Menthol Cigarettes Not Less Harmful, say Experts
November 30, 2011
Written by the National Cancer Institute
Bethesda, MD – Smoking causes more preventable deaths (from lung cancer, heart and lung disease, other cancers, and chronic illness) than any other single behavioral factor–an estimated 443,000 deaths each year. It is projected that more than 23,000 African-Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011, with most of these cases caused by smoking.
Lung cancer can be treated, but rarely cured. For African-Americans with lung cancer, the five-year survival rate is only 13 percent. Indeed, lung cancer kills more African Americans than any other cancer. [Read more]
Tennessee reduces Healthcare-Associated Infections
November 17, 2011
Nashville, TN – According to a report released recently by the state Department of Health, Tennessee hospitals have reduced the rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The report, titled “Tennessee’s Report on Healthcare-Associated Infections: January 1st, 2008 – December 31st, 2010”, summarizes the central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) reporting activities for calendar years 2008-2010 and surgical site infection (SSI) reporting activities for the 2009 calendar year.
“Healthcare-acquired infections are a completely preventable public health threat. Only through the work and collaboration among many entities has Tennessee experienced such a significant improvement in a very short period,” said Health Commissioner John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, of the Tennessee Department of Health. “Those who have contributed to the state’s success greatly deserve high praise and recognition for this tremendous accomplishment.” [Read more]
Tennesseans urged to participate in the Great American Smokeout November 17th
November 4, 2011
Get Free Help to Kick the Habit from the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health urges smokers to join the Great American Smokeout on November 17th, 2011, an opportunity to participate with millions of others in saying “no thanks” to tobacco for 24 hours. Tennessee smokers can get their plan to quit in place now with the help of the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine.
“The Smokeout gives smokers an opportunity to take a positive step toward a healthier life for their families and themselves,” said Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “It’s tough to break the addiction to tobacco, and studies show those who get counseling have a better chance at success. The QuitLine is a wonderful free resource to help people transition to a life free of tobacco and its health and financial costs.” [Read more]
Start Eating Healthy Day on November 2nd reminds you to be smart before you bite
November 2, 2011
Nashville, TN – Coming at just the right time after the Halloween supersized sugar rush and before the holiday (overeating) season kicks in, Start Eating Healthy Day on Wednesday, November 2nd encourages everyone to be smart before you bite and make those healthy eating choices that will help your health. [Read more]
Quick tips for a heart-healthy Halloween
October 28, 2011
Nashville, TN – If you’re looking for easy tricks for healthier Halloween treats, read on. There ARE healthier ways to give your little goblins their Halloween fun, and avoid a supersized sugar rush. Check the American Heart Association’s Halloween tips here!
Remember to have a healthy meal BEFORE you go trick-or-treating. This reduces the temptation to “snack” while walking. [Read more]
Community Education is key to preventing Infant Deaths
October 26, 2011
October is SIDS Awareness Month
Nashville, TN – The number of deaths attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is declining in Tennessee. But while SIDS cases have decreased, other sleep-related deaths are on the rise in the state. During National SIDS Awareness Month this October, the Department of Health is encouraging all Tennesseans to focus on safe sleep practices as an important strategy for reducing infant mortality in Tennessee.
“Lowering the number of infant deaths in Tennessee is no simple task, but eliminating these cases of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths can make a substantial impact on our infant mortality rate,” said Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. [Read more]
Insomnia could moderately raise your heart attack risk
October 25, 2011
Dallas, TX – Having trouble sleeping? If so, you could have a moderately higher risk of having a heart attack, according to research reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
In a recent study, the risk of heart attack in people with insomnia ranged from 27 percent to 45 percent greater than for people who rarely experienced trouble sleeping.
Researchers related heart attack risks to three major insomnia symptoms. [Read more]
Immune cell plays dual role in allergic skin disease
October 19, 2011
NIH-funded study in mice enhances understanding of atopic dermatitis
Washington, D.C. – An immune cell involved in initiating the symptoms of an allergic skin reaction may play an equally, or perhaps more important, role in suppressing the reaction once it becomes chronic.
This finding in mice could have future implications for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects an estimated 10 to 20 percent of infants and young children. The research is by investigators at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), part of the National Institutes of Health. [Read more]
American Heart Association encouraged by CDC report, urges caution
October 18, 2011
Dallas, TX – The American Heart Association is encouraged by the reduction in the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) reported in the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. However, the association is concerned to see the disparities that remain with certain groups and urges all people to improve their health, as cardiovascular diseases remain the No. 1 killer of men and women.
The CDC reported a 0.7 percent drop in the prevalence of self-reported coronary heart disease – from 6.7 percent in 2006 to 6.0 percent in 2010. [Read more]
Teen Sleep Habits What Should You Do?
October 17, 2011
What Should You Do?
Washington, D.C. – Almost 70 percent of high school students are not getting the recommended hours of sleep on school nights, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that teenagers receive between 8.5 hours and 9.25 hours each night
Researchers found insufficient sleep (< 8 hours on an average school night) to be associated with a number of unhealthy activities, such as: [Read more]
