Preventive medicine
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Preventive medicine · Mar 2006
Comparative StudyWeight perception and weight-related sociocultural and behavioral factors in Chinese adolescents.
Rapid economic development accompanied by imported Western media, advertising, fashion, and lifestyle in mainland China has resulted in shifts in cultural beliefs and beauty ideals in adolescents. The present study focused on understanding relationships among weight perception and weight-related sociocultural and behavioral factors in Chinese adolescents. ⋯ Weight dissatisfaction was prevalent in Chinese adolescents and was significantly related to media exposure, attitudes towards physical appearance, and adoption of certain health-risk behaviors in girls. Our findings underscore the importance of sociocultural influences in shaping realistic body image and have implications for prevention and early intervention for establishing health behavioral practices during adolescence.
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Preventive medicine · Mar 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of 4 weeks of Pilates on the body composition of young girls.
There is a need to find ways to increase the physical activity levels and improve the body composition and blood pressure of girls. ⋯ Girls enjoyed Pilates, and participation for 4 weeks lowered BMI percentile. Pilates holds promise as a means of reducing obesity.
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Preventive medicine · Mar 2006
Comparative StudyThe association of cigarette smoking with self-reported disease before middle age: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.
Evidence that demonstrates the harmful effect of cigarette smoking during young adulthood is limited. Therefore, we assessed associations between cigarette smoking and several self-reported illnesses in a prospective cohort study in healthy young adults. ⋯ Smokers aged 18-30 followed for 7 to 15 years reported an excess of both major and minor ailments related to earlier and current smoking. Thus, prevention, cessation, and avoiding passive smoking should remain strong goals among young people.
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Preventive medicine · Mar 2006
Cardiovascular disease knowledge among culturally Deaf patients in Chicago.
Deaf persons experience communication barriers that may impact on their knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, data measuring this deficit are limited. A comprehensive health survey of Deaf adults included questions on CVD knowledge. ⋯ Knowledge of cardiovascular disease among Deaf respondents is low, and considerably lower than that of the general hearing population. The need to develop health education materials and programs for Deaf individuals is evident. Health care providers should be educated on Deaf culture and barriers in communication. Finally, efforts need to be made to assure that 911 is deaf-accessible.
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Preventive medicine · Mar 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialProject Towards No Drug Abuse: long-term substance use outcomes evaluation.
This paper presents up to 5 years post-program outcomes of Project Towards No Drug Abuse (Project TND), a drug abuse prevention program conducted in South California alternative high school system during years 1994-1999. ⋯ Project TND reduced hard drug use in the 46% who were successfully followed. It is the first program to demonstrate long-term self-reported behavioral effects on hard drug use among high-risk youth by using a school-based, limited-session model.