SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At first glance, Hartford, Salt Lake City and Denver might not seem to have much in common. But a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) found these three cities outshine other U.S. cities in heeding dermatologists' advice on preventing and detecting skin cancer.
The rankings of the 26 U.S. metropolitan cities are as follows:
No. 1 - Hartford
No. 2 - Salt Lake City
No. 3 - Denver
No. 4 - Tampa
No. 5 - Boston
No. 6 - Phoenix
No. 7 - Atlanta
No. 8 - Philadelphia
No. 9 - Portland
No. 10 - Baltimore
No. 11 - Dallas
No. 12 - Houston
No. 13 - Miami
No. 14 - San Francisco
No. 15 - Washington, DC
No. 16 - Detroit
No. 17 - San Diego
No. 18 - Cincinnati
No. 19 - New York City
No. 20 - Minneapolis
No. 21 - St. Louis
No. 22 - Los Angeles
No. 23 - Seattle
No. 24 - Cleveland
No. 25 - Chicago
No. 26 - Pittsburgh
The "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" online survey polled more than 7,000 adults nationwide to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward tanning, sun protection and skin cancer detection. Twenty-six cities were ranked based on respondents' answers to several questions in each category.
"One common thread we found encouraging is that the majority of people polled expressed concern about skin cancer and had awareness of the importance of proper sun protection," said dermatologist William D. James, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. "However, we found that people's behaviors did not always correlate with their concerns."
While Hartford, Salt Lake City and Denver ranked No. 1, 2 and 3, respectively, Cleveland, Chicago and Pittsburgh fell to the bottom of the sun-smart spectrum with rankings of 24, 25 and 26, respectively. When results for these cities were compared to the average collective responses for all survey respondents, significant differences were observed in the top- and bottom-ranked cities.
Hartford respondents excelled in their knowledge of sun protection and the risks associated with tanning, scoring above the average of adults overall. For example, only about one-third of respondents (35 percent) nationwide correctly answered the question that asked whether some types of ultraviolet (UV) rays are safe for your skin. Forty-two percent of Hartford respondents knew that this statement was not true – that all forms of UV exposure, from natural sunlight and artificial light sources such as tanning beds – are harmful.
Similarly, residents of Salt Lake City, Denver and Hartford all scored better than the national average when they disagreed with the statement that they are not too concerned about skin cancer because it is easily detected and treated. Overall, 76 percent of respondents nationwide disagreed with this statement, while 85 percent of respondents from Salt Lake City disagreed.
"While skin cancer can be successfully treated if detected early, the five-year survival rate for individuals with regional and distant stage melanomas are 65 percent and 16 percent, respectively. That's why people must be vigilant about protecting their skin from sun exposure and aware of the early warning signs of skin cancer," said Dr. James.
However, when examining skin cancer detection behaviors, nationally 59 percent of respondents had never been screened for skin cancer by a health-care provider. Respondents from Pittsburgh and Chicago fared even worse, with 69 percent of Pittsburgh respondents and 67 percent from Chicago admitting they had never had an examination. On the other hand, 48 percent of Hartford residents had never undergone a skin examination.
Despite dermatologists' repeated warnings about the dangers of tanning, Dr. James added that respondents in last-place Pittsburgh scored significantly worse than the overall average when asked if people look more attractive with a tan. Specifically, 81 percent of Pittsburgh respondents agreed with this statement compared to 72 percent of the general public.
"We're hoping the results of this survey will draw attention to the public's need to change its attitudes toward tanning, which is the first step in changing behavior," said Dr. James. "Our data show that most people are concerned about skin cancer, but they still need to modify their attitudes, behavior and knowledge to reduce their risk."
To minimize your risk of skin cancer, the Academy recommends that everyone Be Sun Smart®:
Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. "Broad-spectrum" provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
Monday, May 3, is Melanoma Monday® and the official launch of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. Visit www.melanomamonday.org to take the Academy's "Suntelligence" survey, as well as to find out how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map or find free skin cancer screenings in your area.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.
The "Suntelligence" survey was conducted for the Academy by RH Research of Chicago from January 12 to January 31, 2010. A total of 7,116 respondents completed the online survey; more than 200 completes were conducted in each of the 26 selected MSAs (metropolitan statistical area) and an additional 1,123 completes were conducted in the U.S. outside of the MSAs. The survey's margin of error was +/-1.2 percent for national data and +/-6.9 percent for results stratified by MSA.
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology
Showing posts with label u.s.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label u.s.. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
America’s Health Rankings™ Reveals Arizona Ranks 27th in Health
PHOENIX, AZ (Nov. 17, 2009) — United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention today released the 20th Anniversary Edition of America’s Health Rankings™ showing thatArizona ranks 27th when compared to the health of other states.
