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A recent survey conducted on behalf of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) found that 82 per cent of parents in Ontario have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours in school zones – that’s a four per cent increase compared to last year. More than half (55 per cent) consider the roads around their child’s school to be unsafe. “Our children deserve to travel to and from school safely,” says Tracy Marshall, manager of community relations at CAA SCO. “As another school year begins, drivers should prepare for higher traffic periods in school zones and drive with extra vigilance.” According to the survey, some of the most common dangerous driving behaviours parents have witnessed include speeding, double parking and stopping in undesignated areas. Of those surveyed, the car remains the primary mode of transportation to and from school. Because of this, more than 80 per cent of parents report experiencing congestion around their child’s school. In fact, survey respondents believe that parents in a hurry (38 per cent), too much congestion (33 per cent) and parents not following the drop off or pick up procedures contribute the most to unsafe driving behaviours in school zones. Majority of parents say more can be done to help drivers slow down in school zones. Ninety-one per cent of parents in Ontario support lowering the speed limit in school zones with 83 per cent that say speed limits should be 30km/h or lower. When it comes to Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE): Seventy-seven per cent – an 11 per cent jump compared to last year – strongly support the use of it in school zones. Eighty-one per cent believe its presence would deter speeding around schools. Seventy-five per cent say that it should remain permanent in school zones. Drivers reminded to follow the rules of the road in school zones, especially near school buses. “It is dangerous and illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended,” says Marshall. According to the survey, 11 per cent of parents report having ever been charged with failure to stop for a school bus. “Not only do you risk facing a fine of up to $2,000 and six demerit points for a first offense, but you are also putting the lives of others at risk,” adds Marshall. How drivers can help keep school zones safe. Drivers can also use the following CAA tips to ensure they are staying safe in school zones: Help reduce traffic with active school travel: Encourage your kids to walk or wheel to school to ease traffic congestion. If your school is a further distance, CAA encourages parents and guardians to park a block away and walk to school to reduce traffic and make school zones safer. Slow down: Know the speed limit in your neighbourhood’s school zones and respect them. Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to drop off your kids at school to avoid rushing. Choose a safe spot to drop off and pick up your children from school: Follow your school’s rules and avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks, dropping off or picking up your kids on the opposite side of the street, and stopping in moving traffic as kids rush out. Instead, use the designated drop off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe. Make eye contact with pedestrians: With the excitement of going back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle, so ensure to make eye contact with pedestrians crossing the road. Watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers: When travelling to and from school, watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers in their lime green safety vests, as they play an important role in ensuring the roadway is safe before kids cross on their own. CAA supports safety in school zones through the CAA School Safety Patrol® program, developed to protect and educate elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices. CAA’s Ontario Road Safety Resource is a toolkit with valuable lesson plans for teachers to help educate students about road safety. To learn more please visit www.caasco.com/schoolzone. About the survey. The study, commissioned by CCG conducted by Dig Insights in May 2023 surveyed 1,560 Ontario parents/guardians between the ages of 18 and 74 with children attending school from kindergarten to grade 8. The margin of error for a sample of this size is plus or minus 2% at the 95% confidence level.
