American journal of preventive medicine
-
Cigarette Smoking and Mortality in Adults Aged 70 Years and Older: Results From the NIH-AARP Cohort.
Tobacco use remains a leading modifiable cause of cancer incidence and premature mortality in the U.S. and globally. Despite increasing life expectancy worldwide, less is known about the effects of cigarette smoking on older populations. This study sought to determine the effects of smoking on mortality in older age. ⋯ As among younger people, lifetime cigarette smoking history is a key determinant of mortality after age 70 years.
-
Shingles (herpes zoster) causes substantial morbidity, especially among older adults. The shingles vaccine has been recommended for people aged ≥60 years since 2006. This study assessed recent shingles vaccination at national and state levels among adults aged ≥60 years. ⋯ Coverage varied dramatically by state. State-level comparisons may aid in designing tailored intervention programs through sharing of best practices. Strategies are needed to mitigate financial barriers for both provider and patients, improve awareness, and increase provider recommendation of the vaccine.
-
Understanding what influences where food outlets locate is important for mitigating disparities in access to healthy food outlets. However, few studies have examined how neighborhood characteristics influence the neighborhood food environment over time, and whether these relationships differ by neighborhood-level income. ⋯ Socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority populations may attract "unhealthy" food outlets over time. To support equal access to healthy food outlets, the availability of "less healthy" food outlets types may be relatively more important than the potential lack of supermarkets or full-service restaurants.
-
Epilepsy, a complex spectrum of disorders, affects about 2.9 million people in the U. S. Similar to other chronic disorders, people with epilepsy face challenges related to management of the disorder, its treatment, co-occurring depression, disability, social disadvantages, and stigma. ⋯ Guided by national initiatives targeting chronic disease or epilepsy burden since 2007, the MEW Network has been responsible for more than 43 scientific journal articles, two study reports, seven book chapters, and 62 presentations and posters. To date, two programs have been adopted and disseminated by the national Epilepsy Foundation, state Epilepsy Foundation affiliates, and other stakeholders. Recent expansion of the MEW Network membership will help to extend future reach and public health impact.
-
Hearing loss and tinnitus are common in most populations, although few data have addressed hearing-related health among tribal members and the need for public health interventions. ⋯ Increasing age and significant noise exposure were associated with hearing loss in this tribe. Tinnitus was associated with significant noise exposure and history of otitis media, even after age adjustment. Public health efforts are needed to improve hearing-related health in this tribe through messages about noise exposure and use of hearing protection.