American journal of preventive medicine
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Although decline in muscle mass and quality and resulting declines in muscle strength are associated with aging, more research is needed in general populations to assess the utility of handgrip strength as an indicator of muscle strength and cardiovascular disease risk. ⋯ Results suggest that increased relative handgrip strength may be associated with a better profile of cardiovascular health biomarkers among U.S. adults. Relative grip strength, which both adjusts for the confounding of mass and assesses concomitant health risks of increased body size and low muscle strength, may be a useful public health measure of muscle strength.
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Little is known about whether cardiovascular benefits vary by activity type. Dance is a multidimensional physical activity of psychosocial nature. The study aimed to examine the association between dancing and cardiovascular disease mortality. ⋯ Moderate-intensity dancing was associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease mortality to a greater extent than walking. The association between dance and cardiovascular disease mortality may be explained by high-intensity bouts during dancing, lifelong adherence, or psychosocial benefits.
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Among people aged ≥65 years, falling is the leading cause of emergency department visits. Emergency medical services (EMS) are often called to help older adults who have fallen, with some requiring hospital transport. Chief aims were to determine where falls occurred and the circumstances under which patients were transported by EMS, and to identify future fall prevention opportunities. ⋯ This study provides unique insight into fall circumstances and EMS transport activity. EMS personnel are in a prime position to provide interventions that can prevent future falls, or referrals to community-based fall prevention programs and services.
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For older men who undergo bone mineral density (BMD) testing, the optimal osteoporosis screening schedule is unknown. Time-to-disease estimates are necessary to inform screening intervals. ⋯ Men aged 65 years and older with femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine BMD T-scores >-1.50 on a first BMD test were very unlikely to develop osteoporosis during follow-up. Additional BMD testing may be most informative in older men with T-scores ≤-1.50.
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Antibiotic resistance is rapidly spreading, affecting millions of people and costing billions of dollars. Potential factors affecting antibiotic prescription, such as tobacco use, could dramatically influence this public health crisis. The study determined the magnitude of impact that tobacco use has on antibiotic prescribing patterns. ⋯ Despite lack of evidence-based rationale, among a national sample of patients with an infectious diagnosis, tobacco users had 20%-30% higher odds of receiving antibiotics than non-tobacco users. This is the first U.S. study to quantify the magnitude of this unsubstantiated practice. Prescribers should understand that tobacco use could be associated with higher antibiotic prescription, which may subsequently increase antimicrobial resistance in the community.