As Popularity of Weight Loss Medicine Soars, Professionals Caution Against “Magic Pill” Mindset
A growing weight-loss fad has been dominating headlines this summer. No, it isn't a new type of trendy diet, exercise regimen or social media influencer-touted superfood. It's two medications—Ozempic and Wegovy—that have skyrocketed in popularity as more Americans turn to these once-weekly injections to aid in their weight loss efforts. But, while acknowledging the drugs' effectiveness, their intended patient populations and appropriate usage has become far more nuanced and situational, and the intended outcome of long-term weight loss and health is dependent on more than just taking either of these medications once a week. "While these medications can be helpful for some people who struggle with weight loss, it's important to remember that they are not a magic solution," said Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RDN, LDN, director of the MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research at Villanova University's M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. First, it's important to understand the components and histories of both Ozempic and Wegovy. They are prescription medications of the same drug, semaglutide, which belong "to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes," per Shenkman. It was discovered by researchers that significant weight loss was a side effect of semaglutide. Ozempic is the 2017 FDA-approved drug used to help treat diabetes. Currently, it is not FDA approved for weight loss and typically not covered by health insurance when used for that purpose, per Shenkman, but is often prescribed off label for "weight management in certain individuals who do not have diabetes, but struggle with obesity or [are] overweight." Wegovy was approved by the FDA in 2021 as an anti-obesity drug used for individuals living with obesity or individuals with excess weight, but not classified as living with obesity, who also have other associated health problems. "When used correctly, the drugs can have many benefits," Shenkman said. "[Semaglutide] is shown to improve diabetes and body weight in addition to seeing improvements in cardiovascular health and risk factors." However, "correct use" is what concerns Shenkman and other health and nutrition professionals. "Anti-obesity drugs are a valuable tool for people who have not experienced adequate benefit from self-directed or professionally directed lifestyle treatment," she said. "However, what we are seeing more and more of now is that people are requesting anti-obesity medications without meeting eligibility criteria for drug use, [such as] body mass index and weight criteria, [or] having the foundational knowledge and application of healthy lifestyle behaviors prior to medication use." To Shenkman's first point, there are several factors, especially in American society, driving those who may not meet the criteria for these medicines or even truly need them to request and ultimately receive the drugs. The media's portrayal of ideal body image is an enormous influence, which can lead to "body dissatisfaction and a desire for quick weight loss solutions," said Shenkman. Advertisements for these drugs often promote those ideas, and even downplay side effects, making them more appealing. Intrinsically tied to body image is the struggle many individuals have with psychological issues related to food, such as emotional or binge eating. "They feel that their self-worth is tied to their weight, and they will do almost anything to lose weight, whether it be five or 50 pounds." Shenkman said. "These individuals might believe that medication will help them control their eating habits more effectively." Identification of such issues prior to prescription approval is something that providers need to be aware of and screen for, Shenkman said. "It is so important for providers to complete a comprehensive pre-treatment assessment of their patients who start on weight loss medications. Unsupervised or improper use can lead to malnutrition, unhealthy weight loss or even a worsening of an undiagnosed or undertreated eating disorder or mental health condition." But even users who meet all pre-treatment criteria may be turning to the drugs in haste, or believe that they alone will solve their problems, and do so quickly. "Americans are known for having that 'quick-fix mentality' where people often seek quick solutions to their problems, including weight loss," Shenkman said. "Weight loss medications might promise faster results compared to lifestyle changes, which can take time and dedication." Compounding this "quick-fix mentality" is the frustration many feel when they fail to see results after multiple unsuccessful attempts at weight management. "The abundance of information on diets, exercise routines and weight loss programs can be overwhelming… Some may turn to medications as they seem more straightforward and require less effort to understand," explained Shenkman. But, as health care providers know, they are far from straightforward. All drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, come with the potential for side effects, which can vary with the individual. Headlines this summer focused on reports of users experiencing gastroparesis, described by Shenkman as the "the slowing down or 'paralysis' of the digestive system and gastric (or stomach) emptying." Though most often reported to cause nausea and vomiting, complications of gastroparesis can be quite serious. "If someone continues the medication and experiences chronic gastroparesis, complications to be aware of include malnutrition, dehydration, acid reflux, blood sugar control and even bowel obstruction," Shenkman said. The American Society of Anesthesiology also recently issued guidance on the use of such drugs prior to surgery, given potential life-threatening complications. "When prescribing anti-obesity medication, it is the responsibility of healthcare providers to inform patients about potential side effects and risks associated with the medication," Shenkman said. "It is also the right of the patient/consumer to ask questions and understand what they are putting in their body. A thorough discussion about benefits and possible adverse effects can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment." Many users may also not fully understand that these drugs are usually taken long-term, even after reaching a desired weight. Stopping without the knowledge of how to keep the weight off may lead to its return. Considering the pros and cons of the drugs, Shenkman's advice is simple. "Weight loss medications should always be used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity and lifestyle changes. Relying solely on medications without addressing other aspects of weight management is not likely to lead to long-term success no matter how long you stay on a medication."
