Weekly Prevention Update 28 July 2010
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ProCor Weekly Prevention Update 28 July 2010
Prevention News
-------------------
Australia: Increased funding for online medical student training
In order to deal with significant shortages of mental health professionals in regional Victoria, the Australian government has invested US$330,000 to fund online medical school training. Victoria's new online teaching program will utilize such techniques as video conferencing, multimedia lectures, and live interactive tutorials. This project constitutes part of a broader, national health initiative of the Gillard administration that focuses on creating a more competent health system for the country's future. Gov Monitor.
http://www.thegovmonitor.com/education_and_skills/victoria-receives-330000-to-train-medical-students-online-35350.html
China: Increase in female smokers
A newfound economic affluence in China coupled with growing independent sentiment among women is the source of a significant increase in female smokers. In order to profit off this new demographic, tobacco companies have begun selling cigarettes tailored specifically towards women; these new cigarettes come in more colorful, slender packages and often contain terms such as "light" and "low-tar." The Chinese government is taking steps to reduce smoking countrywide, however, some claim a conflict of interest since China's largest tobacco company is government owned. CMAJ.
http://www.cmaj.ca/earlyreleases/19july10_affluence-prompts-more-women-in-china-to-light-up.dtl
China: Support for more female research incentives
At the Women's Scientists in a Changing World conference in Beijing, the South African Minister of Science and Technology called for greater incentives to support a more prominent role for women in the scientific community. Speakers at the conference noted that although the cause for gender equality has made significant improvement in recent years, there is still much work to be done. The Science and Development Network.
http://www.scidev.net/en/news/call-for-more-incentives-for-women-in-research.html
Eastern Mediterranean: Countries discuss successful tobacco control
During a four-day conference at the American University of Beirut, a group of seven Arab countries discussed strategies for implementing tobacco control policies in their respective countries and throughout the Arab world. Some of the strategies included making policies culturally tailored, often using religious faith as an impetus, as well as new anti-smoking laws and pictorial warnings on tobacco products. American University of Beirut.
http://www.aub.edu.lb/news/archive/preview.php?id=109161
Global: Child-targeted TV ads tout unhealthy foods
Around the world, children are targeted by a high volume of television ads promoting unhealthy foods, according to a new study surveying a broad range of countries. The study found that 53%-87% of food advertisements touted unhealthy foods and that the prevalence of such advertisements increased during times of peak child viewership. The researchers involved in the study believe that their findings call for greater regulation of food advertising, especially during programming directed at children.
"Television food advertising to children: a global perspective"
American Journal of Public Health 2010; published online 15 July 2010
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/AJPH.2009.179267v1
Global: WHO code aims to decrease brain drain
The WHO has developed a "global code of practice" aimed at decreasing brain drain in low- and middle-income countries. The code pledges greater assistance efforts directed towards countries suffering from brain drain as well as further research on the subject in order to create the most effective policies. According to the WHO, health workers often migrate from low-income to high income countries not only for higher salaries, but also for better standards of living and political stability. IDN.
http://www.indepthnews.net/news/news.php?key110-07-19 01:33:44&key2=1
Iran: Various levels of salt in different breads
Certain types of bread found in a typical Iranian diet contain more table salt than others. Of the six different types of bread used for salt content analysis, mashini bread contained the least. Breads that contain a significant amount of sodium could contribute to increased blood pressure. About 18% of the bread sampled in Shiraz was higher than the standard set of 2 grams per 100 grams of dry substance. This study also showed that there was a significant reduction of salt content found in all types of bread when compared to a similar study performed in 2005 and 2002 (in Mashhad region).
"A study of salt (sodium chloride) content in different bread consumed in Shiraz city in spring/summer 2009"
Iranian Cardiovascular Research Journal 2010; 4(1): 17-21 (open access)
http://www.icrj.ir/UI/Pblc/..%5C..%5CFiles%5CAuthArts%5C1159+.PDF
Kuwait: Tailored diabetes screening needed
General diabetes risk scores are not necessarily effective with particular populations, according to new research. A recent study involving a tailored diabetes risk score found that 21% of the population of Kuwait is estimated to have diabetes. In the past, estimates for similar health concerns in the region had been based on more general, world trends and data, while this study aimed to tailor its strategies specifically towards Kuwait. Researchers found that certain diabetes risk factors applicable in other countries did not apply, such as sex specific weight circumference.
"Screening for diabetes in Kuwait and evaluation of risk scores"
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal 2010; 16(7): 725-731 (open access)
http://www.emro.who.int/Publications/EMHJ/1607/article3.htm
Mozambique: Alcohol, tobacco linked to fruits and vegetables
Strong associations were found between the use of tobacco and the consumption of alcohol, fruits, and vegetables, in a recent study of more than 12,000 people. Manufactured cigarettes were more highly associated with alcohol consumption and low fruit/vegetable intake than their hand-rolled or smokeless counterparts. No significant difference was found between urban and rural areas. This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that unhealthy habits tend to cluster together.
