Weekly Prevention Update 21 July 2010
ProCor Weekly Prevention Update 21 July 2010
[Editor's note: Please take our ProCor user survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/procor]
Prevention News
-------------------
Africa: Brain drain a growing problem
The shortage of doctors is an increasing problem in Portuguese-speaking African countries such as: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe. Angola has 0.0077 physicians per 10,000 inhabitants; Mozambique has 0.44, and Guinea-Bissau has 0.98. Emigrating physicians do not return to their country due to lack of benefits from practicing in their respective homeland. Addressing structural political changes and developing non-financial incentives packages can alleviate the problem. CMAJ.
http://www.cmaj.ca/earlyreleases/9july10_portuguese-speaking-african-countries-face-shortages-of-doctors.dtl
Europe: Call to action to prevent chronic disease deaths
An alliance of healthcare organizations is pushing the EU to do more to help prevent deaths from chronic diseases. The alliance, which has taken its own "innovative measures" to address tobacco and alcohol use, poor diets, and physical inactivy, suggests the EU should engage in efforts such as increased tobacco taxation and plain packaging on cigarettes. According to professor Lars Ryden, a spokesman for the alliance, "if radical action is not taken now, this costly burden will continue to increase." The Parliament.
http://www.theparliament.com/policy-focus/health/health-article/newsarticle/eu-urged-to-do-more-to-cut-chronic-disease-death-toll/
Hong Kong: Smoking ban in bars leads to evasion
A year after the implementation of an indoor smoking ban in bars, bar owners and patrons have moved to smoking upstairs to avoid getting caught. Bars located on floors above ground level are seeing less enforcement of the smoking ban, which is increasing business. The ban is also benefiting bars with balconies or patios, both of which are legal smoking locations. Although the ban has led to the loss of many patrons for bars, owners say their establishments are beginning to attract new, non-smoking patrons. China Daily.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hkedition/2010-07/10/content_10089497.htm
Ireland: Youth attitudes towards tobacco improving after ban
The number of people age 15 to 18 years who think they can buy cigarettes has decreased by a third since Ireland's in-store advertising ban was implemented last year, according to an Office of Tobacco Control survey. Support for the ban among teenagers has also grown by more than 20% since the ban was instituted. However, according to Norma Cronin, OTC chairperson, "The fact remains that one third of retailers are still prepared to sell tobacco to minors and this is not acceptable." The Belfast Telegraph.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/report-reveals-youth-smoking-levels-14874206.html
Japan: Light physical activity reduces arterial stiffness
Light physical activity can lead to a reduction in arterial stiffness, particularly in unfit, older individuals, according to a new study. Researchers believe that age-related arterial stiffening could be prevented by replacing inactivity with light physical activity, such as household tasks. Cardiology Today.
http://www.cardiologytoday.com/view.aspx?rID=66496
Netherlands: Anxiety increases risk of heart complications
People with heart disease who also have an anxiety disorder are 74% more likely to suffer a serious complication like a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. Although the link between heart disease and anxiety is not fully understood, researchers believe that patients with an anxiety disorder are more likely to see a doctor, and therefore more likely to be diagnosed for cardiovascular events. Few studies have looked at the relationship between heart disease and anxiety despite that one third of people with heart disease also show signs of anxiety. Medical News Today.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/194387.php
Pakistan: Shortage of female health workers
A recent report by the Free and Fair Election Network highlights a lack of female health personnel in the country as a whole. Of the country's four provinces, Balochistan has been found to contain the fewest female health workers, with two-thirds of the province's health facilities employing male professionals exclusively. The lack of female health workers has deterred many women from taking advantage of the health options available to them because they feel uncomfortable discussing their maternal health issues with a male. In addition to this shortage of female workers, there is a conspicuous lack of maternity and family planning services throughout the country. Irin News.
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=89763
UK: Call for junk food tax
The Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health is calling on the UK government to place new restrictions on junk food, such as taxing unhealthy products. Healthier food legislations, such as banning fast food outlets near schools and decreasing amounts of saturated fat, could prevent more than 40,000 premature deaths, according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. However Andrew Lansley, the UK's health secretary, believes the government's role is "Not to lecture people, not to nanny them, not constantly to be legislating them." Channel 4 News.
