Friday, 14 March 2014
Thursday, 13 March 2014
Princess Health and Princess Health andPoll: Kentuckians who report excellent or very good sidewalks and road shoulders are more likely to be physically active.Princessiccia
physical activity physical inactivity poll road safety walkingKentucky adults who ranked their neighborhood sidewalks and road shoulders as excellent or very good are more likely to be physically active, but only 26 percent of Kentuckians rank them that highly, according to the latest Kentucky Health Issues Poll.
"Adults who report excellent or very good neighborhood sidewalks/shoulders are more likely to report being very or somewhat physically active (84 percent) than residents who report fair to poor sidewalk/shoulder conditions (74 percent)," says a press release from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, which sponsors the poll with Interact for Health, formerly the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati.
"This finding stresses the impact of environment on activity choices," Susan Zepeda, president and CEO of the foundation, said in the release.
Despite the relatively poor rating for sidewalks and shoulders, more than half of those surveyed said their neighborhoods are excellent or very good locations to walk, jog, or bike.
Of those whose incomes are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty threshold, 74 percent said they feel somewhat or very safe being physically active outside in their neighborhoods, but only 45 percent reported walking, jogging, and biking conditions as excellent or very good.
Only 11.9 percent of Appalachian Kentuckians rated their sidewalks and shoulders as excellent or very good. The poll defines Appalachian Kentucky as the 46 counties in the Big Sandy, Buffalo Trace, Cumberland Valley, Fivco, Gateway, Kentucky River and Lake Cumberland area development districts. Just 18.9 percent of Western Kentucky residents rated their sidewalks and shoulders as excellent or very good.
To see the full geographic breakouts, click here.
"Adults who report excellent or very good neighborhood sidewalks/shoulders are more likely to report being very or somewhat physically active (84 percent) than residents who report fair to poor sidewalk/shoulder conditions (74 percent)," says a press release from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, which sponsors the poll with Interact for Health, formerly the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati.
"This finding stresses the impact of environment on activity choices," Susan Zepeda, president and CEO of the foundation, said in the release.
Despite the relatively poor rating for sidewalks and shoulders, more than half of those surveyed said their neighborhoods are excellent or very good locations to walk, jog, or bike.
Of those whose incomes are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty threshold, 74 percent said they feel somewhat or very safe being physically active outside in their neighborhoods, but only 45 percent reported walking, jogging, and biking conditions as excellent or very good.
Only 11.9 percent of Appalachian Kentuckians rated their sidewalks and shoulders as excellent or very good. The poll defines Appalachian Kentucky as the 46 counties in the Big Sandy, Buffalo Trace, Cumberland Valley, Fivco, Gateway, Kentucky River and Lake Cumberland area development districts. Just 18.9 percent of Western Kentucky residents rated their sidewalks and shoulders as excellent or very good.
To see the full geographic breakouts, click here.
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Princess Health and Princess Health andWith smoking ban dead for this year, its Senate sponsor holds a last-ditch discussion as she looks to another office.Princessiccia
General Assembly legislation legislature smoking smoking ban smoking ordinances tobacco tobacco preventionBy Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
Republican Sen. Julie Denton, sponsor of the Senate bill for a statewide smoking ban, held a last-ditch discussion Wednesday with the committee she chairs about why Kentucky needs such a law.
It was a discussion with no action possible because Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, who opposes Senate Bill 117, assigned it to the Judiciary Committee, of which he is a member, instead of the Health and Welfare Committee, headed by Denton, who is running for the Louisville Metro Council rather than re-election.
A frustrated Denton opened the discussion with personal stories about growing up with a grandfather who smoked heavily and the effects this has had on her father who has asthma and frequent respiratory infections. She said her daughter, who has asthma, cannot tolerate exposure to any smoke.
"This is a public health issue, not about personal rights," Denton argued.
She said governments infringe on personal liberties "all the time" to support public health. She gave examples of speed-limit laws, seat-belt laws, laws that prohibit texting while driving, laws that prohibit drinking and driving, building codes and car-seat law requirements.
