Percentage of smokers drops in Vermont (VT)
According to survey results from Vermont’s annual Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, the percentage of adults who smoke has dropped from 17% in 2009 to 15% in 2010. Vermont Health Commissioner Harry Chen says that the reduction in smoking is encouraging, but more work must be done to reach Vermont’s goal of reducing the prevalence of smoking to 11%. Because many Vermonters see themselves as “independent quitters,” wanting to quit on their own terms, the state offers evidence-based tools and smoking cessation support through multiple channels: web, phone, and in-person. Read more here and here to read the official news release.
America's Health Rankings report released
The United Health Foundation has released its annual America’s Health Rankings report. This report tracks the state of the nation’s health by studying numerous health measures, including cigarette use, to compile a comprehensive perspective on the nation’s health issues, state by state. Click here to view the rankings.
Institute of Medicine report: Lifestyle changes can lower breast cancer risk
A new report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) summarizes the science on environmental exposures that are associated with breast cancer. In cases where there is strong evidence of a link to breast cancer, the report also recommends positive steps that women can take to reduce their risk, including avoiding unnecessary medical radiation, forgoing use of combination estrogen-progestin menopausal hormone therapy if possible, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco use. Read more here. Click here to view a press release from the IOM, or click here to view the Breast Cancer and the Environment: A Life Course Approach report and related materials, including a report brief, question and answer booklet, and opportunities for action.
Oral cancer deaths declining among well-educated
According to a new study, death rates from mouth and throat cancer have decreased since the 1990s, but only among adults with at least a high school education. The researchers believe that the higher oral cancer mortality rate in individuals with lower educational attainment is attributable to higher rates of smoking, other oral cancer risks (such as human papillomavirus infection), and less access to health care. The authors add that that smoking is particularly common among low-income individuals with less education, so earlier detection of cancer and enhancements in smoking cessation support are needed in lower socioeconomic status populations to reduce the disparity. Read more here and read the study abstract found in the Archives of Otolaryngology here.
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