When It Comes To Health, ZIP Code Can Be More Important Than Genetic Code

Stateline: How Disease Rates Vary By State — And What States Can Do About It
Health disparities based on race, income and gender tend to draw more notice, but variations related to where people live are attracting the attention of public health officials, who are using the information to craft more-targeted policies. As the data become more precise, health policy experts believe interventions to combat geographic disparities will become even more effective. The increasing interest comes amid a growing recognition that people’s health depends as much on geographic factors such as recreation, transportation, crime and unemployment as it does on what takes place in doctor’s offices or hospitals. (Ollove, 12/12)

The Associated Press: New CDC Data Understate Accidental Shooting Deaths Of Kids
Government statistics released this week claiming that 77 minors in the U.S. were killed by unintentional gun discharges last year significantly understate the scope of an enduring public health problem. A review of shootings nationwide by The Associated Press and USA TODAY Network found that at least 141 deaths of minors were attributed to unintentional or accidental shootings in 2015 — 83 percent higher than what the Centers for Disease Control reported. (Foley, 12/9)

Modern Healthcare: Back To Abstinence-Only Education For Teens? 
In 2008, the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County launched an initiative to lower Milwaukee's high rate of teen childbirths. That year, more than 5% of Milwaukee teens between 15 and 17 gave birth—double the national average. The campaign involved building communitywide awareness through the Milwaukee Health Department, local businesses, healthcare providers, schools and community groups. The goal was to cut the rate of teen pregnancies in half by 2015. Related Content More pregnancy stats: Data Points The centerpiece of the campaign was an eight-hour, evidence-based, sex education curriculum aimed at middle-school youth called “Making Proud Choices! A Safer Sex Approach to STDs, Teen Pregnancy, and HIV.” (Johnson, 12/10)

The Wall Street Journal: PepsiCo Wants To Sell Healthy Food, Consumers Want Chips
An array of new products at a trade show in Atlanta this fall told the story of two PepsiCos. Anchoring one part of the display was a fiber-filled nut and fruit bar called Init and a sparkling lemonade with real lemon juice called Lemon Lemon. Nearby sat an assemblage of bright bags of Mac N’ Cheetos, new frozen cheese sticks resembling Cheetos, and Top N Go Doritos, a portable meal designed to be eaten with a fork and high in salt and fat. (Esterl, 12/11)

The Baltimore Sun: Effects Of Traumatic Accident Last Long After Physical Wounds Heal 
Trauma from car accidents, falls, and sports and work injuries accounts for 41 million emergency room visits and 2 million hospital admissions a year, according to the National Trauma Institute. Trauma costs the U.S. economy more than $671 billion annually in health care costs and lost productivity.After enduring often long hospital stays and rehabilitation programs to recover physically, trauma patients return to lives very different from those they lived before their injuries. Many find it hard to cope. (McDaniels, 12/11)

Cleveland Plain Dealer: Preschools Should Start Young, Include Health Care And "Motherly Love," Study Finds
Preschool programs have greater effects the earlier they start, when they include some health care and when they encourage "motherly love," economist James Heckman said last week as he announced a new study of the benefits of early childhood programs. The analysis of the long-term gains from the so-called "Abecedarian" preschool experiment and a related program in North Carolina in the 1970s shows the programs brought more than a $6 return for every $1 spent. (O'Donnell, 12/12)

Chicago Tribune: 'Nightmare' Superbug Cases Rise In Illinois Health-Care Facilities - Chicago Tribune
Cases of a dangerous superbug increased 27 percent last year in a region surrounding Chicago, a new survey shows, but incidents were down in the city, and officials say they are making strides in containing the contagion. The state survey counted medical patients who tested positive for a germ known as CRE, short for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, which withstands many of the strongest antibiotics. It generally strikes at health-care facilities, often among the elderly and people who have serious illnesses or have had invasive medical procedures. (McCoppin, 12/10)