"To say this is different than all the others is disingenuous," she said.
As for the argument that non-smokers did not have to enter establishments that allow smoking, she said that is not an option for many who work in places that allow smoking: "People can't afford to just go to another job."
Denton said if the bill had been sent to her committee it would have been sent to the full Senate for a vote, but "Politics is standing in the way." Not only is Stivers against it, leaders of the House's Democratic majority blocked a vote on the House smoking-ban bill, citing members' concerns about political repercussions in the fall elections, when Republicans hope to take over the House.
Democratic Sen. Julian Carroll, a former governor, commended Denton, saying her comments were both "relevant and very important."
Carroll said "I am strongly in support of this bill" because of the cost Kentucky pays for people who smoke. He said the current state budget spends $9.5 billion on health care, and smoking is a strong contributor to that number.
Ashli Watts of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce said smoking costs Kentucky $1.5 billion every year, creates work absenteeism, raises tax and insurance costs and is bankrupting the state. She said more than 90 percent of Chamber members in a 2013 survey supported a ban, and it is time to join the other 24 states with such laws.
Dr. Sylvia Cerel-Suhl of the American Heart Association gave a long list of reasons to support the bill. "There is no longer any debate that second hand smoke causes death," she said, adding later, "Just in Kentucky, we are losing 1,000 people a year to secondhand smoke." Sherri Irwin of the Kentucky Rural Health Association cited the same number.
As a parting suggestion, Denton said Kentucky might consider allowing local governments to opt out of a statewide ban. Dozens of localities have bans, thought some have significant exemptions.
Denton acknowledged a collective frustration in the committee and said, "I won't be here next year; hopefully, you all will push through."
Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington said, "Perseverance does pay off. We will make this bill law one of these days."
Kentucky Health News
Republican Sen. Julie Denton, sponsor of the Senate bill for a statewide smoking ban, held a last-ditch discussion Wednesday with the committee she chairs about why Kentucky needs such a law.
It was a discussion with no action possible because Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, who opposes Senate Bill 117, assigned it to the Judiciary Committee, of which he is a member, instead of the Health and Welfare Committee, headed by Denton, who is running for the Louisville Metro Council rather than re-election.
A frustrated Denton opened the discussion with personal stories about growing up with a grandfather who smoked heavily and the effects this has had on her father who has asthma and frequent respiratory infections. She said her daughter, who has asthma, cannot tolerate exposure to any smoke.
 |
| Denton (Legislative Research Commission photo) |
She said governments infringe on personal liberties "all the time" to support public health. She gave examples of speed-limit laws, seat-belt laws, laws that prohibit texting while driving, laws that prohibit drinking and driving, building codes and car-seat law requirements.
"To say this is different than all the others is disingenuous," she said.
As for the argument that non-smokers did not have to enter establishments that allow smoking, she said that is not an option for many who work in places that allow smoking: "People can't afford to just go to another job."
Denton said if the bill had been sent to her committee it would have been sent to the full Senate for a vote, but "Politics is standing in the way." Not only is Stivers against it, leaders of the House's Democratic majority blocked a vote on the House smoking-ban bill, citing members' concerns about political repercussions in the fall elections, when Republicans hope to take over the House.
Democratic Sen. Julian Carroll, a former governor, commended Denton, saying her comments were both "relevant and very important."
Carroll said "I am strongly in support of this bill" because of the cost Kentucky pays for people who smoke. He said the current state budget spends $9.5 billion on health care, and smoking is a strong contributor to that number.
Ashli Watts of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce said smoking costs Kentucky $1.5 billion every year, creates work absenteeism, raises tax and insurance costs and is bankrupting the state. She said more than 90 percent of Chamber members in a 2013 survey supported a ban, and it is time to join the other 24 states with such laws.
Dr. Sylvia Cerel-Suhl of the American Heart Association gave a long list of reasons to support the bill. "There is no longer any debate that second hand smoke causes death," she said, adding later, "Just in Kentucky, we are losing 1,000 people a year to secondhand smoke." Sherri Irwin of the Kentucky Rural Health Association cited the same number.
 |
| Smoke-Free Kentucky map; click on it for larger version |
Denton acknowledged a collective frustration in the committee and said, "I won't be here next year; hopefully, you all will push through."
