Showing papers by "South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control published in 2011"

Groundwater uranium and cancer incidence in South Carolina

Abstract: Objective This ecologic study tested the hypothesis that census tracts with elevated groundwater uranium and more frequent groundwater use have increased cancer incidence.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Young People and Parental Rules Against Smoking at Home and in the Car

Abstract: Objectives. Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is an important cause of morbidity in children. We assessed the impact of family rules about smoking in the home and car on SHS exposure prevalence in students in grades six to 12. Methods. We studied never-smoking young people (n1,698) in the random sample cross-sectional South Carolina Youth Tobacco Survey, a 2006 survey of middle and high school students in South Carolina. Results. Overall, 40% of the students reported SHS exposure in either the home or car in the past week; among these, 85% reported exposure in cars. Subsequent analyses focused on students who lived with a smoker (n602). Compared with those whose families prohibited smoking in the home or car, SHS exposure prevalence was 30% (p0.0001) higher for households with smoke-free rules for only one place (home or car) and 36% (p0.0001) higher for households with no rules. Compared with students from households with strict rules, SHS exposure prevalence was 48% greater (p0.0001) among those with only partial rules against smoking in the home or car, and 55% (p0.0001) greater among those from households with no rules. Similarly, compared with students with strict family rules for home and car that were adhered to, SHS exposure prevalence was significantly higher (p0.0001) among students when only one or no rules were followed. Conclusions. Young people from families that made and enforced strong rules against smoking in homes and cars were much less likely to report SHS exposure. Parents would be wise to endorse and enforce strong smoke-free policies for both homes and cars.

Follow-up assessment of health consequences after a chlorine release from a train derailment--Graniteville, SC, 2005.

Abstract: Introduction After a train derailment released chlorine gas in Graniteville, South Carolina, in 2005, a multiagency team performed an epidemiologic assessment of chlorine exposure and resulting health effects. Five months later, participants were resurveyed to determine their health status and needs and to assist in planning additional interventions in the community.

Measuring the Impact of a Continuing Medical Education Program on Patient Blood Pressure

Abstract: J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:517–522. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. An increased focus on hypertension prevention and control, especially in high-risk populations, may have a substantial impact on cardiovascular health outcomes. A continuing medical education (CME) program trained primary care providers in evidence-based guidelines for hypertension prevention and control. This study evaluated its effectiveness in reducing patients’ blood pressure for the sessions occurring from 2003 to 2007. Using the Hypertension Initiative Database, 8183 patients of CME providers (CME patients) were paired with controls and changes in blood pressure, provider visits, prescription months, and the proportion of patients with blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg), the changes in blood pressure were similar in magnitude to those in the entire population. The CME program, by promoting evidence-based practice, improves patients’ blood pressure and could serve as a positive model for future hypertension interventions.

What is the role of the state school nurse consultant

Abstract: SSNCs provide statewide nursing leadership to ensure effective school nursing services, develop and promote quality standards, and foster a better understanding regarding the role of the school nurses and the relationship between students' health and their ability to learn (NASSNC, 2008). SSNCs use the nursing process to identify goals and plan interventions for meeting those goals. The interventions implemented by SSNCs are state-specific and are dependent upon assessment findings and available resources. Currently 40 states employ SSNCs. States use a variety of funding resources to secure the services of SSNCs (Taliaferro, 2011). For tips regarding how to advocate for a State School Nurse Consultant in your state, visit the National Association of State School Nurse Consultants' website at www.nassnc.org and click on "Advocacy".

Time for Changes in Pneumococcal Vaccination of Adults

Abstract: Because Streptococcus pneumoniae continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among young children and elderly adults, Healthy People 2020 includes several objectives for decreasing invasive pneumococcal disease and increasing pneumococcal vaccine uptake. Current recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices regarding pneumococcal vaccination for adults have not changed appreciatively in several years. However, it is possible that ongoing research may lead to changes in these recommendations within the next few years. Since the licensure of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for children in 2000, impressive decreases in pneumonia-related diseases caused by strains in the vaccine have been noted among all age groups receiving vaccination. Coupled with continued concerns about the efficacy of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine for adults, particularly in regard to nonbacteremic pneumonia, questions are raised about the potential efficacy and viability of conjugate vaccines for adults.