"Association between tobacco consumption and alcohol, vegetable and fruit intake across urban and rural areas in Mozambique"
Journal of Epidemiol Community Health 2010; published online 7 June 2010
http://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2010/06/05/jech.2009.099440.short?rss=1
Namibia: Difficulties in implementing tobacco control laws
Even after passing the Tobacco Products Control Act, a strict set of laws restricting smoking as well as tobacco advertising/sale, difficulties still remain in the implementation process of such an all-encompassing set of restrictions. Although the law is passed, the actual regulations need to be created and then vetted during a 3-month public review session. Once finalized, which could take several rounds of public review, personnel must be hired and trained to enforce the new regulations. The Namimbian.
http://www.namibian.com.na/news/full-story/archive/2010/july/article/smokers-can-relax-for-now/
Nigeria: More men use alternative medicine to treat hypertension
Nigerian males are more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) when treating hypertension. Belief in supernatural causes of hypertension, lack of belief in prevention, being male, and family history are major predictors of those that use CAM to cope with hypertension. Age, occupation, and education were not predictors of CAM usage. Males were more likely to use CAM than hospital visits because of its reduced cost.
"Complementary and alternative medicine in the management of hypertension in an urban Nigerian community"
Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2010; 10:36 (open access)
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/10/36/abstract
Rwanda: Community health workers receive mobile phones
Over 8700 health workers in Musanze were given mobile phones to help facilitate communication and improve access to information in rural areas. The Rwandan minister of Health advised the recipients of these phones to spread information and disease prevention techniques to members of their community. The phones can, in addition to making calls, send health situation reports as well as rapid SMS programs, for instructional learning. New Times.
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14323&article=31420
US: Farm share to promote health
A new farm share system specifically designed to help families get affordable, healthy food has started in the South Bronx. This system is aptly located because the South Bronx is the poorest congressional district west of the Mississippi and has the more health problems than any other district in New York. In order to be the best fit for its low income patrons, the farm system allows its customers to decide what food is grown. Most families involved prefer more substantial foods, potatoes for example, rather than herbs like thyme and rosemary. New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/23/dining/23bronx.html?_r=1&ref=nutrition
US: Healthy weight tops fitness in high BP prevention
Achieving a healthy weight is more beneficial than improving fitness in terms of preventing high blood pressure, according to a recent study. The study, which surveyed over 35,000 people, maintains that being fit and maintaining a healthy weight are both key to lowering blood pressure, but weight management is twice as effective. This study's findings lead its researchers to believe that weight management should be the primary focus of high blood pressure prevention. Heartwire.
http://www.theheart.org/article/1102319.do
US: Ischemic stroke risk increases an hour after alcohol consumption
Alcohol drinkers have a higher risk of experiencing ischemic stroke one hour after consuming alcohol when compared to those who drink within the prior year or within 24 hour-period. The study focused on transient drinkers of alcohol and the onset of symptoms (induction time). The risk also varied by types of alcohol consumed.
"Alcohol and acute ischemic stroke onset"
Stroke 2010; published online 15 July 2010
http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/STROKEAHA.110.580092v1
Western Pacific: Imported foods increase obesity
The consumption of imported, processed foods in place of traditional cuisine is causing overweight and obesity rates to increase. These new, unhealthy foods have also caused micronutrient deficiencies in such nutrients as vitamin A and iodine. Along with these problems, non-communicable disease rates have increased substantially, most notably CVD. Health experts blame these problems not only on new dietary changes, but also on decreased physical activity and insufficient health education.
"Pacific islanders pay heavy price for abandoning traditional diet"
WHO Bulletin 2010; 88(7): 481-560 (open access)
http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/88/7/10-010710/en/index.html
Resources
-------------------
Guidance on the prevention of CVD at the population level
NICE guidelines for creating a national framework for CVD prevention, as well as for developing and running regional prevention programs. Topics include salt, saturated and trans fat, food marketing towards children, food labeling, governmental policies, public sector guidelines, and advice for food outlets. NICE.
http://guidance.nice.org.uk/PH25
Interventions to promote physical activity and dietary lifestyle changes for cardiovascular risk factor reduction in adults
Scientific statement by the American Heart Association. AHA.
