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Ecancermedicalscience 2020Cancer has increased in all the countries of the world and Mexico is no exception. The recognised risk factors for the main types of cancer are reviewed and searched... (Review)
Review
Cancer has increased in all the countries of the world and Mexico is no exception. The recognised risk factors for the main types of cancer are reviewed and searched through the Mexican government web pages and cancer prevention programmes to tackle the risk factors in the population. The Mexican government, a member of the World Health Organization, shows that the main approach is an early diagnosis rather than prevention, forgetting that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Effective public programmes should be promoted to reduce preventable risk factors in the population (smoking, nutrition, obesity, diet, environmental toxicity, sedentary lifestyle) and control the non-preventable factors (genetics) if we really want to control the incidence of different types of cancer.
PubMed: 32153652
DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.997 -
PloS One 2022Taxes are increasingly used as a policy tool aimed at reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), given their association with adverse health outcomes...
INTRODUCTION
Taxes are increasingly used as a policy tool aimed at reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), given their association with adverse health outcomes including type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. However, a potential unintended consequence of such a policy could be that the tax induces substitution to alcoholic beverages. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the $0.0175 per ounce Seattle, Washington, Sweetened Beverage Tax (SBT) on volume sold of alcoholic beverages.
METHODS
A difference-in-differences estimation approach was used drawing on universal product code-level food store scanner data on beer (N = 1059) and wine (N = 2655) products one-year pre-tax (February-November, 2017) and one and two-years post-tax (February-November, 2018 and 2019) with Portland, Oregon, as the comparison site.
RESULTS
At two-years post-tax implementation, volume sold of beer in Seattle relative to Portland increased by 7% (ratio of incidence rate ratios [RIRR] = 1.07, 95% CI:1.00,1.15), whereas volume sold of wine decreased by 3% (RIRR = 0.97, 95% CI:0.95,1.00). Overall alcohol (both beer and wine) volume sold increased in Seattle compared to Portland by 4% (RIRR = 1.04, 95% CI:1.01,1.07) at one-year post-tax and by 5% (RIRR = 1.05, 95% CI:1.00,1.10) at two-years post-tax. The implied SSB cross-price elasticities of demand for beer and wine, respectively, were calculated to be 0.35 and -0.15.
CONCLUSIONS
There was evidence of substitution to beer following the implementation of the Seattle SSB tax. Continued monitoring of potential unintended outcomes related to the implementation of SSB taxes is needed in future tax evaluations.
Topics: Alcoholic Beverages; Commerce; Consumer Behavior; Costs and Cost Analysis; Government Regulation; Health Plan Implementation; Humans; Sugar-Sweetened Beverages; Taxes
PubMed: 35041717
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262578 -
BMC Public Health Sep 2022Flavored tobacco products are highly appealing to youth. The Federal government lacks a comprehensive flavored tobacco products policy and states have adopted different...
BACKGROUND
Flavored tobacco products are highly appealing to youth. The Federal government lacks a comprehensive flavored tobacco products policy and states have adopted different approaches restricting these products. This study analyzes the impact of Massachusetts' comprehensive prohibition and New Jersey's partial restriction on the sale of flavored tobacco products.
METHODS
NielsenIQ Retail Scanner data were used to construct four log per capita dependent variables: e-liquid milliliters, cigarette packs, cigars, and smokeless tobacco ounces for products flavored as fruit, menthol, mint, tobacco and other. All models used difference-in-differences regressions, with Virginia and Pennsylvania serving as controls. The models controlled for state level product prices, population percentages by race/ethnicity, proportion male, median household income, unemployment rate, minimum legal sales age, tobacco 21 policies, and cumulative cases and deaths of COVID-19; the models accounted for time-specific factors by using 4-week period fixed-effects.
RESULTS
There was a significant decrease in sales across all flavored tobacco products in Massachusetts, including fruit [-99.83%, p < 0.01], menthol [-98.33%, p < 0.01], and all other flavored [-99.28%, p < 0.01] e-cigarettes. The cigar group "all other-flavors" [-99.92%, p < 0.01] and menthol flavored cigarettes [-95.36%, p < 0.01] also significantly decreased. In New Jersey, there was a significant decrease in per capita sales of menthol-flavored e-cigarettes [-83.80%, p < 0.05] and cigar group "all other-flavors" experienced a significant increase in per capita sales [380.66%, p < 0.01].
CONCLUSIONS
This study contributes to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the impact of sales prohibitions on reducing sales of flavored tobacco products. Statewide comprehensive approaches appear more effective than partial restrictions and should be prioritized.
IMPLICATIONS
Results from this study support emerging research that demonstrates the promising effects of comprehensive flavoring sales prohibitions. This study can be used to inform future flavored tobacco product policy solutions developed by advocates and policy makers to curb overall tobacco initiation and use by youth and adults.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; COVID-19; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Flavoring Agents; Humans; Male; Menthol; Tobacco Products
PubMed: 36138373
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14172-y -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Mar 2023Liver diseases are now the leading cause of both morbidity and mortality profile globally with rising trends due to unhealthy lifestyle. Most of the liver diseases are...
