Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
Several phase II and III trials investigate anti-retroviral drug combinations for pre-exposure prophylaxis among at-risk populations. The implementation of such a program requires careful planning and substantial resources to ensure access, minimize risk behavior, and prevent drug-resistant strains.
A new study reports 68 incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in hotel guests, resulting in 27 deaths and 66 pathological conditions. Effective CO prevention measures could reduce lifetime risk for frequent travelers.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health reveals a disturbingly high prevalence of self-reported drinking and driving among Spanish doctors and nurses. These health professionals are found to be more likely to engage in drink driving, with men being twice as likely to drive while intoxicated compared to women.
Despite concerns about obesity and diet-related maladies, US restaurant chains prioritize profit-driven decisions over healthier options. The study found that only a few executives expressed interest in offering low-fat foods and fresh produce on their menus.
Two recent studies published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Americans are not meeting the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Despite recommendations since 1990, only 28% of adults meet the guidelines for fruit consumption, while less than 11% meet both fruit and vegetable guidelines.
Researchers highlight the challenges of promoting physical activity in a sedentary society, citing political and systemic barriers. The authors emphasize the need for a public health infrastructure to support physical activity promotion, given its substantial protection against obesity and chronic disease.
A study published in Archives of Surgery found that a single dose of antibiotics prior to surgery is as effective as a 24-hour dosing regimen in preventing surgical site infections. The new protocol resulted in significant cost savings, with a 63% decline in antibiotic costs and a monthly saving of $1,980.
Researchers suggest lamivudine as a PREP candidate due to its relative safety and ease of use. Randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy in preventing new HIV infections.
Researchers used a systematic review process to identify 10 key indicators of activity-friendly communities, including land use policies and clean environments. These findings represent an important first step in assessing and improving community support for routine physical activity.
A study found that many patients have difficulty interpreting and applying serving sizes on food labels, particularly those with poor literacy and numeracy skills. This can make it hard for patients to follow a good diet, highlighting the need for healthcare providers and the FDA to improve communication and label design.
The study found that children under age 5 are twice as likely to live in severe poverty, with severe poverty affecting African Americans and Hispanics disproportionately. The increasing trend has significant implications for healthcare services and long-term child outcomes.
A recent study found that 4.5% of surveyed adults reported being stalked, with women, younger adults, and single individuals being the most vulnerable. The study also revealed significant racial disparities in stalking rates, with African-Americans having lower odds of being targeted.
A new study found significant racial disparities in seatbelt use among black and white motorists, with blacks less likely to wear seatbelts in states with secondary seatbelt laws. The study suggests that upgrading these laws to primary laws could eliminate the disparity and reduce motor vehicle crash-related injuries and deaths.
A study of over 3,400 women reveals that intimate partner violence (IPV) is highly prevalent and chronic, lasting more than 5 years in some cases. IPV was found to have significant health effects on women, including depression, physical symptoms, and social isolation.
A study found that a case-based online continuing medical education (CME) program effective in improving physicians' domestic violence management skills. The program showed clear improvement in eight of the 10 measures of physician partner violence preparedness twelve months after completion.
A review of history and lessons from tobacco litigation inform the evaluation of potential litigation strategies against the food industry. The authors argue that public health lawsuits can encourage food companies to improve nutritional content and change marketing practices, ultimately addressing obesity issues.
A new study finds that a drug combination against AIDS-related infections also prevents malaria in children. The combination, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TS), was found to be highly effective in preventing malaria, reducing the incidence by 99.5%, and also reduced gastrointestinal illnesses.
Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center will study the diet and activity levels of Eastman Kodak employees to develop evidence-based tools to promote healthy work environments. The goal is to reduce obesity and improve overall well-being among Kodak's workforce.
A study of 34,133 patients found that only 55.7% received antimicrobials within an hour before incision, while 9.6% started treatment more than four hours post-incision. The results highlight opportunities to improve the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections.
Falls are a leading cause of death from unintentional injury in the US, with 7% of households reporting a fall requiring medical attention. Homeowners can take steps to prevent falls by installing protective devices such as grab bars, handrails, and safety gates.
