Items of Interest
 |
Free Fact Sheet on Childhood Obesity The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools has created a four-page fact sheet that summarizes key findings on the background and health consequences of childhood obesity. Information about nutrition and physical activity in schools is also included. Download the free fact sheet from http://www.healthinschools.org/sh/obesityfs.asp. (7/04) Eat right by following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's tips on diet, food safety, and fitness. Go to www.nutrition.gov for more information. Potential Heart Disease Breakthrough In what's being called "shocking" and "astounding," an experimental treatment has been shown to unclog arteries -- even in people with advanced heart disease. It worked so well in some people that it reduced artery-clogging plaque 10 times better and far faster than drugs did in any other study. Learn more about this promising treatment that the lead researcher calls an "epiphany." Updated NIH Senior Health Web Site The NIH Senior Health web site has been updated and now includes new topics and a "talking web" feature. The site includes a section on Exercise for Older Adults with videos, demonstrations of exercises, and safety tips. The web site is a collaboration between the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine and can be found at http://nihseniorhealth.gov. (7/04) Registry of Children's Obesity Efforts Shaping America's Youth is a national initiative to centralize information about the various ongoing efforts to fight obesity and inactivity among children and adolescents. Information will be obtained about intervention programs, funding sources, and ongoing research to increase physical activity and healthy eating behaviors and will be organized into a national, searchable database. A summary document will also be created. For more information on the initiative or to register your organization's effort, visit http://www.shapingamericasyouth.com or call 1-800-SAY-9221. (7/04) The International City/County Management Association (ICMA), an Active Living Leadership partner, has created "Active Living for Older Adults: Management Strategies for Healthy and Livable Communities Guide." Intended for local government leaders and managers, the guide explains active living and provides general strategies for beginning an active aging initiative. It also provides specific strategies for key areas, including streetscape design, transportation, housing, land use, and promoting awareness. Visit http://www.activelivingleadership.org/resources.htm to access the guide. (7/04) New Online Continuing Medical Education Programs on Obesity The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), in cooperation with the North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO) has developed two free online continuing medical education modules on the assessment and management of overweight and obesity in adults. These modules provide health care practitioners with practical information based on a thorough review of the science that was published in the Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults: Evidence Report. The courses review the importance of weight management and the health risks associated with overweight and obesity, what patients should be treated and how they should be treated, the motivations that lead to successful weight loss, and appropriate treatment strategies. Learn about these important issues through the use of case studies and the treatment algorithm. The courses are available on the NHLBI Web site at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/obesitycme/, as well as through the NAASO Web site at http://www.naaso.org. The courses are free and are available online all of the time. Cine-Med, Inc. has designated each educational activity for a maximum of 2 category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Optimal blood pressure for cardiovascular health and stroke prevention is less than 120 over 80. (The top number measures pressure when the heart contracts; the bottom, when it relaxes between beats.) According to national guidelines, blood pressure is divided into the following categories: Normal: below 130/85 High Normal: 130-139 over 85-89 Stage 1 Hypertension: 140-159 over 90-99 Stage 2 Hypertension: 160-179 over 100-109 Stage 3 Hypertension: 180 over 110 or higher National Heart Attack Alert Program The award-winning "Act in Time to Heart Attack Signs" Small Group Session Lesson Plan is now available online. Use it for your next talk at a senior center, hospital, church, adult education class, worksite health and safety meeting, or community group. The lesson plan includes:
To view and download your copy of the lesson plan, simply click on http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/heart/mi/sm_group.htm.
|
HOME | Who
We Are | Programs | Resources | Newsletters
| Contact
| News
ME-Cares |
Task Force | Women |
Events | ME CV Hlth Program
| Interest
© 1999-2001 Maine Cardiovascular Health Council
Privacy Statement