Tobacco consumption and obesity have emerged as the two priorities that threaten the health of the nation. While tobacco use dropped from 19.8 percent of the population last year to 18.3 percent this year, approximately 440,000 deaths annually are still attributable to this preventable behavior.
Obesity has increased nearly 130 percent since the first edition of America’s Health Rankings.™ was issued 20 years ago. Currently, 27 percent of the population is obese.
The United States currently spends more per capita than any other nation on health care, including $1.8 trillion in medical costs associated with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, which can be linked to these national risk factors.
Arizona’s Health Checkup
This year, the Rankings not only provided an annual list of the healthiest and least healthy states, but also determined how Arizona ranked when compared to other states against the nation’s biggest health challenges since 1990.
· 2009 State Ranking: 27
· 2009 Smoking and Obesity Rankings: (based on a comparison of the incidence rates among all 50 states)
o Prevalence of Smoking: 15.9%
o Prevalence of Obesity: 25.5%
Arizona’s 2009 health strengths include:
· Low prevalence of smoking
· Low rate of preventable hospitalizations
· Low rates of cancer deaths and cardiovascular deaths
Areas of improvement for Arizona include:
· High percentage of children in poverty
· High rate of uninsured population
· Limited availability of primary care physicians
Results From the Nation’s Only 20-Year Scorecard
As the health care reform debate continues, the 20th Anniversary Edition of America’s Health Rankings™ has identified trends that support the need to ensure prevention is part of the solution. The persistent use of tobacco and unprecedented rates of obesity are limiting improvements in national health outcomes.
· Smoking — Biggest Battle of Past 20 Years: Despite focused efforts, nearly one in five Americans still smoke. Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the country. Over the past year, however, more than 3 million people have quit smoking, suggesting that smoke-free laws, smoking bans, increased cigarette taxes, access to smoking cessation programs and other interventions can make an impact.
· Obesity: Next National Health Battle: Obesity is growing faster than any previous chronic health issue our nation has faced. Today, more than one in four Americans are considered obese. If current trends continue, 103 million American adults — or 43 percent of the population — will be considered obese in 2018, making obesity the nation’s next health battle.
· Other 20-Year Improvements and Challenges: Over the past 20 years, the nation has seen significant declines in crime rates, infectious disease, smoking and infant mortality rates. Challenges since 1990 include the rising uninsured rate, lack of progress in increasing high school graduation rates and the need to continue to improve access to adequate prenatal care for pregnant women.
Economic Impact of Obesity
United Health Foundation commissioned a unique supplemental report for this year’s Ranking to help understand the financial impact of obesity. This supplemental “Future Costs of Obesity” report was written by Kenneth E. Thorpe, Ph.D., Emory University professor and Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease executive director. The report is the first to provide projections around future health care costs directly attributable to obesity that have been individually calculated for each state, as well as the nation. Left unchecked, obesity will add nearly $344 billion to the nation’s annual health care costs by 2018 and account for more than 21 percent of health care spending. .
Get Informed and Take Action to Improve National Health
The 20th Anniversary Edition of America’s Health Rankings™ has more data than ever before,
and the data is now easier to access, compare and share. The following tools are now available at www.americashealthrankings.org:
· e-Rankings is a searchable database thatmakes it possible to find out how each state — and the nation — rates now compared to 20 years ago.
· Healthy Actions Center features tips, tools and programs offered by proven experts to help everyone — from individuals to elected officials — make a difference now.
· Obesity Cost Calculator highlights national and state-specific costs of obesity today and projects how those costs could skyrocket in the future.
About America’s Health Rankings™
America’s Health Rankings™is the longest running report of its kind. For 20 years, the Rankings has provided ananalysis of national health on a state-by-state basis by evaluating a historical and comprehensive set of health, environmental and socio-economic data to determine national health benchmarks and state rankings. The Rankings employs a unique methodology, developed and annually reviewed by a Scientific Advisory Committee of leading public health scholars. For more information, visit www.americashealthrankings.org.
About the United Health Foundation
Guided by a passion to help people live healthier lives, United Health Foundation provides helpful information to support decisions that lead to better health outcomes and healthier communities. The Foundation also supports activities that expand access to quality health care services for those in challenging circumstances and partners with others to improve the well being of communities. Since established by UnitedHealth Group [NYSE: UNH] in 1999 as a not‑for‑profit, private foundation, the Foundation has committed more than $170 million to improve health and health care. For more information, visit www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.
