Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association
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J Miss State Med Assoc · Mar 2014
Prevalence and trends in overweight and obesity among Mississippi public school students, 2005-2013.
This study estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Mississippi public school students in grades K-12 and assessed changes in the prevalence between 2005 and 2013. In 2013, Body Mass Index was calculated using measured height and weight data for a weighted representative sample of 4,402 public school students. Additional analyses compared 2013 prevalence estimates by gender, race, and grade levels and for changes between 2005 and 2013. ⋯ In 2013, the prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among black students (p < 0.001) and middle school students (p = 0.048). These findings are discussed in light of recent state-wide educational and policy initiatives and on health disparities. Implications for future practice, policy and research are presented.
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J Miss State Med Assoc · Feb 2014
ReviewPrognostic value of cardiac-specific troponins in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations: a systematic review.
fer useful prognostic information in this population and might identify a group of patients to target for more intensive thera- peutic interventions. ⋯ The review shows a strong direct association between cardiac troponin and mortality in patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbations. Troponin monitoring could offer useful prognostic information in this population and might identify a group of patients to target for more intensive therapeutics interventions.
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Heart failure is a chronic disease afflicting millions of patients worldwide. Advances in treatment have allowed sufferers to enjoy overall prolonged survival and enhanced quality of life. Yet, a consequence of these therapeutic successes is that more patients survive to end-stage disease, with severe symptoms, poor quality of life, and no options available to prolong their survival reasonably. ⋯ Often, specific heart failure therapies can further this cause and should be administered when appropriate to alleviate specific symptoms, while other general palliative measures should also be considered as with other terminal patients. End-of-life palliative strategies must conform to accepted principles of ethical care. Constant communication with patients and families is essential to achieve best treatment goals for this growing segment of the population.