American journal of preventive medicine
-
A better understanding of the lawful use of guns and the symbolic meaning of guns to gun owners is essential to bridge the divide in public opinion regarding policies to reduce gun violence in the U.S. ⋯ For most of the gun owners, gun ownership plays a practical role as a method of self-protection and has a symbolic association with freedom. Public health practitioners must develop novel communication strategies that avoid alienating gun owners by creating a perception that the ultimate aim is to take their guns away.
-
A high percentage of total calories from ultra-processed foods has been associated with several cardiovascular disease risk factors. No study has examined the association between ultra-processed foods and heart age. This study examines the association between ultra-processed foods and excess heart age (difference between estimated heart age and chronological age) among U.S. adults. ⋯ U.S. adults consumed more than half of total daily calories from ultra-processed foods. A higher percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods was associated with higher excess heart age and likelihood of excess heart age of ≥10 years.
-
Annual influenza vaccination is associated with reduced mortality among older adults and lower overall public health burden of influenza. This study seeks to identify the characteristics associated with repeat influenza vaccination and determine whether age-group (51-59, 60-69, ≥70 years) differences exist. ⋯ Although adults aged 60-69 years and ≥70 years are more likely to receive influenza vaccine repeatedly than adults aged 51-59 years, age-specific interventions for repeat influenza vaccination may not be as effective as interventions targeted to certain subgroups among adults aged ≥51 years.