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/science_technology/doctors+call+for+aposfat+taxapos+on+junk+food/3707077
UK: Reduced salt consumption increases skin capillary density
Limiting salt consumption significantly increases capillary density measurements (which lowers blood pressure) in Asians, blacks, and whites. Mean salt reduction was from 9.7 grams to 6.5 grams per day. A statistical analysis predicted the relationship of larger salt reduction intake would have a greater outcome effect. Additional benefits may also reduce other organ damages.
"Effect of modest salt reduction on skin capillary rarefaction in white, black, and Asians individuals with mild hypertension"
Hypertension 2010; 56:253
http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/short/HYPERTENSIONAHA.110.155747v1
US: Cell phones used for health reminders
Doctors in Washington DC are working to implement smart phone applications and text messages to track the status of patients and help them keep track of their health needs. Dr. Katz of George Washington University Hospital has utilized this technology-based approach to help diabetes patients regulate their blood sugar effectively during their day. Similar technology is being used for people looking for help with their pregnancy and maintaining a healthy diet. Yahoo.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100712/ap_on_he_me/us_med_healthbeat_cell_phones
US: Traffic pollution linked to increased cardiac risk
People with heart disease who are exposed to high levels of traffic-related air pollution are more likely to have reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Using portable monitors to track the amount of pollution test subjects were exposed to, researchers found that ambient levels of air pollution were unrelated to reduced HRV; however personal exposure to traffic-related air pollution increased the risk of sudden cardiac death. Medical News Today.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/194327.php
Vietnam: Number of undiagnosed diabetics
According to a new study, 11% of men and 12% of women in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City had undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe these numbers are due to the westernization of people's diets, particularly the increased consumption of fast food. Although 4% of the population is diagnosed with diabetes, the condition is rapidly spreading through Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. BBC.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10534364
Resources
-------------------
Access: How do good health technologies get to poor people in poor countries?
Book analyzes the various bottlenecks that block access to health technologies in developing countries. Includes literature review; address the problems around distribution, delivery, and demand; as well as challenges and approaches to improving access. Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies.
(PDF 1.56 MB) http://www.accessbook.org/download/AccessBook.pdf
Analysis of policy development in European countries for tackling NCDs
Book outlines NCD policy development in Europe. Incudes: the history and context of policies to tackle NCDs; methodology; case studies; professional reflections on experiences; as well as recommendations. WHO.
(PDF 2.11 MB) http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/105318/e92828.pdf
Ten best resources on health workers in developing countries
Paper that highlights new research on health workers, and demonstrates the growing influence of government on health care services. Health Policy and Planning. (open access)
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422%2810%2970178-2/fulltext?elsca1=TLN-190710&elsca2=email&elsca3=segment
Conference Reports
-------------------
WCC 2010 Report
The World Congress of Cardiology was held in Beijing on 16 June to 19 June, 2010. Below are links to ProCor's coverage of the conference.
RHD - The neglected CVD
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302162
Ten risk factors responsible for 90% of strokes
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302163
Secondhand smoke and the risk for CVD
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302165
Prevention and research update (CV health education materials; air pollution and CVD risk; chronic disease and the global health agenda; AHA's online risk assessment tool; drugs vs. lifestyle modification; women and tobacco control in India; global CVD trends)
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302168
Ashanti-ProCor findings and future goals
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302174
Research and discussion updates (More research in Africa needed; dyslipidemia in China; CV risk factors and ethnic groups; polypill for primary prevention; health charters and the UN)
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302177
Some additional resources in regards to the WCC:
Heartwire's coverage of the conference:
http://www.theheart.org/coverage/wcc-2010-en.do
Abstracts of WCC oral presentations:
(PDF 4.19 MB) http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.192773v2
Abstracts of WCC poster presentations:
(PDF 11.7 MB) http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.192774v1
URL: http://www.procor.org/reports/reports_show.htm?doc_id=1302181
[Editor's note: Please take our ProCor user survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/procor]
Prevention News
-------------------
Africa: Brain drain a growing problem
The shortage of doctors is an increasing problem in Portuguese-speaking African countries such as: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe. Angola has 0.0077 physicians per 10,000 inhabitants; Mozambique has 0.44, and Guinea-Bissau has 0.98. Emigrating physicians do not return to their country due to lack of benefits from practicing in their respective homeland. Addressing structural political changes and developing non-financial incentives packages can alleviate the problem. CMAJ.
