American journal of preventive medicine
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There are substantial disparities in breast and cervical cancer screening that stem from lack of health insurance. Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expands insurance coverage to many Americans, there are differences in availability of Medicaid coverage across states. ⋯ As women in nonexpansion states remain uninsured and others gain coverage, existing disparities in cancer screening by race and socioeconomic status are likely to widen. Health risks and associated costs to underserved populations must be taken into account in ongoing debates over expansion.
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American Indians in Oklahoma have higher rates of tobacco use (29.2%) than any other racial group in the state. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline provides free cessation services to all Oklahomans and implements strategies specifically aimed at increasing the utilization and effectiveness of cessation services for American Indians. ⋯ The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is equally effective for American Indian and white tobacco users who register for Helpline services.
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the U.S. State-specific predicted 10-year risk of developing CVD could provide useful information for state health planning and policy. ⋯ The predicted 10-year risk of developing CVD varies significantly by age, gender, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, household income, and state of residence. These results support the development and implementation of targeted prevention programs by states to address the risk of developing CVD, CHD, and stroke among their populations.
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Supply-side reductions to the calories in chain restaurants are a possible benefit of upcoming menu labeling requirements. ⋯ Large chain restaurants significantly reduced the number of calories in newly introduced menu items. Supply-side changes to the calories in chain restaurants may have a significant impact on obesity prevention.
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The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (UNMHSC) adopted a new Vision to work with community partners to help New Mexico make more progress in health and health equity than any other state by 2020. UNMHSC recognized it would be more successful in meeting communities' health priorities if it better aligned its own educational, research, and clinical missions with their needs. ⋯ Community leaders also facilitated collaboration by enlisting University of New Mexico educational and clinical resources to better respond to their local priorities. Early progress in New Mexico's health outcomes measures and state health ranking is a promising sign of movement toward Vision 2020.