About the American Public Health Association
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world and has been working to improve public health since 1872. The Association aims to protect all Americans, their families and their communities from preventable, serious health threats and strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States. APHA represents a broad array of health professionals and others who care about their own health and the health of their communities. More information is available at www.apha.org.
About Partnership for Prevention
Partnership for Prevention is a membership organization of businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies advancing policies and practices to prevent disease and improve the health of all Americans. The organization seeks to increase investment in preventing disease, promoting health and making prevention a national priority among both the public and private sectors. For additional information, visit www.prevent.org.
Tobacco consumption and obesity have emerged as the two priorities that threaten the health of the nation. While tobacco use dropped from 19.8 percent of the population last year to 18.3 percent this year, approximately 440,000 deaths annually are still attributable to this preventable behavior.
Obesity has increased nearly 130 percent since the first edition of America’s Health Rankings.™ was issued 20 years ago. Currently, 27 percent of the population is obese.
The United States currently spends more per capita than any other nation on health care, including $1.8 trillion in medical costs associated with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, which can be linked to these national risk factors.
Arizona’s Health Checkup
This year, the Rankings not only provided an annual list of the healthiest and least healthy states, but also determined how Arizona ranked when compared to other states against the nation’s biggest health challenges since 1990.
· 2009 State Ranking: 27
· 2009 Smoking and Obesity Rankings: (based on a comparison of the incidence rates among all 50 states)
o Prevalence of Smoking: 15.9%
o Prevalence of Obesity: 25.5%
Arizona’s 2009 health strengths include:
· Low prevalence of smoking
· Low rate of preventable hospitalizations
· Low rates of cancer deaths and cardiovascular deaths
Areas of improvement for Arizona include:
· High percentage of children in poverty
· High rate of uninsured population
· Limited availability of primary care physicians
Results From the Nation’s Only 20-Year Scorecard
As the health care reform debate continues, the 20th Anniversary Edition of America’s Health Rankings™ has identified trends that support the need to ensure prevention is part of the solution. The persistent use of tobacco and unprecedented rates of obesity are limiting improvements in national health outcomes.
· Smoking — Biggest Battle of Past 20 Years: Despite focused efforts, nearly one in five Americans still smoke. Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the country. Over the past year, however, more than 3 million people have quit smoking, suggesting that smoke-free laws, smoking bans, increased cigarette taxes, access to smoking cessation programs and other interventions can make an impact.
· Obesity: Next National Health Battle: Obesity is growing faster than any previous chronic health issue our nation has faced. Today, more than one in four Americans are considered obese. If current trends continue, 103 million American adults — or 43 percent of the population — will be considered obese in 2018, making obesity the nation’s next health battle.
· Other 20-Year Improvements and Challenges: Over the past 20 years, the nation has seen significant declines in crime rates, infectious disease, smoking and infant mortality rates. Challenges since 1990 include the rising uninsured rate, lack of progress in increasing high school graduation rates and the need to continue to improve access to adequate prenatal care for pregnant women.
Economic Impact of Obesity
United Health Foundation commissioned a unique supplemental report for this year’s Ranking to help understand the financial impact of obesity. This supplemental “Future Costs of Obesity” report was written by Kenneth E. Thorpe, Ph.D., Emory University professor and Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease executive director. The report is the first to provide projections around future health care costs directly attributable to obesity that have been individually calculated for each state, as well as the nation. Left unchecked, obesity will add nearly $344 billion to the nation’s annual health care costs by 2018 and account for more than 21 percent of health care spending. .
Get Informed and Take Action to Improve National Health
The 20th Anniversary Edition of America’s Health Rankings™ has more data than ever before,
and the data is now easier to access, compare and share. The following tools are now available at www.americashealthrankings.org:
· e-Rankings is a searchable database thatmakes it possible to find out how each state — and the nation — rates now compared to 20 years ago.
· Healthy Actions Center features tips, tools and programs offered by proven experts to help everyone — from individuals to elected officials — make a difference now.
· Obesity Cost Calculator highlights national and state-specific costs of obesity today and projects how those costs could skyrocket in the future.
About America’s Health Rankings™
America’s Health Rankings™is the longest running report of its kind. For 20 years, the Rankings has provided ananalysis of national health on a state-by-state basis by evaluating a historical and comprehensive set of health, environmental and socio-economic data to determine national health benchmarks and state rankings. The Rankings employs a unique methodology, developed and annually reviewed by a Scientific Advisory Committee of leading public health scholars. For more information, visit www.americashealthrankings.org.
About the United Health Foundation
Guided by a passion to help people live healthier lives, United Health Foundation provides helpful information to support decisions that lead to better health outcomes and healthier communities. The Foundation also supports activities that expand access to quality health care services for those in challenging circumstances and partners with others to improve the well being of communities. Since established by UnitedHealth Group [NYSE: UNH] in 1999 as a not‑for‑profit, private foundation, the Foundation has committed more than $170 million to improve health and health care. For more information, visit www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.
