scholarly journals Let them go! Compassionate release for disabled prisoners with chronic health conditions during the COVID-19 public health emergency

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Schotland
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Ethnic Discrimination ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Chronic Health Conditions ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Critical Disability Studies ◽  
Physical Impairments ◽  
Serious Illness ◽  
Cognitive Limitations

Inmates with disabilities are at high risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 due to crowded and unsanitary conditions. The punishment for serious crimes is incarceration—not exposure to a dangerous, contagious virus. Prisoners have human rights, notwithstanding the loss of most of their civic rights. Critical Disability Studies draws attention to multiple and overlapping injustices and oppressions. Prisoners with disabilities often suffer from race and ethnic discrimination, poverty, trauma, multiple physical impairments, mental illness, and/or cognitive limitations. This essay calls for action to accelerate compassionate release of disabled inmates, many of whom are at high risk for COVID-19, and offers recommendations for improving conditions of confinement for disabled inmates who remain incarcerated.

Assessing Functional Needs Sheltering in Pike County, Kentucky: Using a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 597-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy R. Kolwaite ◽  
W. Gary Hlady ◽  
Matthew C. Simon ◽  
Betsy L. Cadwell ◽  
W. Randolph Daley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Supplemental Oxygen ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Chronic Health Conditions ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Pike County ◽  
Public Health Emergency Response ◽  
Physical Limitations

AbstractObjectiveDuring 2009-2011, Pike County, Kentucky, experienced a series of severe weather events that resulted in property damage, insufficient potable water, and need for temporary shelters. A Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey was implemented for future planning. CASPER assesses household health status, preparedness level, and anticipated demand for shelters.MethodsWe used a 2-stage cluster sampling design to randomly select 210 representative households for in-person interviews. We estimated the proportion of households with children aged 2 years or younger; adults aged 65 years or older; and residents with chronic health conditions, visual impairments, physical limitations, and supplemental oxygen requirements.ResultsOf all households surveyed, 8% included children aged 2 years or younger, and 27% included adults aged 65 years or older. The most common chronic health conditions were heart disease (51%), diabetes (28%), lung disease (23%), and asthma (21%). Visual impairments were reported in 29% of households, physical limitations in 24%, and supplemental oxygen use in 12%.ConclusionsPike County residents should be encouraged to maintain an adequate supply of medications and copies of their prescriptions. Emergency response plans should include transportation for persons with physical limitations; and shelter plans should include sufficient medically trained staff and adequate supplies of infant formula, pharmaceuticals, and supplemental oxygen. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:597-602)

scholarly journals A revolutionary step; Role of Qatar`s central hubs in managing the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Author(s):  
Z Habib ◽  
◽  
Y Hafeez ◽  
Imen Mbarek ◽  
M Ul Haque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
The State ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
The World

WHO declared Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a public health emergency on the 30th of January 2020. Soon afterward, COVID-19 cases started to emerge from all parts of the world. The state of Qatar was extremely vigilant from the very outset. Special measures were introduced immediately to restrict the influx of people from high-risk countries such as China and Iran. The Ministry of public health (MOPH), Qatar started preparing for an impending pandemic in the meantime. The first cluster of COVID-19 positive cases was declared on March the 11th 2019. A total of 238 cases were declared positive on this day. It raised the alarm to roll over all those preparations on the ground into practice

scholarly journals The Challenges of Being a Family Caregiver During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 552-552
Author(s):  
Gwen McGhan ◽  
Deirdre McCaughey
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Chronic Health Conditions ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Measures

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of our lives, but the population most at risk are older adults. Canadians over the age of 60 account for 36% of all COVID-19 cases but 95% of the deaths, and over two-thirds of ICU admissions. Older adults with chronic health conditions are especially at risk. Prior to COVID-19, family caregivers (FCGs) for older adults were managing their caregiving duties at the limits of their emotional, physical and financial capacity. As such, FCGs need special consideration during these times of uncertainty to support them in their role and enable the continuation of care for their older adult family members. This symposium will report on independently conducted studies from across Canada that have examined how the pandemic and associated public health measures have influenced resource utilization by FCGs and the older adults for whom they provide care. McAiney et al’s study examines the deleterious effect of reduced services on community dwelling FCGs and the wellbeing of their family member with dementia. Parmar & Anderson examined the effect of pandemic restrictions on FCGs of frail older adults and found they were experiencing increased distress and decreased wellbeing. Flemons et al report on the experiences of FCGs managing caregiving without critical services and the effect of restrictive visiting policies and the well-being of the caregiving dyad (FCGs and family member with dementia). Finally, McGhan et al will share how FCGs evaluated the efficacy of public health measures and the public health messaging about the pandemic.