Aston Business School announces strategic partnership with ISACA
It will help ABS graduates optimise their career potential with industry leading credentials in cyber security and risk management Aston University’s Cyber Security Innovation Centre has gained ISACA Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) status The partnership forms an Academic Centre of Excellence (ACoE) at Aston Business School. The Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Centre at Aston University has announced a strategic partnership and the formation of an Academic Centre of Excellence with the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). It will provide an added value for ABS graduates through taking ISACA certifications to optimise their career potential. Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, a senior lecturer in cyber security management at the CSI Centre at Aston Business School, said: “There is an acute shortage of skills in the cyber security sector and we are delighted to be leading the field of executive education of future professionals under the recognition of a Centre of Excellence.” The CSI Centre and ISACA UK Central Chapter have been working together for the past four years, with both parties being ISACA ATOs (Accredited Training Organisations) in their own right, delivering high quality virtual and face-to-face instructor-led training which is helping delegates to achieve exam success and benefit from network membership of over 170,000 cyber professionals world wide. ISACA UK Central celebrated its 30 year anniversary in 2023. Their instructors are working consultants, with a wealth of experience as chief information security officers (CISOs), risk managers and IT audit directors, bringing the topic to life using real examples and practical knowledge. Professor Zoe Radnor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said: “Taking our executive education in the cyber security direction is a strategic priority as Aston University has positioned itself as leader in digital technologies. The CSI Centre of Excellence underscores this priority.” Professor Helen Higson, deputy dean of Aston Business School, said: “The CSI Centre academics are always forward looking at the new demands in education and have created a dynamic set of postgraduate offering highly relevant in the market.” Professor Aleks Subic, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Aston University, said: “In line with our 2030 strategy focused on establishing Aston University as a leader in digital innovation, the Centre of Excellence represents an important step towards making Aston University a sector leader in cyber security.”
A new study conducted on behalf of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO), found that 51 per cent of Ontario drivers label speeding as a ‘big problem’ within the province – that number has crept up three per cent compared to last year. “Speeding continues to be the most common dangerous driving behaviour that drivers are both witnessing and engaging in,” says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant, Government and Community Relations, CAA SCO. While many have witnessed motorists speeding, they don’t believe they are the issue The study also found that 81 per cent of Ontario drivers have witnessed others speeding but only 38 per cent admit to doing it themselves. After their main concern of speeding, other common dangerous driving behaviours that drivers see and admit to doing include: Aggressive driving Unsafe lane changes Distracted driving Running stop signs and red lights Among those who admit to speeding, almost two thirds (63 per cent) drive between 10-19 km/hr over the speed limit. “It may seem harmless to drive an additional 10 or 15 km/hr above the posted speed limit, but the risk outweighs the benefit,” says Stewart. According to the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, travelling even 10 km/hr over the speed limit increases the likelihood of a collision by 60 per cent, while saving the average driver only four minutes on their commute. “Drivers are urged to be considerate of their speed and drive according to speed limits to keep themselves and others safe on the road,” says Stewart. Most drivers say they believe photo radar helps deter speeding, but many try to avoid it. While 77 per cent of Ontario drivers believe that Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) can help deter speeding, one in four drivers try to avoid roads with an ASE. It was also found that 44 per cent are likely to increase their speed after passing an ASE camera. According to the survey, 1.5 million Ontario drivers have received a ticket from an ASE camera. Steep penalties remain for excessive speeding. The rise in speeding and stunt driving prompted the Ontario government to introduce tougher fines and penalties in 2021, through the Moving Ontarians More Safely Act. Drivers caught by police travelling 50 km/hr or more over the speed limit, or 40 km/hr or more on roads with a speed limit less than 80 km/hr, face: An immediate licence suspension for 30 days and their vehicle impounded for 14 days. If convicted, drivers face a minimum fine of $2,000, up to a maximum of $10,000. A first conviction will also net a minimum one-year licence suspension, while a third would carry a lifetime driving ban. “If you come across an aggressive driver who is speeding, the best thing you can do is stay calm, focus on your driving and do not engage with the other driver,” says Stewart. “If someone is driving erratically or you believe their behaviour could be an immediate danger to others, safely pull over and call 911, or report them online when you get home.”
Expert warns: Political violence may escalate to civil war scale during 2024 election season
The violent January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol is not the end of the story of contemporary political violence in the United States. Stuart J. Kaufman, professor of political science and international relations at the University of Delaware, projects that political violence will be worse during the 2024 election campaign season. He has found that there is a significant risk that such violence could reach a scale that qualifies as a civil war. Professor Kaufman can speak to how political rhetoric, from politicians and the media, is contributing to an atmosphere that makes political violence increasingly probable, and to the impact that legal charges against former President Donald Trump may have on that probability. Click on his icon to arrange an interview.