Liver diseases are now the leading cause of both morbidity and mortality profile globally with rising trends due to unhealthy lifestyle. Most of the liver diseases are preventable. Scientific evidences have well supported and documented that almost 90 percent of all major liver diseases are either the manifestations of asymptomatic hepatitis virus infections or poor lifestyle choices leading to accumulation of fat in liver that could be detected even before they present themselves as chronic liver diseases. Understanding liver diseases as a preventable disease and practising necessary preventive measures will help in lowering the risks of various types of liver diseases as well as liver cancer.
PubMed: 37122647
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2225_22 -
The Journal of Nutrition Oct 2023Nuts are energy-dense, high-fat foods, and whether nut consumption influences mortality risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear.
BACKGROUND
Nuts are energy-dense, high-fat foods, and whether nut consumption influences mortality risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate the associations of nut consumption with all-cause mortality among adults with T2D and to further explore the potential mediation effects of cardiometabolic biomarkers.
METHODS
The current analysis included 5090 US participants with T2D from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2014). Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
After 35,632 person-y of follow-up, 1174 deaths were documented. Higher nut consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality among individuals with T2D. After multivariable adjustment including lifestyles and dietary factors, diabetes duration, and glycated hemoglobin, compared with participants who did not consume nuts, the HR (95% CI) for those who consumed nuts over 3.5 ounce equivalent (oz.eq)/wk was 0.64 (0.50, 0.82; P-trend < 0.001) for all-cause mortality. A linear dose-response relationship was observed between nut consumption and all-cause mortality among individuals with T2D (P=0.004, P=0.35). In substitution analyses, replacing one serving of red and processed meat, refined grains, eggs, and dairy foods with one serving of nuts was associated with a 18% to 22% lower risk of all-cause mortality. In addition, mediation analysis suggested that C-reactive protein and γ-glutamine transaminase explained 6.7% and 9.1% of the relationship between nut consumption with all-cause mortality, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher nut consumption was significantly associated with lower all-cause mortality among individuals with T2D. These findings indicate a potential benefit of nut consumption in the prevention of premature death among individuals with T2D.
PubMed: 37543215
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.08.004 -
PloS One 2021Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have gained support as a policy response to adverse health effects associated with SSB consumption. On July 1, 2017, Oakland,...
INTRODUCTION
Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have gained support as a policy response to adverse health effects associated with SSB consumption. On July 1, 2017, Oakland, California, implemented a one-cent/ounce tax on SSBs with ≥25 calories/12 fluid ounces. This study estimated the long-term impact of the tax on taxed and untaxed beverage prices.
METHODS
Data on 5,830 taxed and 5,146 untaxed beverage prices were obtained from 99 stores in Oakland and 111 stores in Sacramento (comparison site), California, in late May-June 2017 and June 2019. Linear regression difference-in-differences models were computed with store and product fixed effects, with robust standard errors clustered on store, weighted based on volume sold by beverage sweetener status, type, and size.
RESULTS
Taxed beverage prices increased by 0.73 cents/ounce (95% CI = 0.47,1.00) on average in supermarkets and grocery stores in Oakland relative to Sacramento and 0.74 cents/ounce (95% CI = 0.39,1.09) in pharmacies, but did not change in convenience stores (-0.09 cents/ounce, 95% CI = -0.56,0.39). Untaxed beverage prices overall increased by 0.40 cents/ounce (95% CI = 0.05,0.75) in pharmacies but did not change in other store types. Prices of taxed individual-size soda specifically increased in all store types, by 0.91-2.39 cents/ounce (p<0.05), as did prices of untaxed individual-size soda in convenience stores (0.79 cents/ounce, 95% CI = 0.01,1.56) and pharmacies (1.66 cents/ounce, 95% CI = 0.09,3.23).
CONCLUSIONS
Two years following SSB tax implementation, there was partial tax pass-through with differences by store type and by beverage type and size within store type.
Topics: Beverages; California; Carbonated Beverages; Commerce; Food; Humans; Policy; Sugar-Sweetened Beverages; Taxes
PubMed: 33395444
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244884 -
Health Equity 2022To describe the variability in the availability and price of sugary drinks, low-calorie drinks, and water/seltzer across high- and low-poverty census tracts in the five...
OBJECTIVE
To describe the variability in the availability and price of sugary drinks, low-calorie drinks, and water/seltzer across high- and low-poverty census tracts in the five boroughs of New York City (NYC).
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study. Our primary analysis compared the overall sample of beverages. Secondary analyses included tests for differences in the availability of beverage categories by neighborhood poverty level.
SETTING
We collected data from 106 stores (31 supermarkets, 29 convenience stores, 29 pharmacies, 9 Targets, and 8 Dollar Trees) in NYC. Fifty-four stores were located in high-poverty census tracts and 52 were located in low-poverty census tracts.
