely than older adults to use health information technology."
Think about this. What did we do before there was the Internet?? Also, it is now more important than ever that we be discriminating about what we find online and that those who post health information should do so with the best intentions, ensuring that it be credible and cite their sources. |
 Graphic source: http://chronicle.com/article/Our-Digitally-Undying-Memories/63747/?sid=cr&utm_source=cr&utm_medium=en |
Siva Vaidhyanathan's "Our Digitally Undying Memories" offers a meta-review of books dealing with our presence on the Internet and a wary perspective of our cyber lives (http://chronicle.com/article/Our-Digitally-Undying-Memories/63747/?sid=cr&utm_source=cr&utm_medium=en) that is well worth reading.
My thoughts? We all can achieve immortality - on the Internet. Unfortunately, what people were probably pursuing was just their 15 minutes of fame. We have lost our sense of boundaries on many levels. Privacy has become more important because Big Brother is the people with the cameras. How many times have you been forced to listen to conversations, in a public place, that should be private and not for everyone within listening distance? Many young people think nothing of posting their whole lives on Facebook and other social networks and then wonder how their identity got stolen. A sad example of the Net potential to ruin lives was when I came acrss a series of Youtube videos of college women who were fall-down drunks (I was looking for some educational videos about the hazards of alcohol abuse for my class). Obviously, these women did not post these videos, and, whoever did were no friend, nor should these be viewed as "just a joke" shenanigans. How will these women ever be able to explain themselves to some potential employer of these episodes of indiscretion? They can never be removed and will live on forever for anyone with Internet access. Is this the Immortality the Greek philosophers debated about? I think not. |
 This graph shows that as weight rises, so does cardiovascular mortality (death). In May 2009, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reported, "Obese patients with heart disease do better and live longer than leaner patients with the same severity of disease ( http://www.livescience.com/health/ 090526-obesity-heart.html ). This became known as the "Obesity Paradox." However, this is not an excuse to put on weight just to better survive a heart attack, nor is it an excuse to smoke to control weight. Excess weight and smoking are known risk factors for heart disease. Coming out in February 2010's Mayo Clinic Proceedings, there is a study that attempts to explain the Obesity Paradox. Their conclusion? "Fitness altered the obesity paradox. Overweight and obese men had increased longevity only if they registered high fitness." (http://mayoclinicproceedings.com/ content/85/2/115) |
In the accompanying editorial, The Obesity Paradox: Perception vs Knowledge, the authors propose "...the power of cardiorespiratory fitness as a covariate of its effect on the obesity-mortality association. A compelling rationale as to the importance of fitness vis-�-vis the obesity paradox is that many individuals within a given weight strata with a below average exercise capacity can be considered �unwell� compared with individuals with a higher exercise capacity. If indeed, after adjusting the analysis for fitness (or wellness), the paradoxical association between low body weight and mortality is blunted...." So, in plain English, what does this mean? Regardless of what weight you are in, you should strive for maximum cardiorespiratory fitness. But, if you really work on your cardiorespiratory fitness you will lose weight. Sixty minutes of brisk walking every day will do the trick. You've got to Check out my Fitness Page for exercise links. Source for graphic and quotes: http://mayoclinicproceedings.com/content/85/2/112.full |
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With all the technology we have these days, controversy still surrounds the reality of global warming. In the January 23rd LiveScience.com report, "Past Decade the Warmest Since 1880," GISS Director James Hansen stated, "There's substantial year-to-year variability of global temperature caused by the tropical El Ni�o-La Ni�a cycle. But when we average temperature over five or ten years to minimize that variability, we find that global warming is continuing unabated."
Source: http://www.livescience.com//environment/warmest-decade-100123.html |
The American Heart Association (AHA) has recently released what they considered to be "ideal" heart health candidates, which include individuals without clinical cardiovascular disease who:
According to the AHA, only about 5% of Americans currently meet these criteria. Use these as guidelines for a healthier life. Most importantly, know what your numbers are and keep them in a healthy range.
Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/Prevention/18057?pfc=111&spc=269
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We are much too sedentary. If we're not sitting at work, we are sitting around somewhere. According to the 1/19 Medscape's Prolonged Sitting Boosts Bad Health," "sitting in front of the TV for hours on end can raise your risk of early death from heart disease. A woman�s risk of metabolic syndrome, a precursor to diabetes and heart disease, jumps 26% for every extra hour she sits in front of the TV."