ChristianaCare’s Union Hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient. This distinction places Union Hospital, part of ChristianaCare’s Cecil County Campus in Maryland, among the top 10% of all short-term acute care hospitals as evaluated by Healthgrades. Union Hospital is one of only five hospitals in Maryland to receive the 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award™. “At ChristianaCare, we commit to being exceptional today and even better tomorrow,” said Kert F. Anzilotti, M.D., MBA, FACR, system chief medical officer. “We are proud that Healthgrades has recognized our deep commitment to excellence in patient safety. This award belongs to all our Union Hospital caregivers.” Among the most important ingredients to Union Hospital’s success in patient safety has been standardization of evidence-based practices. Examples include a standardized process for central line insertion that reduces the risk of central line infections, and standardized patient handling processes that help to prevent falls. Union Hospital also established a multidisciplinary committee that standardized caregivers’ approach to skin assessment to prevent pressure injuries. Safe care saves lives During the 2019-2021 study period, 164,592 potentially preventable patient safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals.* Healthgrades’ analysis revealed that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Healthgrades 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award were, on average: 61.4% less likely to experience an in-hospital fall resulting in hip fracture than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.* 52.7% less likely to experience a collapsed lung resulting from a procedure or surgery in or around the chest than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.* 66.1% less likely to experience pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.* 67.3% less likely to experience catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital than patients treated at nonrecipient hospitals.* Healthgrades noted that if all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to the 2023 Patient Safety Award recipients then 95,880 patient safety events could have been avoided on average.* “Through our 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Awards, we seek to recognize hospitals that excel in providing top-quality care for their patients while preventing serious injuries during hospital stays,” said Brad Bowman, M.D., chief medical officer and head of Data Science at Healthgrades. “We are proud to name ChristianaCare’s Union Hospital as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient and look forward to their continued efforts to make patient safety a top priority.” Consumers can visit healthgrades.com for more information on how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and to access the complete methodology. *Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 2022.0.1) for MedPAR data years 2019 through 2021 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.
A recent survey conducted on behalf of CAA Insurance Company has found that a growing number of Ontarians have significant concerns about vehicle theft. The findings indicate that almost half of respondents (47 per cent) are very concerned about auto theft. That number increases to 57 per cent for those living in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In contrast, those who live in either Northern (14 per cent) or Southwestern Ontario (10 per cent) were less worried about auto theft. "As an organization, we are deeply concerned about the rising trend of auto theft in Ontario and across the country. The survey results highlight the urgency of taking comprehensive action to protect our communities," says Elliott Silverstein, director of government relations CAA Insurance Company. Many Ontarians have a false sense of security. While many of those surveyed are concerned about the increase in vehicle theft, far fewer (30 per cent) are worried that their vehicle is at risk of getting stolen. This discrepancy suggests that many Ontarians may have a false sense of security when trusting that their cars are not at risk of being stolen. In most cases, basic auto theft prevention does not go far enough. According to the Solicitor General of Ontario, a car is stolen every 48 minutes. From 2014 to 2021, there was a 72 per cent increase in auto theft across the province, with a 14 per cent increase in the last year alone. While many people are diligent about locking their doors, basic auto theft prevention does not go far enough. Eighty-two per cent of drivers are ensuring their vehicle is always locked. Seventy-seven per cent of drivers ensure valuables are out of sight. Nearly 50 per cent of drivers park their cars in locked garages. Six per cent of drivers use a steering wheel lock, and only 8 per cent use a Faraday box to block the transmission of RFID signals. "Auto theft can happen to anyone, and drivers need to do more than just lock their doors to make their vehicle difficult to steal. We are urging Ontarians to take additional preventive measures to safeguard their vehicles, making them less appealing targets for thieves," adds Silverstein. Tips that can help deter vehicle theft As car-related thefts in Ontario have risen dramatically. Here are tips that can help deter vehicle theft: Secure your parked vehicle with an anti-theft deterrent such as a steering wheel lock, brake pedal lock or wheel & tire lock device like "The Club" Store your key fob in a Faraday box/pouch to block its signal from being hacked Lock your doors, and if you have a garage, park your vehicle inside If you have multiple vehicles, park the less expensive one closest to the street Install motion sensors on your driveway and a camera to capture any activity Cover the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) so that it’s not visible on the dashboard Store an Air Tag in your vehicle to track your vehicle should it be stolen Ensure items are out of sight, and do not leave valuables in your vehicle at all Never leave your vehicle running Share any suspicious activity with law enforcement CAA Insurance believes that to combat auto theft properly; it will require collaboration with the government, insurers, vehicle manufacturers, and others, including Canada Border Services Agency. About This Survey The survey conducted for CAA Insurance Company is a representative sample of 2,000 Ontarians balanced and weighted on age, gender, and region. Comparative margin of error = +/-3.1%