Sen. Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington said, "Perseverance does pay off. We will make this bill law one of these days."
Princess Health and Princess Health andSenate OKs bill to fund pediatric cancer and autism research.Princessiccia
autism cancer children's health federal spending politics researchWith the backing of Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, the U.S. Senate has passed a bill designed to assist in funding research of pediatric cancer and autism, funded by money now used to pay for presidential campaigns and party conventions.
The proposed Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act authorizes $12.6 million a year for 10 years, McConnell press secretary Robert Steurer said in an email.
McConnell's likely Democratic opponent in the November election, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, said he delayed passage of the bill, but McConnell's office blamed Democratic objections.
McConnell said in a floor speech, "As a survivor of polio as a child, I have always empathized with children battling life-threatening or disabling disorders," and it is "about time" this bill passed. It goes to President Barack Obama for his signature, reports Joseph Gerth of The Courier-Journal.
Grimes found fault with McConnell's written reply to an inquiry about the bill, telling the constituent he would "keep your support in mind." Gerth reports, "McConnell's Senate office on Tuesday said that the Senate Republican Caucus had agreed to unanimously support the measure on Jan. 7."
The proposed Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act authorizes $12.6 million a year for 10 years, McConnell press secretary Robert Steurer said in an email.
McConnell's likely Democratic opponent in the November election, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, said he delayed passage of the bill, but McConnell's office blamed Democratic objections.
McConnell said in a floor speech, "As a survivor of polio as a child, I have always empathized with children battling life-threatening or disabling disorders," and it is "about time" this bill passed. It goes to President Barack Obama for his signature, reports Joseph Gerth of The Courier-Journal.
Grimes found fault with McConnell's written reply to an inquiry about the bill, telling the constituent he would "keep your support in mind." Gerth reports, "McConnell's Senate office on Tuesday said that the Senate Republican Caucus had agreed to unanimously support the measure on Jan. 7."
Princess Health and Princess Health andStudents in 2 Appalachian Ohio high schools help reduce classmates' consumption of sugary drinks, a bane in the region.Princessiccia
Appalachia child obesity nutrition obesity research schools sugar youthIn a region where sweet-tea and soda is more popular than water, student-led groups in Appalachian Ohio were successful in reducing the amount of sugary drinks students consumed, reports The Ohio State University's Center for Clinical and Translational Science.
As part of the study, student-led teen advisory councils in the two Southern Ohio high schools implemented a 30-day intervention called "Sodabriety" to reduce the amount of sugary drinks students consumed. Results of the study were published in the March issue of the Journal of School Health.
The councils informed students about the risks of sugary drinks, put green ribbons on students' cars to remind them of the dangers, offered daily "sugar facts" during the morning announcements, performed soda-themed rap songs at student events and gave away water bottles with a "What's in your cup?" slogan.
The efforts paid off. Not only did some teens completely give up sugared drinks, but water consumption nearly doubled. Some students even reported weight loss, less acne and increased energy, Smith said.
A typical 20-ounce soda contains 15 to 18 teaspoons of sugar and upwards of 240 calories. A 64-ounce fountain cola drink could have up to 700 calories, says a fact sheet from the Harvard School of Public Health.
Kentucky high-school students rank third in the U.S. in obesity, with 33.4 percent overweight or obese, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consumption of sugary beverages is a problem in Appalachia, where obesity contributes heavily to the region's health issues.
�Teens who grow up in this region are ultimately more likely to die from cancer, diabetes and heart disease than any other place in the nation, and obesity is the common risk factor for all of those illnesses,� said nurse Laureen Smith, one of the researchers. �A child�s odds of becoming obese increases almost two times with each additional daily serving of a sugar sweetened drink, and Appalachian kids drink more of these types of beverages than kids in other parts of the country.�
Smith added, �Sugar sweetened beverages are the largest source of sugar in the American diet. For some teens, they account for almost one-third of daily caloric intake, and that amount is even higher among Appalachian adolescents. If we can help teens reduce sugared-beverage intake now, we might be able to help them avoid obesity and other diseases later in life.�
The councils informed students about the risks of sugary drinks, put green ribbons on students' cars to remind them of the dangers, offered daily "sugar facts" during the morning announcements, performed soda-themed rap songs at student events and gave away water bottles with a "What's in your cup?" slogan.
