Public Health in the News- August 28th, 2016

Posted on August 28, 2016 by NPHR Blog in News // 0 Comments

Oral polio vaccine being administered to a child in Nigeria (courtesy of CC).

Global

Nigeria was set to celebrate being polio-free for two years this August. Despite efforts to eradicate this disease, two children in different parts of Borno state caught the virus and were left paralyzed.Vaccination campaigns have resumed this year after the disease resurfaced and is directed toward areas that may have previously been missed.
Responding to the number of violent attacks on physicians in China, researchers organized an initiative to rebuild patient-physician trust with recommendations published in a new article.

National

Is sitting the new smoking? You may want to get out of your chair to readthis new study published in the American Journal of Public Health. This is the first documented study indicating that standing desks can slow the increase of your body mass index (BMI, a key indicator of obesity) over a long period of time.
Attention all contact lens wearers! A recent report published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) reveals that nearly 1 in 5 contact lens-related eye infections resulted in serious, sometimes even permanent, eye damage.

Chicago/Illinois

Health insurance premiums could rise up to 43% on average in 2017 for Illinois residents who buy insurance on the state exchange. Stayed tuned as official coverage rates will be announced October, 2016. Illinois residents can find information about the coverage plans and apply for insurance here.
Fatal Legionnaires’ outbreak in Illinois veterans’ home worsens. State officials have confirmed a third new case of the disease since an outbreak there last year killed 12 people and sickened 54.

Northwestern

Lyrica- the Pfizer drug making the grade for Northwestern University. Royalties on the nerve pain and seizure medication have boosted the school’s $10 billion endowment.
SMH..*shaking my head* in disbelief- new research from Northwestern University reveals text messaging improves diabetes prevention in India.