Nicholas Petrelli, M.D., Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Nicholas Petrelli, M.D., Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. Petrelli is a 1973 graduate of the school. Dr. Petrelli, center, receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from Julius L. Levy, Jr., M.D., past president, Tulane Medical Alumni Association, left, and Lee Hamm, M.D., senior vice president & dean of the School of Medicine, and the James R. Doty Distinguished Professor and Chair, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana. The award recognizes an alumnus of the school who has made significant contributions to the field of medicine and has offered outstanding leadership in the community. Under Petrelli’s leadership at ChristianaCare since 2001, the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute has become a national model for multidisciplinary cancer care and a top enroller in U.S. clinical research trials. The Graham Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program and one of only five hybrid academic community cancer centers in the nation. Through the work of the Graham Cancer Center and partnerships with health care providers, community organizations and the state to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, Delaware’s cancer mortality rate has dropped twice as fast as the national rate. In addition, the state is outpacing the nation in reducing deaths from a number of cancers. Delaware has gone from number one in cancer mortality 22 years ago to number 17 today. Petrelli has numerous achievements in cancer care and research. He has established several firsts for Delaware, including a multidisciplinary disease center site, the Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research, a tissue procurement center, an adult genetic counseling program, a statewide high-risk family cancer registry consisting of more than 500,000 individuals and an innovative oncology express unit to provide patients with cancer a way to address urgent care needs without having to go to the emergency department. Among his accomplishments on the national level are the first primary care practice established at a cancer center and the first gene editing research program integrated into a community cancer center. Through a unique research partnership with the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center of The Wistar Institute, he has brought cutting-edge cancer treatments and diagnostics to Delawareans. And in a ground-breaking collaboration among the government, community organizations and the Graham Cancer Center nearly 10 years ago, Delaware ended the disparity between Black and white people for colorectal cancer screenings and mortality, which continues to this day. Petrelli has received numerous awards and has authored 360 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 31 book chapters. He has served on advisory panels of the National Cancer Institute, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Cancer Society and the Society of Surgical Oncology. He was president of the Society of Surgical Oncology from 2007 to 2008. In 2013 he received the Order of the First State Award, the highest honor in the state, from Delaware Gov. Jack Markell. In 2019 he received the James Tilton award (named for the first U.S. Army Surgeon General) from the Medical Society of Delaware.
New Policy on BMI Use Will Change How Physicians Approach Diagnoses and Care
The Body Mass Index – or BMI – table was created in the mid-1800s, and for the last several decades has been viewed as the choice tool to diagnose obesity. However, the American Medical Association (AMA) recently issued a policy clarifying the role of BMI after taking a comprehensive look at both its benefits and limitations as a diagnostic tool. In short, the new policy urges physicians to use BMI only in conjunction with other measures of risk and recognizes the historical shortcomings of the oft-used formula. Lisa Diewald, MS, RDN, LDN, is the program manager of the MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research with Villanova’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. She applauds the AMA for embracing a more holistic approach to weight and health in individuals. “This is a huge step forward and I think it will ultimately lead to better health care and an improved practitioner-patient relationship,” Diewald said. To understand why, one must first understand the history of BMI’s use. The formula that spits out the number we have all come to understand as our BMI considers a person’s height and weight. It was developed in the mid-19th century by a Belgian sociologist to measure the socially ideal person. The modern term and application came about in the 1972 and has been a routine measurement ever since because it is easy, fast, costs nothing and in some cases, said Diewald, does correlate with body fat. But in recent years, large scale studies have exposed some of the limitations of the measure, building to the point where they needed to be weighed against the overt benefits. For starters, BMI does not measure body fat – or adiposity – directly. Adiposity, per Diewald, is more closely associated with health risk than BMI. “For this reason, health risk for some individuals with normal BMI but high body fat has been underestimated, and some with high BMI but normal body fat levels have been overestimated,” she said. Nor does it “differentiate between muscle, bone and body fat, or distribution of fat on the body,” Diewald said. “We know that all these factors can influence health and chronic disease risk.” Other