(open access - PDF 1.01 MB) http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIR.0b013e3181e8edf1v1
Tala Pasifika
Website that promotes smoke free policies and tobacco issues in Western Pacific communities. Contains online forum for discussion, resources, training, and advocacy. National Pacific Tobacco Control Service.
http://www.talapasifika.org.nz/
ProCor Weekly Prevention Update 28 July 2010
Prevention News
-------------------
Australia: Increased funding for online medical student training
In order to deal with significant shortages of mental health professionals in regional Victoria, the Australian government has invested US$330,000 to fund online medical school training. Victoria's new online teaching program will utilize such techniques as video conferencing, multimedia lectures, and live interactive tutorials. This project constitutes part of a broader, national health initiative of the Gillard administration that focuses on creating a more competent health system for the country's future. Gov Monitor.
http://www.thegovmonitor.com/education_and_skills/victoria-receives-330000-to-train-medical-students-online-35350.html
China: Increase in female smokers
A newfound economic affluence in China coupled with growing independent sentiment among women is the source of a significant increase in female smokers. In order to profit off this new demographic, tobacco companies have begun selling cigarettes tailored specifically towards women; these new cigarettes come in more colorful, slender packages and often contain terms such as "light" and "low-tar." The Chinese government is taking steps to reduce smoking countrywide, however, some claim a conflict of interest since China's largest tobacco company is government owned. CMAJ.
http://www.cmaj.ca/earlyreleases/19july10_affluence-prompts-more-women-in-china-to-light-up.dtl
China: Support for more female research incentives
At the Women's Scientists in a Changing World conference in Beijing, the South African Minister of Science and Technology called for greater incentives to support a more prominent role for women in the scientific community. Speakers at the conference noted that although the cause for gender equality has made significant improvement in recent years, there is still much work to be done. The Science and Development Network.
http://www.scidev.net/en/news/call-for-more-incentives-for-women-in-research.html
Eastern Mediterranean: Countries discuss successful tobacco control
During a four-day conference at the American University of Beirut, a group of seven Arab countries discussed strategies for implementing tobacco control policies in their respective countries and throughout the Arab world. Some of the strategies included making policies culturally tailored, often using religious faith as an impetus, as well as new anti-smoking laws and pictorial warnings on tobacco products. American University of Beirut.
http://www.aub.edu.lb/news/archive/preview.php?id=109161
Global: Child-targeted TV ads tout unhealthy foods
Around the world, children are targeted by a high volume of television ads promoting unhealthy foods, according to a new study surveying a broad range of countries. The study found that 53%-87% of food advertisements touted unhealthy foods and that the prevalence of such advertisements increased during times of peak child viewership. The researchers involved in the study believe that their findings call for greater regulation of food advertising, especially during programming directed at children.
"Television food advertising to children: a global perspective"
American Journal of Public Health 2010; published online 15 July 2010
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/AJPH.2009.179267v1
Global: WHO code aims to decrease brain drain
The WHO has developed a "global code of practice" aimed at decreasing brain drain in low- and middle-income countries. The code pledges greater assistance efforts directed towards countries suffering from brain drain as well as further research on the subject in order to create the most effective policies. According to the WHO, health workers often migrate from low-income to high income countries not only for higher salaries, but also for better standards of living and political stability. IDN.
http://www.indepthnews.net/news/news.php?key110-07-19 01:33:44&key2=1
Iran: Various levels of salt in different breads
Certain types of bread found in a typical Iranian diet contain more table salt than others. Of the six different types of bread used for salt content analysis, mashini bread contained the least. Breads that contain a significant amount of sodium could contribute to increased blood pressure. About 18% of the bread sampled in Shiraz was higher than the standard set of 2 grams per 100 grams of dry substance. This study also showed that there was a significant reduction of salt content found in all types of bread when compared to a similar study performed in 2005 and 2002 (in Mashhad region).
"A study of salt (sodium chloride) content in different bread consumed in Shiraz city in spring/summer 2009"
Iranian Cardiovascular Research Journal 2010; 4(1): 17-21 (open access)
http://www.icrj.ir/UI/Pblc/..%5C..%5CFiles%5CAuthArts%5C1159+.PDF
Kuwait: Tailored diabetes screening needed
General diabetes risk scores are not necessarily effective with particular populations, according to new research. A recent study involving a tailored diabetes risk score found that 21% of the population of Kuwait is estimated to have diabetes. In the past, estimates for similar health concerns in the region had been based on more general, world trends and data, while this study aimed to tailor its strategies specifically towards Kuwait. Researchers found that certain diabetes risk factors applicable in other countries did not apply, such as sex specific weight circumference.
"Screening for diabetes in Kuwait and evaluation of risk scores"
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal 2010; 16(7): 725-731 (open access)
http://www.emro.who.int/Publications/EMHJ/1607/article3.htm
Mozambique: Alcohol, tobacco linked to fruits and vegetables
Strong associations were found between the use of tobacco and the consumption of alcohol, fruits, and vegetables, in a recent study of more than 12,000 people. Manufactured cigarettes were more highly associated with alcohol consumption and low fruit/vegetable intake than their hand-rolled or smokeless counterparts. No significant difference was found between urban and rural areas. This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that unhealthy habits tend to cluster together.
