American journal of preventive medicine
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Worldwide, an estimated 189 million adults smoke tobacco "occasionally" but not every day. Yet few studies have examined the health risks of non-daily smoking. ⋯ Although the mortality risks of non-daily smokers are lower than daily smokers, they are still substantial. Policies should be specifically directed at this growing group of smokers.
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Prior studies suggest overuse of nonrecommended lung cancer screening tests in U.S. community practice and underuse of recommended tests. ⋯ The number of adults inappropriately screened for lung cancer greatly exceeds the number screened according to USPSTF recommendations, the prevalence of appropriate lung cancer screening is low, and the population meeting USPSTF criteria is shrinking. To realize the potential benefits of screening, better processes to appropriately triage eligible individuals to screening, plus screening with a USPSTF-recommended test, would be beneficial.
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The transition to adulthood can be stressful for minority adolescents, and many may cope through unhealthy behaviors, including substance use and obesity-related behaviors. This study tested substance use and obesity trajectories over time in African American youth, longitudinal associations of trajectories with mental and physical health in adulthood, and whether self-control and sex predict trajectories. ⋯ The transition to adulthood is a vulnerable period for many African Americans. Given the commonalities of substance use and obesity in their rewarding/stress-relieving properties, similar prevention efforts may help stem the rise of both in these youth.