scholarly journals Can Vitamin D Positively Impact COVID-19 Risk and Severity Among Older Adults: A Review of the Evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Ray Marks
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Health Status ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
Chronic Health Conditions ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Background The coronavirus Covid-19 strain that emerged in December 2019, continues to produce a widespread and seemingly intractable negative impact on health and longevity in all parts of the world, especially, among older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. Aim The first aim of this review article was to examine, summarize, synthesize, and report on the research base concerning the possible use of vitamin-D supplementation for reducing both Covid-19 risk and severity, especially among older adults at high risk for Covid-19 infections. A second was to provide directives for researchers or professionals who work or are likely to work in this realm in the future. Methods All English language relevant publications detailing the possible efficacy of vitamin D as an intervention strategy for minimizing Covid-19 infection risk published in 2020 were systematically sought. Key words used were: Vitamin D, Covid-19, and Coronavirus. Databases used were PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. All relevant articles were carefully examined and those meeting the review criteria were carefully read, and described in narrative form. Results Collectively, these data reveal vitamin D is a powerful steroid like compound that is required by the body to help many life affirming physiological functions, including immune processes, but its deficiency may seriously impact the health status and well being of the older adult and others. Since vitamin D is not manufactured by the body directly, ensuring those who are deficient in vitamin D may prove a helpful overall preventive measure as well as a helpful treatment measure among older adults at high risk for severe Covid-19 disease outcomes. Conclusions Older individuals with chronic health conditions, as well as healthy older adults at risk for vitamin D deficiency are likely to benefit physically as well as mentally, from efforts to foster adequate vitamin D levels. Geriatric clinicians can expect this form of intervention to reduce infection severity in the presence of Covid-19 infection, regardless of health status, and subject to careful study, researchers can make a highly notable impact in this regard.

scholarly journals Validation of a Modified Submaximal Balke Protocol to Assess Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Individuals at High Risk of or With Chronic Health Conditions—A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert Sander Hamre Eike ◽  
Eivind Aadland ◽  
Ellen Eimhjellen Blom ◽  
Amund Riiser
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Treadmill Walking ◽  
Chronic Health Conditions ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Walking Test ◽  
Chronic Health

Objectives: This study aims to validate a submaximal treadmill walking test for estimation of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in individuals at high risk of or with chronic health conditions.Method: Eighteen participants (age 62 ± 16 years; VO2max 31.2 ± 5.9 ml kg−1 min−1) at high risk of getting or with established chronic diseases performed two valid modified Balke treadmill walking protocols, one submaximal protocol, and one maximal protocol. Test duration, heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during both tests. VO2max was measured during the maximal test. VO2max was estimated from the submaximal test by multiple regression using time to RPE ≥ 17, gender, age, and body mass as independent variables. Model fit was reported as explained variance (R2) and standard error of the estimate (SEE).Results: The model fit for estimation of VO2max from time to RPE ≥ 17 at the submaximal test, body mass, age, and gender was R2 = 0.78 (SEE = 3.1 ml kg−1 min−1, p ≤ 0.001). Including heart rate measurement did not improve the model fit.Conclusions: The submaximal walking test is feasible and valid for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with high risk of or chronic health conditions.

A Review of State Public Health Emergency Declarations in Peru: 2014-2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-200
Author(s):  
Celso Bambarén ◽  
Maria del Socorro Alatrista
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Sudden Decrease

AbstractPeru has different legal mechanisms of emergency, one of which is the Public Health Emergency that is applicable when: there is high-risk for, or the existence of an outbreak, epidemic, or pandemic; the occurrence of cases of a disease classified as eliminated or eradicated; the occurrence of emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases with high epidemic potential; the occurrence of rapid disseminated epidemics that simultaneously affect more than one department; as well as the existence of an event that affects the continuity of health services.From July 2014 to December 2016, 23 Public Health Emergencies were declared, out of which 57% were in the high-risk or existence of epidemics, 30% were due to some natural or anthropic events that generate a sudden decrease in the operative capacity of health services, and 13% were due to the existence of a rapid spreading epidemic that could affect more than one department in the country. The risk or occurrence of epidemiological outbreaks, mainly of Dengue, was the main cause of emergency declaration. One-hundred and forty million US dollars were allocated to implement the action plans that were part of the declaration, of which 72% was used to keep the operational capacity of health services and 28% to vector and epidemiological control measures.BambarénC, AlatristaMdS. A review of state public health emergency declarations in Peru: 2014-2016. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):197–200.

scholarly journals Late Morbidity and Mortality Among Medulloblastoma Survivors Diagnosed Across Three Decades: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 731-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Salloum ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
Yutaka Yasui ◽  
Roger Packer ◽  
Wendy Leisenring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Chronic Health Conditions ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Special Education Services ◽  
Education Services ◽  
Late Mortality ◽  
Childhood Cancer Survivor Study ◽  
Standard Risk