About the American Public Health Association
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world and has been working to improve public health since 1872. The Association aims to protect all Americans, their families and their communities from preventable, serious health threats and strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States. APHA represents a broad array of health professionals and others who care about their own health and the health of their communities. More information is available at www.apha.org.
About Partnership for Prevention
Partnership for Prevention is a membership organization of businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies advancing policies and practices to prevent disease and improve the health of all Americans. The organization seeks to increase investment in preventing disease, promoting health and making prevention a national priority among both the public and private sectors. For additional information, visit www.prevent.org.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Arizona Ranks 33 in List of Most Obese States
Washington, D.C. - Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state in the past year, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity. Policies Are Failing in America 2009, a report released today by the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). Inaddition, the percentage of obese or overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.
"Our health care costs have grown along with our waist lines," said Jeff Levi, Ph.D., executive director of TFAH. "The obesity epidemic is a big contributor to the skyrocketing health care costs in the United States. How are we going to compete with the rest of the world if our economy and workforce are weighed down by bad health?"
Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5 percent, making it the fifth year in a row that the state topped the list. Four states now have rates above 30 percent, including Mississippi, West Virginia (31.2 percent), Alabama (31.1 percent) and Tennessee (30.2 percent). Eight of the 10 states withthe highest percentage of obese adults are in the South. Colorado continued to have the lowest percentage of obese adults at 18.9 percent. Arizona ranked as the 33rd most obese state.
Adult obesity rates now exceed 25 percent in 31 states and exceed 20 percent in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Two-thirds of American adults are either obese or overweight. In 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. In 1980, the national average for adult obesity was 15 percent. Sixteen statesexperienced an increase for the second year in a row, and 11 states experienced an increase for the third straight year.
Mississippi also had the highest rate of obese and overweight children (ages 10 to 17) at 44.4 percent. Minnesota and Utah had the lowest rate at 23.1 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest rates of obese and overweight children are in the South. Childhood obesity rates have more than tripled since 1980.
"Reversing the childhood obesity epidemic is a critical ingredient for delivering a healthier population and making health reform work," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., RWJF president and CEO. "If we can prevent the current generation of young people from developing the serious and costly chronic conditions related to obesity, we can not only improve health and quality of life, but we can also save billions of dollars and make our health care systems more efficient and sustainable."
The F as in Fat report contains rankings of state obesity rates and a review of federal and state government policies aimed at reducing or preventing obesity. Some additional key findings from F as in Fat 2009 include:
The current economic crisis could exacerbate the obesity epidemic. Food prices, particularly for more nutritious foods, are expected to rise, making it more difficult for families to eat healthy foods. At the same time, safety-net programs and services are becoming increasingly overextended as the numbers of unemployed, uninsured and underinsured continue to grow. In addition, due to the strain of the recession, rates of depression, anxiety and stress, which are linked to obesity for many individuals, also are increasing.
Nineteen states now have nutritional standards for school lunches, breakfasts and snacks that are stricter than current USDA requirements. Five years ago, only four states had legislation requiring stricter standards.
Twenty-seven states have nutritional standards for competitive foods sold a la carte, in vending machines, in school stores or in school bake sales. Five years ago, only six states had nutritional standards for competitive foods.
Twenty states have passed requirements for body mass index (BMI) screenings of children and adolescents or have passed legislation requiring other forms of weight-related assessments in schools. Five years ago, only four states had passed screening requirements.
A recent analysis commissioned by TFAH found that the Baby Boomer generation has a higher rate of obesity compared with previous generations. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, obesity-related costs to Medicare and Medicaid are likely to grow significantly because of the large number of people in this population and its high rate of obesity. And, as Baby Boomers become Medicare-eligible, the percentage of obese adults age 65 and older could increase significantly. Estimates of the increase in percentage of obese adults range from 5.2 percent in New York to 16.3 percent in Alabama.
Key report recommendations for addressing obesity within health reform include:
Ensuring every adult and child has access to coverage for preventive medical services, including nutrition and obesity counseling and screening for obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes;
Increasing the number of programs available in communities, schools, and childcare settings that help make nutritious foods more affordable and accessible and provide safe and healthy places for people to engage in physical activity
Reducing Medicare expenditures by promoting proven programs that improve nutrition and increase physical activity among adults ages 55 to 64. The report also calls for a National Strategy to Combat Obesity that would define roles and responsibilities for federal, state and local governments and promote collaboration among businesses, communities, schools and families. It would seek to advance policies that:
Provide healthy foods and beverages to students at schools;
Increase the availability of affordable healthy foods in all communities;
Increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity at school;
Improve access to safe and healthy places to live, work, learn, and play;
Limit screen time; and
Encourage employers to provide workplace wellness programs.