You've got to Source: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20100119/prolonged-sitting-boosts-bad-health |
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I decided to re-post this graphic from my September 27, 2009 blog entry to show that research has shown that a student's physical fitness has an impact on academic performance. It would seem to me that the current obesity epidemic affecting youths today is going to impact their ability to function well in the workplace. Since the impact can be measured in middle school students, then we should intervene sooner, like in elementary school.
Think about this. How hard would be to make it a school health goal that no child should finish fourth grade without a normal BMI? Or, all children should start fifth grade with a normal BMI. Good health habits should be nurtured early on to make the most of these formative years. Finally, I simply cannot bear the thought of having children on statins when adults suffer from side effects when using this class of drugs. |
In the just released 1/22/2010 MMWR Report, Prevalence of Abnormal Lipid Levels Among Youths --- United States, 1999--2006 , the CDC reports that "...32% of all youths were in a population recommended for lipid screening based solely on their weight status. The results also indicate that, during 1999--2006, an estimated one fifth of all youths had at least one lipid abnormality, and among obese youths, the prevalence was 43%."
Other findings include: "Among all youths, 20.3% had at least one abnormal lipid level based on cutoff points for high LDL-C (≥130 mg/dL), low HDL-C (≤35 mg/dL), and high triglyceride levels (≥150 mg/dL) Compared with youths who were normal weight, overweight and obese youths were significantly more likely to have at least one abnormal lipid level (PR = 1.6 and PR = 3.0, respectively). A greater proportion of boys had low HDL-C compared with girls (11.0% versus 4.0%), and youths aged 18--19 years were more likely to have low HDL-C (10.4%) or high triglycerides (16.4%) compared with youths aged 12--13 years (4.7% and 9.5%, respectively). Youths aged 14--15 years also were more likely to have low HDL-C (8.7%) compared with youths aged 12--13 years (4.7%). High LDL-C levels differed little across age groups among the youths. The percentage of non-Hispanic white youths with low HDL-C (8.5%) or high triglycerides (12.1%) was higher compared with levels for non-Hispanic black youths (4.7% and 3.7%, respectively)."
The report further states, "Although therapeutic lifestyle counseling is the first course of action in reducing abnormal lipid levels among youths, AAP recommends considering pharmacologic interventions to treat children whose LDL remains persistently high even after therapeutic lifestyle counseling."
This is a pretty sad health picture of American youths today. I really don't like the idea of putting young kids on drugs to address a health issue that can be taken care of with better diet and more exercise. What are we teaching kids when we ask them to pop pills?? What does that say about how we, as a society, view the value of Health? Something is very wrong with this picture.
You can find a link to this report and other health behavior statistics on my Health Behavior Data Page
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5902a1.htm?s_cid=mm5902a1_e#tab1
Graphic Source: http://www.idealware.org/visualization/index.php |
Because information has become a marketable commodity, data have become very important. But when it comes to sharing the data, presentation counts. An important skill for public health professionals is making the most of data, from assessing needs to evaluating program interventions.
Reporting on these activities always includes presenting the data that were used for program development and evaluation. And, that is nothing more effective than visualizing the data with easy-to-understand graphs, charts and even maps. If given the choice, what would you rather look at, a table of numbers or a chart?
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Is this visually stunning enough to get the point across that sodas are bad for you?
| Read or download New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Health Bulletin: Are You Pouring on the Pounds? |
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Graphic Source: http://www.ewg.org/reports/bisphenola |
 In 2007, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that BPA is at unsafe levels in one of every 10 servings of canned foods (11%) and one of every 3 cans of infant formula (33%).
(Source: http://www.ewg.org/reports/bisphenola )
Today, Medpage Today reports that researchers analyzing NHANES data have confirmed that BPA, an endocrine disruptor, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. BPA is found in numerous household products -- from drink containers and food packaging to the lining of canned goods. It is estimated that over 90% of the U.S. population is exposed to BPA, which is now considered the 4th toxic chemical risk factor for cardioavascular disease along with fine particulate air pollution, dioxins, and PCBs. The metabolism of BPA may induce oxidative stress and endothelial cell damage. (Source: Melzer D, et al "Association of urinary bisphenol A concentration with heart disease: Evidence from NHANES 2003/2006" PLoS ONE 2010. ) |
Recently released ADA recommendations pertaining to gestational diabetes mellitus include: "All pregnant women, except those at low risk for gestational diabetes, should be screened with an oral glucose tolerance test at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. Low-risk status is defined by age younger than 25 years, normal prepregnancy weight, ethnicity in a group with a low overall prevalence of diabetes, and no family or personal risk factors for diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes should be screened for type 2 diabetes at the postpartum visit 6 to 12 weeks after delivery and then intermittently from that visit forward." (Source:http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/714487?src=cmemp&uac=81167HX)
This is really great since it is unfortunate that the US Preventive Task Force has not been able to recommend universal screening for GDM in recent years. From a Public Health perspective, I have always considered women who have gestational diabetes to be the ideal priority population for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Research has consistently shown that these women are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than those who never had GDM while pregnant. Perhaps, the most startling statistic I came across was that women who have had 3 pregnancies with GDM are at a 100% risk for developing type 2 diabetes! ( Source: Postpartum Follow-up Crucial in Women With Gestational Diabetes http://docnews.diabetesjournals.org/ content/3/5/8.full) The best news is that type 2 diabetes in these women is preventable through lifestyle modification. In a way these women are fortunate that they are being warned of the possibility of developing type 2 diabetes and hopefully will be motivated to do something about it.