PURPOSE Treatment of medulloblastoma has evolved from surgery and radiotherapy to contemporary multimodal regimens. However, the impact on long-term health outcomes remains unknown. METHODS Cumulative incidence of late mortality (5 or more years from diagnosis), subsequent neoplasms (SNs), and chronic health conditions were evaluated in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study among 5-year survivors of medulloblastoma diagnosed between 1970 and 1999. Outcomes were evaluated by treatment exposure, including historical therapy (craniospinal irradiation [CSI] ≥ 30 Gy, no chemotherapy), high risk (CSI ≥ 30 Gy + chemotherapy), standard risk (CSI < 30 Gy + chemotherapy), and by treatment decade (1970s, 1980s, 1990s). Rate ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs estimated long-term outcomes using multivariable piecewise exponential models. RESULTS Among 1,311 eligible survivors (median age, 29 years [range, 6 to 60 years]; median time from diagnosis, 21 years [range, 5 to 44 years]), the 15-year cumulative incidence rate of all-cause late mortality was 23.2% (diagnosed 1970s) versus 12.8% (1990s; P = .002), with a recurrence-related mortality rate of 17.7% versus 9.6% ( P = .008). Lower late mortality rates as a result of other health-related causes were not observed. Among 997 survivors who completed a baseline survey, the 15-year cumulative incidence of SNs was higher among survivors with multimodal therapy (standard risk, 9.5%; historical, 2.8%; P = .03). Survivors treated in the 1990s had a higher cumulative incidence of severe, disabling, life-threatening, and fatal chronic health conditions (56.5% in 1990s v 39.9% in 1970s; P < .001) and were more likely to develop multiple conditions (RR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.31 to 6.38). However, survivors of standard-risk therapy were less likely to use special education services than high-risk therapy survivors (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.93). CONCLUSION Historical changes in medulloblastoma therapy that improved 5-year survival have increased the risk for SNs and debilitating health conditions for survivors yet reduced the need for special education services.

Temporal trends in late-onset morbidity and mortality after medulloblastoma diagnosed across three decades: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS).

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10516-10516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Salloum ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
Yutaka Yasui ◽  
Roger Packer ◽  
Wendy M. Leisenring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Chronic Health Conditions ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Late Mortality ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Standard Risk

10516 Background: Therapy for medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor has evolved from surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy to risk-adapted multimodal regimens. The impact of these changes in treatment on long-term outcomes remains unknown. Methods: Cumulative incidence of late mortality ( > 5 years from diagnosis), subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN), chronic health conditions and psychosocial functioning were evaluated among 5-year survivors in CCSS diagnosed between 1970 and 1999. Survivors were stratified according to treatment decade (1970s, 1980s, 1990s) and treatment exposure (surgery + craniospinal irradiation [CSI] ≥30 Gy, no chemotherapy; surgery + CSI ≥30 Gy + chemotherapy [high-risk therapy], surgery + CSI ˂30 Gy + chemotherapy [standard-risk therapy]). Rate ratios (RRs), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for long-term outcomes among treatment eras and exposure groups using multivariable piecewise-exponential models. Results: Among 1,380 eligible survivors (median [range] age 29 [6-20] years; 21.4 [5-44] years from diagnosis), the 15-year cumulative incidence of all-cause (21.9% 1970s vs. 12.8% 1990s; p = 0.003) and recurrence-related (16.2% vs 9.6%, p = 0.03) late mortality decreased with no reduction in mortality attributable to late effects of therapy including SMN. Among 959 participants, the incidence of SMN did not decrease by era or by treatment group. However, survivors treated in the 1990s had an increased cumulative incidence of severe, life-threatening and fatal health conditions (16.9% 1970s vs 25.4% 1990s; p = 0.03), and were more likely to develop multiple severe or life-threatening health conditions, RR = 2.98 (95% CI, 1.10-8.07). Survivors of standard-risk therapy were less likely to use special education services than high-risk therapy patients, OR = 0.51 (95% CI, 0.33-0.78). Conclusions: Historical changes in therapy have improved 5-year survival, reduced risk of late mortality due to disease recurrence, and reduced special education utilization, at the cost of increased risk for multiple, severe and life-threatening chronic health conditions.

scholarly journals Contact Tracing and Quarantine for Covid 19: Challenges in community surveillance

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2 (Supp)) ◽  
pp. 306-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giriyanna Gowda ◽  
Ramesh Holla ◽  
Balaji Ramraj ◽  
Kishore Shettihalli Gudegowda
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
World Health ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Spread Of Infection

Covid 19 caused by SARS-coV-2 is a novel corona virus. This began in Wuhan city, China at the end of December 2019 and had spread to the rest of the world. World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid 19 as Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30th Jan 2020 and later declared as pandemic on 11th march 2020. 1 The disease is mainly spread from human to human through small droplets from nose or mouth when a person with Covid 19 coughs or exhales and through the surface contact. Community surveillance plays significant role in prevention of spread of disease. It includes isolation of the positive case, quarantine of the high risk and low risk contacts and community disinfection.1, 2             The period of communicability is estimated with the current data to be from 2 days before the onset of symptoms and up to 2 weeks after onset. Hence the initial few asymptomatic days turns out to be crucial period in containing the spread of infection. By the time a Covid 19 patient is diagnosed and isolated, there are quite a number of primary and secondary contacts. Government of India focus has been on Community Surveillance activities which mainly comprises of Contact Tracing and Quarantine.3, 4 This article focuses on the various measures taken to trace the contacts, quarantine measures and on the challenges faced.

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