A study found that households with parents visiting children's homes are more likely to store firearms unlocked and have poor medication storage practices. Homes with older adults and child visitors tend to have more firearms and less safe storage, but the difference is not statistically significant.
A study by Northwestern University researchers found that average annual and cumulative Medicare charges are significantly higher for obese individuals, with severe obesity resulting in costs of up to $175,000. The study highlights the urgent need for preventive measures to address obesity and reduce healthcare costs among older adults.
A positive family history of stroke increases young women's risk of both blocked and ruptured vessel strokes. High blood pressure and smoking are also strong predictors of rupture-risk, while diabetes and lack of exercise contribute to blockage-risk.
A study found that young women with favorable levels of cardiovascular risk factors have lower age-specific risks for cardiovascular disease and death. Among those at low risk, CHD and CVD cease to occur at epidemic rates.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that most US malaria deaths are preventable, with human error and inadequate medical care contributing to nearly two-thirds of cases. The CDC has expanded resources available to provide critical information on prevention and treatment of malaria.
A government study estimated that nearly half a million medical device injuries occur each year, with falls while using wheelchairs and walkers being the most common recorded injury type. The study suggests that the actual number of injuries may be higher due to underreporting by healthcare providers.
A new study suggests that aggressive antismoking campaigns and higher prices could save thousands of lives by reducing smoking prevalence. By raising cigarette prices and disseminating multimedia antismoking campaigns, smoking rates among adolescents could be reduced by up to 26%, leading to significant life-saving benefits.
A study of over 3,200 older adults found that even occasional exercise can significantly reduce the risk of death from heart disease and other causes. Physical activity was found to improve survival rates by 28-40%, depending on frequency and intensity.
A new study suggests that increasing funding for immunizations by just $1 per month could lead to improved practices in children's clinics. However, the cost of implementing recommended upgrades, such as auditing and feedback systems, may be prohibitively expensive for some clinics.
A three-year study of 4,122 women from diverse backgrounds found that age, confidence, and social connections play significant roles in exercise behavior. However, unexpected factors such as family size and religious attendance also influenced physical activity levels.
Research highlights the importance of exercise for older adults, dispelling stereotypes that age means poor health. Regular physical activity can benefit elderly individuals as much as younger people, enabling them to maintain independence and manage daily functions.
A large study of nearly 44,000 healthy men found no association between dietary fat intake and stroke risk. The research suggests that saturated fat intake may actually be beneficial in reducing atherosclerosis, contrary to previous findings.
A recent study found that individuals with higher education levels have better diet quality compared to those with lower education levels. The gap in diet between higher and lower educated groups may explain the disparity in health between socioeconomic groups in the US. Despite overall improvements in dietary habits, there are still s...
A recent study in Beijing found that men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk of HIV-1 infection, with 15 out of 481 participants testing positive. The study highlights the potential for MSM to serve as a bridge between high-risk and low-risk populations, increasing the transmission of HIV-1.
Health care providers must recognize unusual disease trends and early warning signs of intentional water contamination. With prompt diagnosis and proper management, they can make a difference in minimizing the impact of such an event.
The American College of Preventive Medicine recommends widespread screening for chlamydia in high-risk populations due to its high prevalence and asymptomatic cases. Effective screening can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and other long-term complications.
Researchers found that workplace-based physical activity counseling programs significantly improved employees' physical activity levels and fitness. The program, called PACE, was tailored to individual readiness for change and showed greatest benefits for those with less-favorable health profiles.
The American College of Preventive Medicine rejects popular fad diets like Atkins, promoting instead a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. The College emphasizes that sustainable weight loss and improved health come from healthy eating habits combined with regular physical activity.
A study by Dr. Michael Gaziano and colleagues found a significant link between greater height and increased risk of prostate cancer in men aged 50 and above, with risks increasing by 32% for those over 72 inches tall. However, no association was found between weight or body mass index and prostate cancer risk.