If you would like to read the issue brief I developed about GDM when I worked as the cardiovascular and diabetes epidemiologist for the State of Connecticut, check out Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Surveillance in Connecticut Issue Brief . You can also find more information about GDM and diabetes in general on my Diabetes Resources Page.
The American Diabetes Association published new recommendations on December 29 in the January supplement of Diabetes Care, one of which is "promoting hemoglobin A1c (A1c) as a faster, easier diagnostic test that could help reduce the number of undiagnosed patients and better identify patients with prediabetes."
"The A1c test, which measures average blood glucose levels for a period of up to 3 months, was previously used only to evaluate diabetic control with time. An A1c level of approximately 5% indicates the absence of diabetes, and according to the revised evidence-based guidelines, an A1c score of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and an A1c level of 6.5% or higher indicates the presence of diabetes. For optimal diabetic control, the recommended ADA target for most people with diabetes is an A1c level no greater than 7%." (Source:http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/714487?src=cmemp&uac=81167HX )
The sooner people who have problems managing glucose metabolism, the earlier people can do something about it. If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, carry extra weight, especially around the abdomen, have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, you should probably see your doctor and get an A1C done. Of course, if you don't you numbers at all (blood pressure, cholesterol level) you should find out and see if you need treatment. Untreated high blood pressure can result in strokes and excessive high levels of bad cholesterol can put at risk for heart disease. For more information about diabetes, check my Diabetes Resources Page.
Now you can go and play with your kids every day and not feel guilty about it. New physical activity guidelines for children and adolescents say they should have an hour or more physical activity daily. An hour a day running around with the kids will also help you to lose weight as well, so it's a win-win situation all around. Be a role model, go out and pound the pavement with them!!!
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Youth Physical Activity Guidelines
Graphic and Guidelines source: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/guidelines.htm#1?s_cid=ncbddd_govd_037 |
Graphic source: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ public/sleep/healthy_sleep.pdf |
Though this activity is supposed to take up one third of our lives, it is one thing we don't do enough, and that's getting adequate sleep. In fact, lack of sleep is being blamed for the growing obesity epidemic from disrupting hormones in our body.
"When you don't get enough sleep, it drives leptin levels down, which means you don't feel as satisfied after you eat. Lack of sleep also causes ghrelin levels to rise, which means your appetite is stimulated, so you want more food.... "Those who slept less than eight hours a night not only had lower levels of leptin and higher levels of ghrelin, but they also had a higher level of body fat. What's more, that level of body fat seemed to correlate with their sleep patterns. Specifically, those who slept the fewest hours per night weighed the most.
Sweet dreams, my friend, and may you lose weight overnight and remember:
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Graphic source: http://cmbi.bjmu.edu.cn/news/0406/68.htm |
Can you believe that 10.9% of U.S. mothers reported use of an herbal product 3 months before or during pregnancy? This is what researchers found. They also reported, "During pregnancy, the overall prevalence was 9.4% and was highest during the first trimester (6.9%). A substantial proportion of women took herbal products during the second (5.1%) and third (5.2%) trimesters."
Because so little is known about the effects these products may have on the fetus, researchers are urging women not to use these products to avoid potential harm to fetal organ development, which occurs early on during pregnancy. They also caution, "it is difficult to ascertain the ingredients in herbal products with any degree of reliability because of the nature of the herbal product industry, which may label ingredients inaccurately or change the blend of their ingredients. Finally, despite their widespread use, many pregnant women who use herbals do not tell their physicians... (and) the fact that a substance is natural does not necessarily mean that it is safe for the fetus." For more information about nutraceuticals, see my Nutrition Page. Source: Herbal Product Use Common in Pregnancy, May Pose Risks to Fetus. From Am J Obstet Gynecol. Published online December 28, 2009.(http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ 714461?src=mp&spon=16&uac=81167HX) |
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Today the EPA proposed stricter health standards for smog. We can all breathe better now.