"Association between tobacco consumption and alcohol, vegetable and fruit intake across urban and rural areas in Mozambique"
Journal of Epidemiol Community Health 2010; published online 7 June 2010
http://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2010/06/05/jech.2009.099440.short?rss=1
Namibia: Difficulties in implementing tobacco control laws
Even after passing the Tobacco Products Control Act, a strict set of laws restricting smoking as well as tobacco advertising/sale, difficulties still remain in the implementation process of such an all-encompassing set of restrictions. Although the law is passed, the actual regulations need to be created and then vetted during a 3-month public review session. Once finalized, which could take several rounds of public review, personnel must be hired and trained to enforce the new regulations. The Namimbian.
http://www.namibian.com.na/news/full-story/archive/2010/july/article/smokers-can-relax-for-now/
Nigeria: More men use alternative medicine to treat hypertension
Nigerian males are more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) when treating hypertension. Belief in supernatural causes of hypertension, lack of belief in prevention, being male, and family history are major predictors of those that use CAM to cope with hypertension. Age, occupation, and education were not predictors of CAM usage. Males were more likely to use CAM than hospital visits because of its reduced cost.
"Complementary and alternative medicine in the management of hypertension in an urban Nigerian community"
Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2010; 10:36 (open access)
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/10/36/abstract
Rwanda: Community health workers receive mobile phones
Over 8700 health workers in Musanze were given mobile phones to help facilitate communication and improve access to information in rural areas. The Rwandan minister of Health advised the recipients of these phones to spread information and disease prevention techniques to members of their community. The phones can, in addition to making calls, send health situation reports as well as rapid SMS programs, for instructional learning. New Times.
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14323&article=31420
US: Farm share to promote health
A new farm share system specifically designed to help families get affordable, healthy food has started in the South Bronx. This system is aptly located because the South Bronx is the poorest congressional district west of the Mississippi and has the more health problems than any other district in New York. In order to be the best fit for its low income patrons, the farm system allows its customers to decide what food is grown. Most families involved prefer more substantial foods, potatoes for example, rather than herbs like thyme and rosemary. New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/23/dining/23bronx.html?_r=1&ref=nutrition
US: Healthy weight tops fitness in high BP prevention
Achieving a healthy weight is more beneficial than improving fitness in terms of preventing high blood pressure, according to a recent study. The study, which surveyed over 35,000 people, maintains that being fit and maintaining a healthy weight are both key to lowering blood pressure, but weight management is twice as effective. This study's findings lead its researchers to believe that weight management should be the primary focus of high blood pressure prevention. Heartwire.
http://www.theheart.org/article/1102319.do
US: Ischemic stroke risk increases an hour after alcohol consumption
Alcohol drinkers have a higher risk of experiencing ischemic stroke one hour after consuming alcohol when compared to those who drink within the prior year or within 24 hour-period. The study focused on transient drinkers of alcohol and the onset of symptoms (induction time). The risk also varied by types of alcohol consumed.
"Alcohol and acute ischemic stroke onset"
Stroke 2010; published online 15 July 2010
http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/STROKEAHA.110.580092v1
Western Pacific: Imported foods increase obesity
The consumption of imported, processed foods in place of traditional cuisine is causing overweight and obesity rates to increase. These new, unhealthy foods have also caused micronutrient deficiencies in such nutrients as vitamin A and iodine. Along with these problems, non-communicable disease rates have increased substantially, most notably CVD. Health experts blame these problems not only on new dietary changes, but also on decreased physical activity and insufficient health education.
"Pacific islanders pay heavy price for abandoning traditional diet"
WHO Bulletin 2010; 88(7): 481-560 (open access)
http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/88/7/10-010710/en/index.html
Resources
-------------------
Guidance on the prevention of CVD at the population level
NICE guidelines for creating a national framework for CVD prevention, as well as for developing and running regional prevention programs. Topics include salt, saturated and trans fat, food marketing towards children, food labeling, governmental policies, public sector guidelines, and advice for food outlets. NICE.
http://guidance.nice.org.uk/PH25
Interventions to promote physical activity and dietary lifestyle changes for cardiovascular risk factor reduction in adults
Scientific statement by the American Heart Association. AHA.
(open access - PDF 1.01 MB) http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIR.0b013e3181e8edf1v1
Tala Pasifika
Website that promotes smoke free policies and tobacco issues in Western Pacific communities. Contains online forum for discussion, resources, training, and advocacy. National Pacific Tobacco Control Service.
http://www.talapasifika.org.nz/
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