comorbidities or chronic conditions that wouldn’t show up on a BMI chart alongside a number in the “normal” range can also impact health. Conversely, there are health conditions that might be incorrectly assumed just because a BMI is high. “Not every person with a high BMI experiences these chronic conditions, so developing a more holistic approach can lead to better assessment, treatment and outcomes,” Diewald said. Another shortfall she pointed out was its failure to factor in gender, race, body composition, ethnicity or physical activity level. Think back to the origins of the chart, intended to be a social standard created in Europe nearly two hundred years ago. “BMI tables were originally designed in the 1800’s using a population of white men,” Diewald said. “Understandably, at one point in time it was all we had to evaluate weight status, but it may not be accurate to use this standard alone with all groups of people.” These societal, gender and racial/ethnic factors led the AMA to explicitly cite “historical harm, use for racist exclusion and because BMI is based primarily on data collected from previous generations of non-Hispanic white populations” in the new policy on its clinical use. Additionally, the policy addressed the differences in body composition across genders, races and ages that were not being considered. There is also an ignored mental component in its use to diagnose obesity, which can lead to avoidance of doctor visits and, in turn, further physical issues. “Obesity is a multifactorial, complex condition and addressing it with individuals needs to be done with empathy and sensitivity, beginning with how it is measured,” Diewald said. “There are numerous factors influencing weight well beyond simply food intake, physical activity level and BMI, so it is important for practitioners to recognize that and communicate this to patients. “It is extremely difficult for people with higher weight to be told that they have a high BMI and simply need to eat less and move more. When BMI is used as the sole indicator of weight status, this can be psychologically damaging. We know that many who have been told to lose weight simply based on a high BMI may avoid going to the doctors for routine medical visits and skip necessary preventive care.” It will not be easy, she said, to move away from a method used for so long that has been ingrained as a part of a routine medical visit, but Diewald thinks utilization of the tool in conjunction with other assessments is the best way put this new policy to practice. She advocates for measures such as “Using BMI as only one of several indicators of chronic disease risk, asking permission to discuss weight and health risk, [and] using shared decision-making between practitioners and patient to determine course of treatment.” Education is also paramount to proper assessment of weight-related health risks. “Education cannot stop with physicians, however,” she said. “I think this provides an excellent launching pad for enhanced collaboration among health professionals such as dietitians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants and others involved in providing care, nutrition counseling and lifestyle modification support to patients… Doing this can better fine tune recommendations for treatment, leading to improved outcomes.”
Why does Alabama have more gun deaths than New York? UConn expert explains.
Only five million people live in Alabama, but the state has the fourth highest firearms death rate in the country. In 2021, the state had 26.4 firearm deaths per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Compared to New York -- a state with about 20 million people and a rate of 5.4 gun deaths per 100,000 in 2021 -- the question becomes: Why does such a small state rank so high for gun violence? UConn expert Kerri Raissian offered perspective and insight on the causes and reasons why these tragic incidents occur in specific regions and states more often across America in an interview with the Alabama Reflector: A 2019 brief published by the Rockefeller Institute of Government, a nonprofit research center for the State University of New York (SUNY) system, said universal background checks, concealed carry permits and laws prohibiting people who have committed violent misdemeanors reduce gun homicides. “One policy that has come up against legal challenges recently has been not allowing people under the age of 21 years old to have certain guns or types of weapons,” Raissian said. “It is helpful. That age group has the highest risk of perpetuating homicides of any age group in the U.S.” Social policies can also deter gun violence. “It is laws, it is access to guns, it is also poverty,” Raissian said. “We have a lot of evidence that laws that you wouldn’t think have anything to do with gun violence, like Medicaid access, summer school for kids, employment opportunities for kids, are really good at reducing gun violence.” Raissian cited a randomized controlled trial of a youth summer employment program that was established in Chicago that had reduced incidents of gun violence compared to a control group. “It is not just about keeping them busy because these differences persist,” Raissian said. “It is also learning conflict resolution. It is also learning communication skills — all those things that come from employment and positive interactions tend to reduce violence of any form.” But Raissian and Grant Reeher, a professor of political science at Syracuse University, both said no single law will solve the issues of gun violence. The full article is attached above, and well worth the read. Kerri Raissian is an associate professor in the School of Public Policy at the University of Connecticut, director of the University of Connecticut's UConn’s Center for Advancing Research, Methods, and Scholarship (ARMS) in Gun Violence Prevention, and co-director of the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP) Gun Violence Prevention Research Interest Group. She is available to speak to media about this important topic - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
