Preventive medicine
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Preventive medicine · Nov 2013
Quantifying the contribution of neighborhood parks to physical activity.
To quantify the contribution of U.S. neighborhood parks to the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) by the local population. ⋯ Parks have significant roles in supporting vigorous physical activity of the local population. Because they are underutilized and vigorous activity is critical to child development and adult physical fitness, efforts should be made to promote vigorous activity within local parks.
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Preventive medicine · Nov 2013
Physical activity-friendly neighbourhood among older adults from a medium size urban setting in Southern Europe.
In this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between socio-environmental characteristics of neighborhood of residence and the frequency of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among older adults from Porto (Portugal). ⋯ There was almost no association between neighborhood characteristics and whether older adults engaged in LTPA or not, but among those that did engage, neighborhood characteristics were associated with increased frequency of LTPA. The promotion of well distributed destinations and parks might improve physical activity levels among the elderly.
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Preventive medicine · Nov 2013
Review Comparative StudyEvolution of cervical cancer screening and prevention in United States and Canada: implications for public health practitioners and clinicians.
Declines in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Canada and in the United States have been widely attributed to the introduction of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. This article reviews changes in screening and introduction of HPV vaccination. ⋯ Many prevention strategies are available for cervical cancer. Continued public health efforts should focus on increasing vaccine coverage in the target age groups and cervical cancer screening for women at appropriate intervals. Ongoing evaluation will be needed to ensure appropriate use of health resources, as vaccinated women become eligible for screening.
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Preventive medicine · Nov 2013
Multicenter Study Controlled Clinical TrialEffects of a playground marking intervention on school recess physical activity in French children.
Playground interventions offer an opportunity to enhance school recess physical activity. We aimed to assess the effects of playground marking on objectively measured school recess physical activity in French children. ⋯ Painted playground markings had a positive short-term effect on school recess physical activity levels.
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Preventive medicine · Nov 2013
Comparative StudyBeliefs, behaviors and HPV vaccine: correcting the myths and the misinformation.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake in many countries has been sub-optimal. We examine several issues associated with non-vaccination that have received particular attention, including fears about sexual risk compensation, concerns about vaccine safety, inadequate vaccination recommendations by health care providers (HCPs), and distrust due to the perceived "newness" of HPV vaccines. ⋯ Most fears related to HPV vaccine are more related to myth than reality. In the absence of major health policy initiatives, such as those implemented in Canada, the U.K., and Australia, a multi-level, multi-faceted approach will be required to achieve high rates of HPV vaccination. It will be essential to focus on the education of HCPs regarding indications for HPV vaccination and approaches to communicating most effectively with parents and patients about the safety and benefits of vaccination and the risks associated with non-vaccination.