According to the EPA,
When I was in 11th grade (and this was decades ago), I wrote my first practice term paper (in preparation for college) on the subject of air pollution. So I guess I was into Public Health even then. The issue, however, remains pertinent as more research is beginning to show the health effects of environmental exposure to second-hand smoke and toxic chemicals, as what happened post-9/11.
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According to today's "Obesity Disease Burden Similar to Smoking" Medpage Today article, obesity is now surpassing tobacco's impact on our quality of life. Analyzing 1993 to 2008 BRFSS quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) data, researchers conclude that:
We need to take better care of ourselves. Plus, do you really want to spend all your money on medical bills and medications to get through the day? Quit smoking, and lose the weight. Just 60 minutes a day of brisk walking will do the trick for most people, along with better eating habits. Check out my Fitness and Nutrition Pages for helpful links.
Source: Jia H, Lubetkin EI "Trends in quality-adjusted life-years lost contributed by smoking and obesity" Am J Prev Med 2010; DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2009.09.043, as reported at: http://www.medpagetoday.com/ PrimaryCare/Obesity/17810?pfc=111&spc=269
Graphic source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM03913 |
According to Mayo Clinic's "Belly fat in women: How to keep it off",
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/belly-fat/WO00128 |
According to The Chronicle Review's "No Fear of Fat" a new interdisciplinary field of scholarship is being developed around the study of fat. It seeks to explore the perceptions of fat, critiquing the negative assumptions, stereotypes, and stigmas placed on fat and the fat body.
Advocates for fat studies define such research by what it is not:
If these studies are meant to help people who carry extra weight to feel better about themselves, then what health benefit is there to that? Currently, two thirds of Americans are either overweight or obese, which means population-based studies are probably more useful for defining the issues regarding "fat" than fat studies. Of course, economic-based studies may end up defining the burden of fat, whether we like it or not.
Thus, the struggle to lose weight is a common struggle, but a worthwhile endeavor, for the sake of good health and improving quality of life. Here are two studies for your consideration:
Check out the Quality of Life Quotes for more research findings.
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Counting calories is a useful strategy for controlling your weight. Up to now there was really no easy way to get the calorie count for something you were eating right now. Well, now you can. The USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion has developed an online calorie search engine with which you just type in what you're eating, choose the portion size and you get the number calories you're consuming along with some nutrient information as well.
Just click on the graphic and try it out. You can also find a link to this on my Nutrition Page . Happy counting. |
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Drug abuse now includes the misuse of prescription drugs, which can be found readily available in many home medicine cabinets. The practice of "pharming" among teens (bringing unknown prescription drugs to parties, mixing them in a big bowl and then grabbing a handful to take) is scary. (Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=1726349&page=1 ). Educating senior citizens to lock up their medicines when grandchildren come to visit (Source: http://www.southshoresenior.com/story_1.htm ) is indeed a sad commentary of modern society in which drugs are the quick fixes for managing stress and daily problems.
Here is a well-done documentary about oxycontin abuse in Florida (47 minutes), the most common drug of prescription drug abuse. Many thanks to Mary Marcuccio (Parents 4 a Change) for sending me the link. For more resources on substance abuse, check Drug Abuse and Use and Abuse of Psychoactive Drugs. |
 Graphic source: http://www.marketingcharts.com/ topics/behavioral-marketing/ top-new-years-resolutions- put-fiscal- above-physical-fitness-11522/ franklin-covey-top-10-new- years-resolutions-2009jpg/ According to a new survey conducted by FranklinCovey Products, researchers found that the top three 2010 New Year resolutions to be similar to the top 3 for 2009. However, I thought it was great to see that losing weight stayed at second place, eating better at third place and that breaking a bad habit rose from 9th to 6th place. Maybe the health promotion messages are making a dent! |
While financial management is taking precedence, an Allianz Life Insurance Company survey found, "...when asked what resolution for 2010 they are most likely to keep, more people (40.2%) say diet and exercise, vs. managing their money better (38.7%)." (Source: http://www.marketingcharts.com/ topics/behavioral-marketing/ top-new-years-resolutions- put-fiscal-above-physical-fitness-11522/ ?utm_campaign=newsletter &utm_source=mc&utm_medium=textlink) Of course, 40% is better than nothing, but making any change does require some planning and committment to succeed. Resolving to not drag around extra weight on a daily basis is always a good thing. |
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Here is something I couldn't do when the 2000s started, sharing a video of one of my favorite groups.
Enjoy and have a great New Year celebration!! |
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