http://www.cmaj.ca/earlyreleases/9july10_portuguese-speaking-african-countries-face-shortages-of-doctors.dtl
Europe: Call to action to prevent chronic disease deaths
An alliance of healthcare organizations is pushing the EU to do more to help prevent deaths from chronic diseases. The alliance, which has taken its own "innovative measures" to address tobacco and alcohol use, poor diets, and physical inactivy, suggests the EU should engage in efforts such as increased tobacco taxation and plain packaging on cigarettes. According to professor Lars Ryden, a spokesman for the alliance, "if radical action is not taken now, this costly burden will continue to increase." The Parliament.
http://www.theparliament.com/policy-focus/health/health-article/newsarticle/eu-urged-to-do-more-to-cut-chronic-disease-death-toll/
Hong Kong: Smoking ban in bars leads to evasion
A year after the implementation of an indoor smoking ban in bars, bar owners and patrons have moved to smoking upstairs to avoid getting caught. Bars located on floors above ground level are seeing less enforcement of the smoking ban, which is increasing business. The ban is also benefiting bars with balconies or patios, both of which are legal smoking locations. Although the ban has led to the loss of many patrons for bars, owners say their establishments are beginning to attract new, non-smoking patrons. China Daily.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hkedition/2010-07/10/content_10089497.htm
Ireland: Youth attitudes towards tobacco improving after ban
The number of people age 15 to 18 years who think they can buy cigarettes has decreased by a third since Ireland's in-store advertising ban was implemented last year, according to an Office of Tobacco Control survey. Support for the ban among teenagers has also grown by more than 20% since the ban was instituted. However, according to Norma Cronin, OTC chairperson, "The fact remains that one third of retailers are still prepared to sell tobacco to minors and this is not acceptable." The Belfast Telegraph.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/report-reveals-youth-smoking-levels-14874206.html
Japan: Light physical activity reduces arterial stiffness
Light physical activity can lead to a reduction in arterial stiffness, particularly in unfit, older individuals, according to a new study. Researchers believe that age-related arterial stiffening could be prevented by replacing inactivity with light physical activity, such as household tasks. Cardiology Today.
http://www.cardiologytoday.com/view.aspx?rID=66496
Netherlands: Anxiety increases risk of heart complications
People with heart disease who also have an anxiety disorder are 74% more likely to suffer a serious complication like a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. Although the link between heart disease and anxiety is not fully understood, researchers believe that patients with an anxiety disorder are more likely to see a doctor, and therefore more likely to be diagnosed for cardiovascular events. Few studies have looked at the relationship between heart disease and anxiety despite that one third of people with heart disease also show signs of anxiety. Medical News Today.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/194387.php
Pakistan: Shortage of female health workers
A recent report by the Free and Fair Election Network highlights a lack of female health personnel in the country as a whole. Of the country's four provinces, Balochistan has been found to contain the fewest female health workers, with two-thirds of the province's health facilities employing male professionals exclusively. The lack of female health workers has deterred many women from taking advantage of the health options available to them because they feel uncomfortable discussing their maternal health issues with a male. In addition to this shortage of female workers, there is a conspicuous lack of maternity and family planning services throughout the country. Irin News.
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=89763
UK: Call for junk food tax
The Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health is calling on the UK government to place new restrictions on junk food, such as taxing unhealthy products. Healthier food legislations, such as banning fast food outlets near schools and decreasing amounts of saturated fat, could prevent more than 40,000 premature deaths, according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. However Andrew Lansley, the UK's health secretary, believes the government's role is "Not to lecture people, not to nanny them, not constantly to be legislating them." Channel 4 News.
