Health Matters

Cardiac Benefit from Reducing Daily Number of Cigarettes

For smokers, being able to cut smoking completely is always best, but not always achievable. There is now good evidence that reducing daily cigarette smoking by as few as 5 cigarettes a day provides mortality benefit - even in people who have had a heart attack. Researchers reported in The American Journal of Cardiology that smokers who quit before they had a heart attack had maximum benefit but that even those who quit after already having a heart attack were able to reduce risk by 63%. The clear message is to get smokers to quit or at least to cut down – especially if they’ve already had a heart attack - and behavior change programs have previously been shown to be successful in this. Learn more.

H1N1 Flu Infections Likely Top 50 Million in USA

In a significant revision of the estimated number in the US that have been infected with H1N1flu, the CDC now states that about 1 in 6 US citizens – nearly 50 million – have been infected with this flu strain over the past 7 months. Accurate estimates are difficult as many flu cases go unreported, but there has been a significant increase in flu activity over the past month. H1N1 flu is the main cause of influenza currently, and there is now much more vaccine available throughout the country. Because the flu season continues until May, people are advised to get the flu vaccine to provide protection against this infection. Learn more.

Obesity is a Major Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Death in Younger Adults

In a population based study in the Netherlands, obesity and increased waist circumference were found to be associated with a 3-4X higher rate of cardiovascular death, as well as a doubling of nonfatal cardiovascular disease over 10 years in men and women younger than 65. These findings reemphasize the importance of preventing overweight and obesity – in young adults - in order to decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Employer-based lifestyle management programs focusing on healthy weight and physical activity promotion have been successful in decreasing the burden of overweight and obesity and should be aggressively promoted for better health. Learn more.

Longer Period of Breastfeeding Provides Cardiometabolic Benefits for Mom

Breastfeeding has been promoted for its health benefits by a number of professional organizations, and workplace lactation programs to support new mothers have been growing. There is now new direct evidence that new mothers who breastfeed for more months actually reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome, an important contributor to cardiovascular health. For better long term health, employers should take advantage of workplace lactation programs that encourage new moms – and soon to be moms – to breastfeed. Learn more.

Older Workers Have More Severe Health Risks on the Job

Along with the aging of the population in general, America’s workforce is also aging. This is due to a number of factors, including fewer younger people entering the workforce. The proportion of older adults in the workforce – and who will be staying in the workforce – has grown. This is especially true within healthcare, as 39% of all RNs are over age 45. The report from the Healthy Aging for Workers Conference, held in February 2009, is now available, and summarizes key findings and recommendations. Work related injury, including falls, and illness, is more severe and disabling for older workers, and the Conference not only affirmed recommendations made in 2004 by the National Academy of Science regarding the aging workforce, but also called for much needed research and policy development focused on this issue. Learn more.

Obesity Tops Smoking as Threat to Life Expectancy

In an NIH supported study, researchers have concluded that the growing prevalence of obesity in the US, despite an expected continued decline in the rate of smoking, will cause average life expectancy to be reduced. Because of a 48% rise in obesity, the expected life expectancy gain from a 20% reduction in smoking rates will be totally offset. If smoking and obesity were actually eliminated, life expectancy would increase by at least 4 years. These population level predictions should call increased attention to the need to tackle overweight and obesity, and many have suggested that a national campaign similar to the successful one for smoking is needed. Learn more.

Pain Found to be a Strong Risk Factor for Falls in Older Adults

In a study supported by the National Institute on Aging, older adults with chronic pain were found to have a 1.5x higher risk of falls, when compared to those without pain. Pain has been linked with functional decline, muscle weakness, and decreased mobility, and this recent study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association now indicates it as a significant risk factor for falls. Older adults enrolled in a longitudinal population study known as MOBILIZE who had more severe chronic musculoskeletal pain had a much higher rate of falls than those with no pain. This study calls attention to the need to better identify older adults at risk of falls, and to manage chronic pain more effectively to decrease fall risk. Learn more.

Cutting Salt Intake in Half Could Prevent Much Cardiovascular Disease

Most Americans consume at least twice as much salt as recommended, and excess salt intake has been linked with high blood pressure. There is now a conclusive and careful analysis showing that simply cutting salt intake to the recommended amount – no more than a teaspoon a day – can decrease the risk of stroke by 23%. Getting people to adopt healthier habits is challenging, but workplace and other wellness efforts focused on healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as healthy eating, can do much to moderate the risk associated with unhealthy behaviors. Learn more.

Predicting Future Costs of Obesity Epidemic

Supported by the American Public Health Association and other groups, there is now a review which predicts the impact of obesity on health care costs analyzed state by state as well as nationally. Alarmingly, the report indicates that if national trends continue, then by the year 2018, 43% of adults in the US will be obese, and the spending due to obesity will quadruple. This trend can be reduced by evidence-based lifestyle management programs targeting healthy eating, weight management, and physical activity promotion. A focus on prevention and health promotion has received greater emphasis in the health reform efforts currently underway, and programs fostering behavior change will likely see renewed emphasis. View the report.

Need for Better Use of Preventive Services in Baby Boomers Identified

A recent report from the CDC indicates that the use of preventive services among baby boomers is far below where it needs to be, and that there are many opportunities to improve preventive health care. Only 1 of 4 baby boomers take advantage of preventive services such as flu vaccinations and cancer screenings. Because states are also falling behind in their goals to decrease unhealthy behaviors and improve the use of preventive services, an integrated approach to increase access and improve use of these health promotion is needed. Better ties between physicians and other health care providers and community services are needed, and examples of successful strategies are available. Learn more.