A randomized study found that rapid-release nicotine gum significantly reduced cravings and provided meaningful relief compared to Nicorette. By 30 minutes of chewing, 92% of participants reported complete relief, outperforming Nicorette's 77%. The gum's unique mechanism delivers a controlled dose of nicotine for longer periods.
A study found that women experiencing domestic violence have significantly more doctor visits and higher annual healthcare costs compared to non-victims. Domestic violence victims averaged over 17 doctor visits per year, with 27% having more than 20 visits.
A recent study found that doctors rarely counsel smokers on quitting and advise only 23% of binge drinkers about their alcohol use. This can result in millions of smokers and binge drinkers not receiving health interventions.
A study by the Center for Advancing Health found that regular inspections can significantly reduce diarrhea outbreaks on cruise ships. The inspection pass-fail mark of 86 percent is linked to a lower incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms.
A pioneering study found that time urgency and impatience during young adulthood are associated with increased risk of developing hypertension years later. The strongest link was seen among white men, who were more than three times as likely to develop high blood pressure as those in lower TUI groups.
A 12-week aggressive exercise program showed high adherence rates among low-income, inner-city participants with disabilities. Participants experienced improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility despite chronic health conditions.
A study of 12 Fighting Back communities found no reduction in drug and alcohol use rates despite coordinated strategies, whereas implementing strategies aimed at adults increased rates.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that snuff use may be a gateway to cigarette smoking. Men who had quit using snuff were more likely to have switched to cigarettes than those who had never used snuff, indicating that snuff might impede smokers' efforts to quit.
A study of Gulf War veterans found no significant difference in health indicators between those exposed to low levels of chemical warfare agents and those not exposed. Veterans deployed to the region were more likely to experience psychological and physical ailments, but these effects were not unique to those with exposure.
A new study published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that exercising boosts the confidence of older adults. By promoting fitness-related variables like weight, energy and eating habits, public health interventions can help build confidence to continue exercising, leading to long-term behavioral change.
Participants with lower physical functioning experienced rapid progress toward higher functional levels after taking Tai Chi classes. Additionally, those with lower health perceptions and depression reported more significant improvements in physical function.
A recent study found that 31.7 percent of Americans had been sunburned within the previous 12 months, with white men being the most likely to experience sunburn at 44 percent. Higher education and income levels were also associated with higher rates of sunburn, highlighting a concerning trend among young adults.
A population-based study found nearly half of women screened for osteoporosis were undiagnosed, while half with the condition didn't receive treatment. Factors influencing therapy included lower bone mineral density and higher education.
The University of Michigan's new two-year Preventive Medicine Residency aims to address a critical shortage of medical epidemiologists. Residents will gain expertise in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and immunization plans, with initial participants already securing jobs in the field.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that teen habitual smokers who believed they could quit anytime had a higher risk of progressing to established smoking. Teenagers who were highly receptive to tobacco advertising also had a higher risk, with 70% more likely to have progressed to established smoking.
A new study found that young adults do not change their health behaviors when a close family member suffers a heart attack or stroke. Despite this, researchers note that these events can signal increased personal risk for cardiovascular disease.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force emphasizes the importance of personalized advice from doctors to motivate patients to change unhealthy behaviors. Effective methods include engaging patients in self-management practices and shared decision-making, prioritizing patient autonomy and choice.
Researchers found that reducing medication costs by 40% can add up to 90 years of life for heart patients over 75. Lowering prices from average wholesale price (AWP) to 20% below AWP extends life by 63 years, compared to only 48 years at AWP.
A study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that students were significantly less likely to report considering suicide after the Columbine incident, but the incidence of attempts remained unchanged. The fear of unsafe schools varied depending on location, with urban teens showing a notable increase in safety concerns.
Research emphasizes the role of environmental factors in promoting physical activity, including accessibility, pleasant surroundings, and convenience. The study found that people are more likely to engage in outdoor activities when there are safe and accessible paths, bikeways, and health clubs nearby.
A review of eight randomized studies on biomarkers and health behavior change found that providing quantitative information about harm exposure and disease risk increased motivation for healthy behaviors. However, lasting change may require appropriate treatment.