scholarly journals The Ethics of Food and Childhood Obesity – A Public Health Issue

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-21
Author(s):  
Evangel Sarwar
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Severe Obesity ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Health Crisis

Adequate food consumption is essential to stay alive. However, overconsumption and consumption of nutritionally deficient food can increase risks of obesity that negatively impacts health; ultimately leading to more expensive medical treatments, reduced quality of life, and early death – making it a public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes there is an increase in the prevalence of infant, childhood and adolescent obesity, and this is alarming because obesity can affect a child's immediate health, educational attainment, and quality of life. Overweight children are likely to be obese as an adult and consequently be at risk for various chronic illnesses. The prevalence of severe obesity in the United States has alarmingly increased among children, and research suggests that approximately 90% of children with severe obesity will become obese adults depending on the age at which these children became obese. This only shows that obesity is a precursor for a far more significant public health crisis that is about to explode with time. Moreover, obesity is also associated with the development of psychosocial implications such as diminished self-esteem and self-worth as a result of associated social and peer stigma. According to experts, the focus on childhood obesity should be on prevention rather than on the treatment of obesity. Even though obesity has been identified as the overconsumption of calorically dense and high-fat foods and inadequate physical activity, there is a socioeconomic dimension to the obesity crisis. This raises ethical questions regarding the role of government in implementing policies to eliminate obesity. To address obesity, it is better to understand it at the community level. Better policies that address the socioeconomic issues and environmental factors that fuel the obesity epidemic are needed – with that in mind; this paper aims to target these issues at the community and policy level.

scholarly journals Dry eye researchers and their publications in Asia and Europe

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Yuh Leong ◽  
Louis Tong
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Dry Eye ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Scientific Journals ◽  
Major Public Health Issue

Dry eye, a visually disabling disease that has been reported to be a major public health issue in many countries, is known to induce a significant decrease in quality of life. In this report, we aim to compile information on the investigators of dry eye that published most frequently in peer reviewed scientific journals and the publications in Asia and Europe.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States 1999 - 2018: A 20-Year Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A24-A25
Author(s):  
Hang Long Li ◽  
Man Fung Tsoi ◽  
Qi Feng ◽  
Ching-Lung Cheung ◽  
Tommy Cheung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Severe Obesity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Income Level ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
The Us ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity

Abstract Introduction: Obesity is a public health crisis in the US. Childhood obesity is associated with multiple comorbidities in the adulthood, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death. A recent study found that the prevalence of childhood obesity varied according to age and ethnicity. This study aims to evaluate the long-term trends and the underexplored socioeconomic factors associated with childhood obesity. Method: From the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018, 35 907 children aged 2–19 with body mass index (BMI) data were included. Prevalence of obesity and severe obesity, defined as BMI ≥95th percentile and ≥120% of 95th percentile of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts, respectively. Trends in prevalence of obesity and subgroup analyses according to age group, sex, ethnicity, language used in interview, household education level, and household income level, were analyzed. Data analysis was performed using the R statistical package “survey” (version 3.6.3). Results: The prevalence of obesity and severe obesity increased from 14.7 [95% CI: 12.9–17.0] % to 19.2 [17.2–21.0] % and 3.9 [2.9–5.0] % to 6.1 [4.8–8.0] % in 1999–2018, respectively (p=0.001 and p=0.014 for obesity and severe obesity, respectively). In 2017–8, the prevalence of obesity among children from Spanish-speaking households was 24.4 [22.4–27.0] %, higher than children from English-speaking households (p=0.027). Children from households with high education level and high income level had a lower prevalence of obesity compared to those with low education level and low income level (p=0.003 and p=0.002 for education level and income level, respectively). Compared to girls, boys had higher prevalence of obesity (p=0.002) and severe obesity (p=0.004). Conclusion: The prevalence of childhood obesity in America kept increasing during the period 1999–2018 despite various public health initiatives. The problem is worse in children with lower socioeconomic status, and in children from Spanish-speaking households. Public health interventions are urgently needed to halt the rising trend of childhood obesity, and measures specifically catering to children from Spanish-speaking families should be put in place.

Eating disorders as a public health issue: Prevalence and attributable impairment of quality of life in an Italian community sample

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 486-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Giovanni Carta ◽  
Antonio Preti ◽  
Maria Francesca Moro ◽  
Eugenio Aguglia ◽  
Matteo Balestrieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Italian Community

Injuries and the Cost of Falls Among Older Adults—How Pharmacists Can Help

2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Limona
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Medical Expenditures ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Considerable Morbidity ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Serious Injuries ◽  
Care Costs

Fall-related injuries are a serious public health issue among older adults. In addition to having a significant impact on our economy, these injuries are associated with considerable morbidity. Each year, 1 out of every 3 adults aged 65 and older fall; of these adults, 10% to 20% sustain serious injuries such as fractures or head traumas. Such injuries account for about 6% of medical expenditures for adults 65 years and older. Pharmacist interventions can prevent falls, thereby improving the quality of life of these older adults, preserving their independence, and significantly reducing health care costs.