RESULTS
The mean Price per 0.03-liter of sugary drinks across the sample was $0.08, which was significantly higher than the price of low-calorie drinks ($0.07, =0.01) but not different from water/seltzer ($0.08, =0.65). Sugary drinks and water/seltzer were available in 91% of retailers, and low-calorie drinks were available in 87% of retailers. There was no statistical difference in availability of sugary drinks compared with low-calorie drinks or water/seltzer overall or within high- or low-poverty census tracts. Analyzed by store type, the mean price per ounce of sugary drinks differed significantly from water/seltzer at convenience stores, pharmacies, and Target stores (bodegas: $0.08 vs. $0.09, =0.03; pharmacies: $0.11 vs. $0.08, =0.02; Target stores: $0.07 vs. $0.09, =0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Sugary drinks were available in most food retail settings in NYC, with little variation by census tract poverty level. Interventions that raise the price of sugary drinks to make healthier alternatives, such as water, the more affordable option should be considered.
PubMed: 35557551
DOI: 10.1089/heq.2021.0069 -
Journal of Nutrition Education and... Apr 2023To examine the dietary behaviors of mothers from very low food security (VLFS) households following the availability of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) unemployment...
OBJECTIVE
To examine the dietary behaviors of mothers from very low food security (VLFS) households following the availability of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) unemployment and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
METHODS
Diet and food security status were obtained from 2,584 California mothers during Federal Fiscal Year 2020. Fruits, vegetables, and 100% fruit juice (FV100%FJ), sugar-sweetened beverages, and water intake, and Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores, were compared across 4 groups (before vs after COVID-19 benefits by VLFS vs non-VLFS households) with race/ethnicity and age as covariates.
RESULTS
Before COVID-19 benefits, VLFS was associated with fewer cups of FV100%FJ (P = 0.010), more fluid ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages (P = 0.004), and poorer diet quality (P = 0.003). After COVID-19 benefits, mothers from VLFS vs non-VLFS households reported similar dietary outcomes. VLFS mothers reported 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.53-1.38) more cups of FV100%FJ after COVID-19 benefits.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Coronavirus disease 2019 benefits may have reduced dietary inequities among low-income families. Associations between increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and unemployment benefits and decreased costs associated with the negative health outcomes linked to food insecurity and poor diets would be of value.
Topics: Female; Humans; Feeding Behavior; Food Supply; COVID-19; Diet; Food Assistance; Food Insecurity
PubMed: 36739249
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2022.10.009 -
The Journal of Nutrition Nov 2021Protein quality is an important component of protein intake to support growth, development, and maintenance of essential body tissues and functions. Therefore, protein... (Review)
Review
Protein quality is an important component of protein intake to support growth, development, and maintenance of essential body tissues and functions. Therefore, protein quality should be emphasized as a key characteristic during protein food selection within the larger context of healthy dietary patterns, especially when considering the wide variance of protein quality across animal- and plant-based foods. However, the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) do not address specific protein quality recommendations within their protein foods ounce equivalents guidance or as a component of Healthy U.S. Style, Healthy Vegetarian, and Healthy Mediterranean Style dietary patterns. In addition, the protein foods ounce equivalents within the DGA are not established on any obvious metabolic equivalency characteristic [i.e., energy, protein, or essential amino acid (EAA) content], which creates misleading messaging of equivalent functional and metabolic benefit across protein foods. EAA content is a key characteristic of protein quality and can be a practical focal point for protein intake recommendations and achieving healthy dietary patterns. This review discusses the importance of protein quality, the state of messaging within DGA recommendations, and proposes EAA density (i.e., EAA content relative to total energy) as one practical approach to improve current dietary recommendations. Two recent publications that evaluated the DGA protein foods ounce equivalents based on metabolic effect and their application within DGA recommended dietary patterns are discussed.
Topics: Amino Acids, Essential; Animals; Diet; Health Status; Nutrition Policy; United States
PubMed: 34386826
DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab262 -
Academic Radiology Mar 2021Quotes such as "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" (Benjamin Franklin) and "a good doctor cures the disease, but a great doctor cures the cause" (Amit...
Quotes such as "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" (Benjamin Franklin) and "a good doctor cures the disease, but a great doctor cures the cause" (Amit Kalantri), are poignant reminders of the overwhelming power of preventive medicine on population health. Why, then, would it not be that the health of our medical system would not benefit from the same sort of ideas? Medical imaging is considered over utilized and numerous strategies have attempted to address this including "Choosing Wisely," American College of Radiology appropriateness criteria, clinical decision support instruments and others. Most of these have been partially successful, but none have yet to turn the tide of over imaging. Here, we propose a multipronged strategy to target education of all audiences - medical students, residents/fellows, and practicing physicians. Education on the breadth of imaging options, the limitations of radiology tests, when not to image, as well as when to use highly specific imaging tests, here serves as the preventive measure to curb the spread of overutilization.
Topics: Curriculum; Diagnostic Imaging; Humans; Radiography; Radiology; Students, Medical
PubMed: 32622743
DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2020.06.011