The efforts paid off. Not only did some teens completely give up sugared drinks, but water consumption nearly doubled. Some students even reported weight loss, less acne and increased energy, Smith said.
A typical 20-ounce soda contains 15 to 18 teaspoons of sugar and upwards of 240 calories. A 64-ounce fountain cola drink could have up to 700 calories, says a fact sheet from the Harvard School of Public Health.
Kentucky high-school students rank third in the U.S. in obesity, with 33.4 percent overweight or obese, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consumption of sugary beverages is a problem in Appalachia, where obesity contributes heavily to the region's health issues.
�Teens who grow up in this region are ultimately more likely to die from cancer, diabetes and heart disease than any other place in the nation, and obesity is the common risk factor for all of those illnesses,� said nurse Laureen Smith, one of the researchers. �A child�s odds of becoming obese increases almost two times with each additional daily serving of a sugar sweetened drink, and Appalachian kids drink more of these types of beverages than kids in other parts of the country.�
Smith added, �Sugar sweetened beverages are the largest source of sugar in the American diet. For some teens, they account for almost one-third of daily caloric intake, and that amount is even higher among Appalachian adolescents. If we can help teens reduce sugared-beverage intake now, we might be able to help them avoid obesity and other diseases later in life.�
Monday, 10 March 2014
Princess Health and Princess Health andKentucky does well in national comparison of premiums and tax credits in new health-insurance system.Princessiccia
health care costs health care law obamacare Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act rural-urban disparitiesUnder the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, health-insurance costs vary from region to region and state to state, and federal subsidies won't remove all of the differences, Christopher Snowbeck and MaryJo Webster write for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and state-run health insurance exchanges, Kentucky's cost of coverage compares favorably; most areas in the state have prices that are between 2.63 and 8.68 percent of annual income. Of course, the lower prices in Kentucky�and in other states�might be correlated to narrower networks of health-care providers, which insurers are using to limit costs. Here's a screen grab of an interactive map showing costs of coverage for different ages and incomes; for the actual interactive map, click here.
In more urbanized areas, where insurance competition is greater and prices are lower, smaller tax credits are needed, but more subsidy is needed in places with higher premiums�such as rural areas of the South. "Because there is so much geographic variation in cost, the government does have to pitch in a larger portion of premium in higher-cost areas to make coverage affordable," said Cynthia Cox, a researcher at the California-based Kaiser Family Foundation.
Though some people feel that the law is unfair and that they don't receive the tax credits as high as in other areas, the PPACA exists to ensure that "people at certain income levels pay no more than a set share of income to buy the midlevel 'benchmark' health plan where they live," Snowbeck and Webster write. Some variation in price disappeared, though, because insurance companies can no longer refuse to cover people who have pre-existing health conditions, said Jonathan Gruber, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist who helped craft the law.
Coverage prices differ because of factors such as health status, cost of living and competition among insurance companies. However, though the same plan sells for $170 per month in Pittsburgh and $450 in areas of Georgia, federal subsidies based on income brign the latter cost below $300. "The tax credits can help us bring that premium cost down and say to people: 'It's now in the achievable range,'" said Tracy Brosius of the Wyoming Institute of Population Health.