Global Surge in Intimate Partner Violence after Mandatory Lockdown: Implications for Pakistan

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Butool Hisam ◽  
Mohammad Nadir Haider ◽  
Ghazala Saleem ◽  
Admin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The United States ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Issue

We are observing with great concern the global spread of the COVID19 Pandemic. What is equally alarming is a less visible, albeit serious Public health issue; one that the United Nations has dubbed as the ‘Shadow Pandemic’ [1]. This is none other than the globally prevalent issue of violence against women, particularly Intimate Partner Violence. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a serious, possibly preventable public health problem globally. Pakistan ranks among the countries with the highest IPV rates [2]. On 11th March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the highly infectious and lethal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) to be a pandemic [3]. Drastic measures were enforced universally to curb the spread of COVID-19. Countries issued strict nationwide lockdowns to isolate the population and implemented social distancing. The economy was impacted tremendously, and many people experienced financial and emotional hardship during this mandatory confinement. While everyone was affected, one population was in a far worse situation than others. Survivors of IPV were trapped alongside their perpetrators and faced difficulty/less freedom to escape threatening situations compared to the past. It is not surprising given that historical periods of uncertainty such as war or economic crisis have resulted in increased interpersonal violence, including violence against women [4].  The Hubei province of China, the first region to undergo a lockdown, saw nearly a doubling of their rates of IPV with the start of COVID19 Pandemic.  Similarly, tragic stories gained nationwide coverage in the United States. IPV may also have risen in Pakistan, even if it is not being covered as extensively. During pandemics, fear causes us to minimize our personal needs and make sacrifices we would not normally make. This could be a reasonable approach for most but should not be for survivors of IPV. IPV survivors live in constant fear for themselves and their children; they are now devoid of their only means of mitigation; avoidance. Local woman’s support groups in Pakistan should act and spread awareness about this grim reality hiding underneath the Pandemic. Resources/funding should be made available for survivors to be able to reach out for support without having to leave the watchful eyes of their perpetrators. Public health officials ought to investigate and document the rise in IPV to help identify the leading causes of the increase. These steps will assist in developing crisis-specific guidelines to provide adequate resources for the future. Continuous....

Integrating a Clinical Exercise Gerontology Experience into a Kinesiology Curriculum

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 392-397
Author(s):  
Todd A. Gilson ◽  
Anthony Deldin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
The United States ◽  
Demographic Shift ◽  
Potential Barriers ◽  
Career Opportunities ◽  
Similar Program ◽  
Adult Fitness

In the next 45 years it is estimated that individuals aged 65 and older will increase by 93% in the United States. This population will require a reexamination in thinking related to what retirement is and how seniors desire to maintain their quality of life. Thus, with this demographic shift, new career opportunities will be available for students in older adult fitness, and kinesiology graduates can be at the forefront of providing physical activity to promote public health. Through the exploration of an off-campus clinical exercise gerontology experience at Northern Illinois University, specifics of the program and potential barriers are discussed, with an eye toward assisting other institutions that wish to begin/enhance a similar program. Finally, benefits and future opportunities are highlighted showing how this partnership has led to an improved quality of life for seniors and strengthened relationships with the larger community.

Populations and the Law: The Changing Scope of Health Policy

2003 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 607-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Fox
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Practical Reasons ◽  
Health Law ◽  
New Politics ◽  
The People ◽  
The Subject

Changes in the scope of health policy in the United States are creating opportunities and obligations for lawmakers and the lawyers who advise them. These changes are the result of a new politics of policy for the health of populations. The new politics is connecting areas of policy that, because they have had separate histories, are governed by distinct, usually uncoordinated laws and regulations.The subject of the new politics of health policy is what the Iowa Senate President, speaking in a plenary at the 2003 conference on Public Health Law in the 21st Century, called the “quality of life, what the people think is important.” An increasing number of leaders in general govemment–people who run for office and their staff–have practical reasons to make policy that acknowledges the expanding scope of what their constituents define as health policy.

scholarly journals Policy liberalism and source of news predict pandemic-related health behaviors and trust in the scientific community

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252670
Author(s):  
Madeleine Reinhardt ◽  
Matthew B. Findley ◽  
Renee A. Countryman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
News Media ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Scientific Community ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Health Measures

In March of 2020, the United States was confronted with a major public health crisis caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study aimed to identify what factors influence adherence to recently implemented public health measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing, trust of scientific organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on information pertaining to the pandemic, and level of perceived risk. Data were collected from June 30, 2020 to July 22, 2020 on 951 adult residents of the United States using an online survey through Microsoft Forms. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the strongest predictors for compliance to pandemic-related health measures, trust in the scientific community, and perceived risk. Results showed that the strongest predictor of all variables of interest was degree of policy liberalism. Additionally, participants who consumed more conservative news media conformed less to the pandemic health guidelines and had less trust in the scientific community. Degree of policy liberalism was found to have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between gender and conformity to pandemic-related health behaviors. These findings have concerning implications that factors like degree of policy liberalism and source of news are more influential in predicting adherence to life-saving health measures than established risk factors like pre-existing health conditions.

scholarly journals Religious Coping, Medication Adherence and Quality of Life for Diabetes Mellitus Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Made Mahaguna Putra ◽  
Kadek Siki Mariani ◽  
Ni Nyoman Ari Ratnadi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Religious Coping ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Major Public Health Issue ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue particularly in the elderly. Religion may affect the Quality of Life in such patients, mediated by factors such as religious coping and medication adherence. This study aimed to investigate the impact of religious coping and medication adherence on quality of life.Method: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue particularly in the elderly. Religion may affect the Quality of Life in such patients, mediated by factors such as religious coping and medication adherence. This study aimed to investigate the impact of religious coping and medication adherence on quality of life.Result: there is a significant relationship between Religious Coping and adherence to treatment in Diabetes Mellitus patients with a value of r = 0.266 (p = 0.00) and quality of life (r = 0.216; p = 0.00).Conclusion: Religious coping has an important influence and relationship on treatment adherence to diabetes mellitus sufferers and can provide motivation for sufferers in carrying out medication.

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