Aerobic Activity And Time Spent on Sedentary Behavior Among U.S. Adults
The updated 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) for Americans reaffirmed key recommendations regarding aerobic activity in the 2008 edition and recently introduced health risks of sedentary behaviors and their association with physical activity. Time spent on sedentary behavior significantly increased over time from a weighted mean (SE) of 5.7 (0.3) hours per day in 2007-2008 to 6.4 (0.2) hours per day in 2015- 2016 (P < .001 for trend). The weighted proportion of individuals not adhering to the PAG for aerobic activity and reporting long sedentary time (>6 hours per day) increased from 16.1% (95% CI, 14.4%- 17.8%) in 2007-2008 to 18.8% (95% CI, 17.7%-20.0%) in 2015-2016. The findings suggest that the adherence rate to the PAG for aerobic activity in US adults has not improved since the release of the first edition in 2008, but that time spent on sedentary behavior has significantly increased over time. Further nationwide efforts appear to be warranted not only to promote physical activity, but also reduce sedentary time in the United States.
Unintentional Injury And Death Rates In U.S. Rural And Urban Areas
A Data Brief from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in July 2019 indicates that from 1999 through 2017, the age-adjusted unintentional injury death rate increased 40% from 35.3 deaths per 100,000 standard population to 49.4. Motor vehicle traffic death rates increased across all levels of urbanization between 2014 and 2017, with the largest increase in small metropolitan (metro) counties. Unintentional drug overdose death rates increased across all levels of urbanization between 2014 and 2017, with the largest increase in large fringe metro counties. Unintentional fall death rates increased across urbanization levels except for large central metro counties between 2014 and 2017, with the largest increase in rural counties. Unintentional injury is a leading cause of death in the United States. As with many other prominent causes of deaths involving cancer, cardiovascular disease, and suicide, behavior plays a significant role in generating these unfavorable outcomes.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY CORNER
Achieving Better Health Care Integration Of Radiology
An article published online July 9, 2019 in npd Digital Medicine indicates that although radiology images and reports have long been digitalized, the potential of the more than 3.6 billion radiology examinations performed annually worldwide has largely gone unused in the effort to transform health care. The Bionic Radiologist is a concept that combines humanity and digitalization for better health care integration of radiology. At a practical level, this concept will achieve critical goals: (1) testing decisions being made scientifically on the basis of disease probabilities and patient preferences; (2) image analysis done consistently at any time and at any site; and (3) treatment suggestions that are linked closely to imaging results and are integrated seamlessly with other information. To achieve this potential, barriers that must be overcome include: reluctance to delegate decision making, a possible decrease in image interpretation knowledge, and the perception that patient safety and trust are at stake.
Manufacture Of Thread-Based Transistors For A Wide Range Of Health Applications
A study published on August 5, 2019 in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces describes engineering the first thread-based transistors (TBTs), which can be fashioned into simple, all-thread based logic circuits and integrated circuits. Electronic devices are made entirely of thin threads that could be woven into fabric, worn on the skin, or even (theoretically) implanted surgically for diagnostic monitoring. Fully flexible electronic devices could enable a wide range of applications that conform to different shapes and allow free movement without compromising function. "Soft" electronics are enabling applications for devices that conform and stretch with the biological tissue in which they are embedded, such as skin, heart, or even brain tissue. Compared to electronics based on polymers and other flexible materials, thread-based electronics have superior flexibility, material diversity, and the ability to be manufactured without the need for clean rooms.
CHALLENGES INVOLVED IN DOING THE RIGHT THING
Indicates the importance of providing appropriate health care based on accurate diagnoses. Read More
PRESIDENT’S CORNER—ASAHP MEMBER FOCUS
Susan Hanrahan offers her thoughts on the upcoming ASAHP Annual Conference, the Institutional Profile Survey, and other relevant activities of the Association. Read More
ACCELERATED PACE ON CAPITOL HILL
Describes legislation involving the budget, appropriations, the health workforce, along with telehealth and rural health proposed initiatives. Read More
HEALTH REFORM DEVELOPMENTS
Discusses efforts to enhance quality care in hospitals and the potential impact of reimbursing at Medicare rates on the health insurance exchanges. Read More
DEVELOPMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Summarizes recent activity by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, and repeal of the “Gainful Employment” regulation. Read More
QUICK STAT (SHORT, TIMELY, AND TOPICAL)
Aerobic Activity And Time Spent On Sedentary Behavior Among U.S. Adults
Unintentional Injury And Death Rates In U.S. Rural And Urban Areas
Achieving Better Health Care Integration Of Radiology
Manufacture Of Thread-Based Transistors For A Wide Range Of Health Applications Read More
AVAILABLE RESOURCES ACCESSIBLE ELECTRONICALLY
Investing In Interventions That Address Non-Medical, Health-Related Social Needs
Joint Commission Educational Campaign On Preventing Falls
A New Proposed Fix On Long-Term Care Read More
GAP BETWEEN WHAT IS SAID BY PROVIDERS AND HEARD BY PATIENTS
Mentions how health professionals and patients may not always have the same amount of understanding of statements involving treatability. Read More
ASSESSMENT OF ADULT COMPETENCIES
Refers to data from the National Center for Education Statistics on the topic of adult literacy. Read More