Sometimes the tax-credit system actually allows people in higher-cost cities to pay less than those from lower-cost cities. "Assessing which consumers wind up with the 'better deals' can be complicated, policy experts say, because the lowest-cost silver plans available in different regions likely have different coverage details, such as deductibles and networks of doctors and hospitals," Snowbeck and Webster write. Though some argue that the new system doesn't offer incentives for regions that more provide more effective health care, Cox said "Insurers still have a financial incentive to keep premiums low to attract enrollees, particularly young enrollees who might not be tax-credit eligible." (Read more)
In more urbanized areas, where insurance competition is greater and prices are lower, smaller tax credits are needed, but more subsidy is needed in places with higher premiums�such as rural areas of the South. "Because there is so much geographic variation in cost, the government does have to pitch in a larger portion of premium in higher-cost areas to make coverage affordable," said Cynthia Cox, a researcher at the California-based Kaiser Family Foundation.
Though some people feel that the law is unfair and that they don't receive the tax credits as high as in other areas, the PPACA exists to ensure that "people at certain income levels pay no more than a set share of income to buy the midlevel 'benchmark' health plan where they live," Snowbeck and Webster write. Some variation in price disappeared, though, because insurance companies can no longer refuse to cover people who have pre-existing health conditions, said Jonathan Gruber, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist who helped craft the law.
Coverage prices differ because of factors such as health status, cost of living and competition among insurance companies. However, though the same plan sells for $170 per month in Pittsburgh and $450 in areas of Georgia, federal subsidies based on income brign the latter cost below $300. "The tax credits can help us bring that premium cost down and say to people: 'It's now in the achievable range,'" said Tracy Brosius of the Wyoming Institute of Population Health.
Sometimes the tax-credit system actually allows people in higher-cost cities to pay less than those from lower-cost cities. "Assessing which consumers wind up with the 'better deals' can be complicated, policy experts say, because the lowest-cost silver plans available in different regions likely have different coverage details, such as deductibles and networks of doctors and hospitals," Snowbeck and Webster write. Though some argue that the new system doesn't offer incentives for regions that more provide more effective health care, Cox said "Insurers still have a financial incentive to keep premiums low to attract enrollees, particularly young enrollees who might not be tax-credit eligible." (Read more)
Sunday, 9 March 2014
Princess Health and2014 Chilly Half Marathon.Princessiccia
For the second weekend in a row, we had athletes in action. For some it was a training race, for others it was a hammerfest. Here is how we did at the 2014 edition of the Chilly Half. Full Results.
First up, RunnerRob (left side of picture) had an awesome return from training in Kenya. He started out hard, going through 5K in 17minutes. He simply wasn't able to hang on to that pace, but still managed an awesome time of 1:18!
Doritos Dave had an outstanding race. We always expect him to race well...but not this well! He manged a HUGE PB of 1:22:14. This is especially impressive given the brutal winter, racing the weekend before, and the cold temps on race day. This very well could be a break-through year for Dave!
The Mailman also delivered on race day! A last minute sign-up, Aaron Mailman surprised himself with a new PB of 1:26:25.
Kevin Post, who has perfected his pre-race smile (see right), also had an awesome race. He managed a massive PB by almost 4.5 minutes!
Battling a shin injury, Holger put his high-mileage training to use, coming in at 1:28:46!
Despite just becoming a new Dad, and having very limited training, Will put together an awesome race, finishing just shy of his PB.
Graham Dunn also laced it up for H+P, putting in a great training run, finishing in just over 1:30!
First up, RunnerRob (left side of picture) had an awesome return from training in Kenya. He started out hard, going through 5K in 17minutes. He simply wasn't able to hang on to that pace, but still managed an awesome time of 1:18!
Doritos Dave had an outstanding race. We always expect him to race well...but not this well! He manged a HUGE PB of 1:22:14. This is especially impressive given the brutal winter, racing the weekend before, and the cold temps on race day. This very well could be a break-through year for Dave!
The Mailman also delivered on race day! A last minute sign-up, Aaron Mailman surprised himself with a new PB of 1:26:25.
Kevin Post, who has perfected his pre-race smile (see right), also had an awesome race. He managed a massive PB by almost 4.5 minutes!
Battling a shin injury, Holger put his high-mileage training to use, coming in at 1:28:46!
Despite just becoming a new Dad, and having very limited training, Will put together an awesome race, finishing just shy of his PB.
Graham Dunn also laced it up for H+P, putting in a great training run, finishing in just over 1:30!
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