The report was supported by a grant from RWJF. Trust for America's Health is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority. www.healthyamericans.org
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. Helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care theyneed--the Foundation expects to make a difference in our lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org.
"Our health care costs have grown along with our waist lines," said Jeff Levi, Ph.D., executive director of TFAH. "The obesity epidemic is a big contributor to the skyrocketing health care costs in the United States. How are we going to compete with the rest of the world if our economy and workforce are weighed down by bad health?"
Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5 percent, making it the fifth year in a row that the state topped the list. Four states now have rates above 30 percent, including Mississippi, West Virginia (31.2 percent), Alabama (31.1 percent) and Tennessee (30.2 percent). Eight of the 10 states withthe highest percentage of obese adults are in the South. Colorado continued to have the lowest percentage of obese adults at 18.9 percent. Arizona ranked as the 33rd most obese state.
Adult obesity rates now exceed 25 percent in 31 states and exceed 20 percent in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Two-thirds of American adults are either obese or overweight. In 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. In 1980, the national average for adult obesity was 15 percent. Sixteen statesexperienced an increase for the second year in a row, and 11 states experienced an increase for the third straight year.
Mississippi also had the highest rate of obese and overweight children (ages 10 to 17) at 44.4 percent. Minnesota and Utah had the lowest rate at 23.1 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest rates of obese and overweight children are in the South. Childhood obesity rates have more than tripled since 1980.
"Reversing the childhood obesity epidemic is a critical ingredient for delivering a healthier population and making health reform work," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., RWJF president and CEO. "If we can prevent the current generation of young people from developing the serious and costly chronic conditions related to obesity, we can not only improve health and quality of life, but we can also save billions of dollars and make our health care systems more efficient and sustainable."
The F as in Fat report contains rankings of state obesity rates and a review of federal and state government policies aimed at reducing or preventing obesity. Some additional key findings from F as in Fat 2009 include:
The current economic crisis could exacerbate the obesity epidemic. Food prices, particularly for more nutritious foods, are expected to rise, making it more difficult for families to eat healthy foods. At the same time, safety-net programs and services are becoming increasingly overextended as the numbers of unemployed, uninsured and underinsured continue to grow. In addition, due to the strain of the recession, rates of depression, anxiety and stress, which are linked to obesity for many individuals, also are increasing.
Nineteen states now have nutritional standards for school lunches, breakfasts and snacks that are stricter than current USDA requirements. Five years ago, only four states had legislation requiring stricter standards.
Twenty-seven states have nutritional standards for competitive foods sold a la carte, in vending machines, in school stores or in school bake sales. Five years ago, only six states had nutritional standards for competitive foods.
Twenty states have passed requirements for body mass index (BMI) screenings of children and adolescents or have passed legislation requiring other forms of weight-related assessments in schools. Five years ago, only four states had passed screening requirements.
A recent analysis commissioned by TFAH found that the Baby Boomer generation has a higher rate of obesity compared with previous generations. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, obesity-related costs to Medicare and Medicaid are likely to grow significantly because of the large number of people in this population and its high rate of obesity. And, as Baby Boomers become Medicare-eligible, the percentage of obese adults age 65 and older could increase significantly. Estimates of the increase in percentage of obese adults range from 5.2 percent in New York to 16.3 percent in Alabama.
Key report recommendations for addressing obesity within health reform include:
Ensuring every adult and child has access to coverage for preventive medical services, including nutrition and obesity counseling and screening for obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes;
Increasing the number of programs available in communities, schools, and childcare settings that help make nutritious foods more affordable and accessible and provide safe and healthy places for people to engage in physical activity
Reducing Medicare expenditures by promoting proven programs that improve nutrition and increase physical activity among adults ages 55 to 64. The report also calls for a National Strategy to Combat Obesity that would define roles and responsibilities for federal, state and local governments and promote collaboration among businesses, communities, schools and families. It would seek to advance policies that:
Provide healthy foods and beverages to students at schools;
Increase the availability of affordable healthy foods in all communities;
Increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity at school;
Improve access to safe and healthy places to live, work, learn, and play;
Limit screen time; and
Encourage employers to provide workplace wellness programs.
The report was supported by a grant from RWJF. Trust for America's Health is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority. www.healthyamericans.org
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. Helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care theyneed--the Foundation expects to make a difference in our lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org.
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