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/science_technology/doctors+call+for+aposfat+taxapos+on+junk+food/3707077
UK: Reduced salt consumption increases skin capillary density
Limiting salt consumption significantly increases capillary density measurements (which lowers blood pressure) in Asians, blacks, and whites. Mean salt reduction was from 9.7 grams to 6.5 grams per day. A statistical analysis predicted the relationship of larger salt reduction intake would have a greater outcome effect. Additional benefits may also reduce other organ damages.
"Effect of modest salt reduction on skin capillary rarefaction in white, black, and Asians individuals with mild hypertension"
Hypertension 2010; 56:253
http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/short/HYPERTENSIONAHA.110.155747v1
US: Cell phones used for health reminders
Doctors in Washington DC are working to implement smart phone applications and text messages to track the status of patients and help them keep track of their health needs. Dr. Katz of George Washington University Hospital has utilized this technology-based approach to help diabetes patients regulate their blood sugar effectively during their day. Similar technology is being used for people looking for help with their pregnancy and maintaining a healthy diet. Yahoo.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100712/ap_on_he_me/us_med_healthbeat_cell_phones
US: Traffic pollution linked to increased cardiac risk
People with heart disease who are exposed to high levels of traffic-related air pollution are more likely to have reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Using portable monitors to track the amount of pollution test subjects were exposed to, researchers found that ambient levels of air pollution were unrelated to reduced HRV; however personal exposure to traffic-related air pollution increased the risk of sudden cardiac death. Medical News Today.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/194327.php
Vietnam: Number of undiagnosed diabetics
According to a new study, 11% of men and 12% of women in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City had undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe these numbers are due to the westernization of people's diets, particularly the increased consumption of fast food. Although 4% of the population is diagnosed with diabetes, the condition is rapidly spreading through Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. BBC.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10534364
Resources
-------------------
Access: How do good health technologies get to poor people in poor countries?
Book analyzes the various bottlenecks that block access to health technologies in developing countries. Includes literature review; address the problems around distribution, delivery, and demand; as well as challenges and approaches to improving access. Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies.
(PDF 1.56 MB) http://www.accessbook.org/download/AccessBook.pdf
Analysis of policy development in European countries for tackling NCDs
Book outlines NCD policy development in Europe. Incudes: the history and context of policies to tackle NCDs; methodology; case studies; professional reflections on experiences; as well as recommendations. WHO.
(PDF 2.11 MB) http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/105318/e92828.pdf
Ten best resources on health workers in developing countries
Paper that highlights new research on health workers, and demonstrates the growing influence of government on health care services. Health Policy and Planning. (open access)
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422%2810%2970178-2/fulltext?elsca1=TLN-190710&elsca2=email&elsca3=segment
Conference Reports
-------------------
WCC 2010 Report
The World Congress of Cardiology was held in Beijing on 16 June to 19 June, 2010. Below are links to ProCor's coverage of the conference.
RHD - The neglected CVD
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302162
Ten risk factors responsible for 90% of strokes
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302163
Secondhand smoke and the risk for CVD
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302165
Prevention and research update (CV health education materials; air pollution and CVD risk; chronic disease and the global health agenda; AHA's online risk assessment tool; drugs vs. lifestyle modification; women and tobacco control in India; global CVD trends)
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302168
Ashanti-ProCor findings and future goals
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302174
Research and discussion updates (More research in Africa needed; dyslipidemia in China; CV risk factors and ethnic groups; polypill for primary prevention; health charters and the UN)
http://www.procor.org/prevention/prevention_show.htm?doc_id=1302177
Some additional resources in regards to the WCC:
Heartwire's coverage of the conference:
http://www.theheart.org/coverage/wcc-2010-en.do
Abstracts of WCC oral presentations:
(PDF 4.19 MB) http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.192773v2
Abstracts of WCC poster presentations:
(PDF 11.7 MB) http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.192774v1
URL: http://www.procor.org/reports/reports_show.htm?doc_id=1302181
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