Preventive medicine
-
Preventive medicine · Jul 1997
Intake of nutrients related to cardiovascular disease risk among three groups of American Indians: the Strong Heart Dietary Study.
Although diet is implicated in the elevated rate of cardiovascular disease among some American Indian tribes, the dietary intakes of these individuals have not been described. The Strong Heart Dietary Study compared diets of 10 tribes in Arizona, Oklahoma, and the Dakotas to examine the possible contribution of diet to cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. ⋯ Area differences in nutrient intake were observed, but most participants consumed diets associated with increased risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. Women and older participants in general reported healthier nutrient intakes. Dietary intervention programs should educate American Indians about dietary modifications to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and other nutrition-related disorders.
-
Preventive medicine · Jul 1997
Physician attitudes toward managing obesity: differences among six specialty groups.
The Healthy People 2000 report recommended that physicians more actively address obesity, but little is known about current attitudes and practices of physicians, particularly across specialty areas relevant to obesity as a medical risk factor. ⋯ Physicians express high concern with management of obesity but variable interest in assuming this role themselves. Mild obesity may be particularly undertreated. Research is critically needed to assess effective physician roles in weight management and to support the development of physician guidelines.
-
Preventive medicine · Jul 1997
ReviewChanging smoking patterns and mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the result of many years of accelerated decline in lung function in susceptible cigarette smokers. Although risk factors for the susceptibility of smokers to COPD have been established, there are still large gaps in our knowledge of the biological basis for these risk factors and of how to identify individuals at risk. ⋯ Current mortality trends indicate that COPD mortality may be leveling off among white males, but will continue to increase among women, African-Americans, and the elderly. Recent studies indicate that early identification of individuals with airflow obstruction and smoking intervention can halt the progression of COPD, but widespread screening and intervention programs have not yet been established.
-
Sun protection behaviors are recommended to prevent skin cancer, which has increased in incidence. This study measured the prevalence of sun protection behaviors and determined personal characteristics associated with them. ⋯ A large percentage of white U.S. adults did not protect themselves from sun exposure. Additional education of the general public and persons at higher risk for skin cancer is needed.
-
Preventive medicine · Jul 1997
Epidemiology of low total plasma cholesterol concentration among young adults: the CARDIA study. Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults.
Data on stability of plasma total cholesterol levels and its determinants among young adults are lacking. Knowledge of factors associated with low levels of plasma total cholesterol during young adulthood may help clarify the nature of associations between hypocholesterolemia and health or illness. ⋯ Young adults with low plasma total cholesterol level have characteristics generally associated with good cardiovascular health. However, adverse attributes such as current cigarette smoking (notably among black men) may confound future associations between low total cholesterol and disease.