Latest news with #NHIS
Business Mayor
17-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
Who needs more exercise: Women or men?
Exercising regularly is known to lower the risk of death, especially from heart problems. But scientists have discovered that that reduction in risk may differ between the sexes, with some people reaping greater benefits in less workout time. So, who has to exercise more to reduce their risk of death: Women or men? It turns out that women may reap these survival benefits more easily than men do. That's according to a large study published in 2024 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology , which included data from more than 412,000 American adults ages 27 to 61, 55% of whom were female. You may like 'The beauty of this study is learning that women can get more out of each minute of moderate to vigorous activity than men do,' study co-lead author Dr. Martha Gulati , director of preventive cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, said in a statement . 'It's an incentivizing notion that we hope women will take to heart.' The researchers collected participants' physical activity data via the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the largest and longest-running health survey in the U.S. The study looked at data collected between 1997 and 2017. Related: 11 minutes of moderate exercise a day cuts early death risk by 20%, huge analysis suggests The survey itself included questions about the types of exercises people performed and at what frequencies, durations and intensities. It also included participants' socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and medical conditions. The study excluded people who had certain health conditions at the start of the study time frame, such as coronary heart disease or cancer. Read More Most melatonin gummies have higher doses than what's on the label Get the world's most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. The researchers also looked through the National Death Index — a national database of death records — for deaths from any cause, as well as cardiovascular-related deaths. The data from survey participants is linked to this death-record data , so the researchers could then connect the data from their NHIS participants to the mortality data through the end of 2019. Overall, 39,935 participants died in the study timeframe, including 11,670 cardiovascular-related deaths, such as those from heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. About 32% of the women and 43% of the men surveyed said they engaged in regular aerobic exercise , exercising for at least 150 minutes per week. Compared to inactive individuals of the same sex, women who exercised regularly had up to a 24% lower risk of death from any cause. For men who exercised regularly, however, the reduction in mortality risk reached only 15%. Women also gained these survival benefits much more quickly than men did, the study found. In men, the highest reduction in death risk was seen at about 300 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week. That came with an 18% reduction in all-cause mortality. Women saw an equal benefit in less than half that time, at about 140 minutes of MVPA a week. Women who trained more than that each week saw a greater benefit until they also peaked at around 300 minutes of weekly MVPA. That trend held true across all durations of exercise, the researchers found, with women consistently seeing 'proportionately greater benefits' for any amount of exercise than men did. About 20% of women and 28% of men said they engaged in two or more sessions of strength training, such as lifting weights, each week. Overall, though, women reported an average of about 0.85 sessions per week, while men averaged 1.25 sessions per week. On average, the women who strength-trained at least twice a week had a 19% lower mortality risk than women who trained less often or not at all. Men, on average, saw a 11% lower risk compared with inactive men. These benefits were even greater when it came to cardiovascular health specifically. Related: Why is it harder for some people to build muscle than others? Compared with inactive individuals, women who performed aerobic physical activity had a 36% lower cardiovascular mortality risk, while for active men, this risk reduction was about 14%. Muscle strengthening produced similar outcomes, with a cardiovascular risk reduction of 30% for women and 11% for men, compared to baseline. 'What surprised us the most was the fact that women who do muscle strengthening had a reduction in their cardiovascular mortality by 30%,' Gulati told NPR . 'We don't have many things that reduce mortality in that way,' she added. The study did have some limitations, including that people's exercise data was self-reported, so it relied on the participants accurately reporting their activity study also tracked only leisure-time exercise, meaning it didn't count exercise completed during household tasks or as part of a job, which may have also contributed to the results. In addition, the study didn't account for potentially unassessed health issues in some participants, or changes in people's exercise trends over time. That said, the results echo similar findings from a 2011 meta-analysis published in the journal Circulation . This review of 33 studies concluded that there was a stronger link between exercise and lower death risk in women than men. The researchers behind the 2024 study hope their findings could help motivate more women to exercise, whether through traditional ' cardio ' or muscle strengthening regimes including bodyweight exercises or lifting weights. 'I am hopeful that this pioneering research will motivate women who are not currently engaged in regular physical activity to understand that they are in a position to gain tremendous benefit for each increment of regular exercise they are able to invest in their longer-term health,' Dr. Christine Albert , chair of the Department of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute who was not involved in the study, said in the statement.
Korea Herald
25-04-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Mental distress on the rise among Gangnam children: data
Mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety, have been rising sharply among children in Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu and Songpa-gu, Seoul's southern districts known for intense academic competition. In the three elite education hubs, the number of cases covered by the national health insurance system in which children under nine were treated for depression and anxiety jumped from 1,037 in 2020 to 3,309 in 2024 — nearly tripling over the five-year period, according to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service submitted to Rep. Jin Sun-mee of the Democratic Party of Korea. Figures rose consistently from 1,612 in 2021 to 2,188 in 2022 and 2,797 in 2023. In 2024 alone, the average number of claims in each of the three Gangnam districts stood at 1,103, which is 3.8 times higher than the average of 291 across Seoul's 25 districts. Mental health issues among infants and young children are not limited to Seoul's Gangnam area, but are a growing concern nationwide. Across the country, the number of health insurance claims for depression and anxiety in children under nine doubled from 15,407 in 2020 to 32,601 in 2024. "The findings indicate that early academic stress can have a tangible, harmful effect on children's mental health," a HIRA official said. The recent data was based on insurance records reviewed and approved by the national health insurance audit agency during the cited period. Under the NHIS, patients pay only a portion of their medical costs at the time of treatment. The remaining amount is billed to the HIRA by the medical provider. Before the payment is made, the agency reviews the claim to determine whether the treatment was appropriate and eligible for coverage. Meanwhile, the high concentration of English-language kindergartens in the Gangnam area reflects the district's strong academic zeal. Of the total 240 English kindergartens across Seoul as of last year, 59, or nearly 25 percent, are located in Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu and Songpa-gu. Gangnam-gu accounted for the largest share with 25, followed by Songpa-gu with 21 and Seocho-gu with 13. Many English kindergartens in Gangnam-gu offer toddler programs for children as young as 2 or 3, with some parents preparing their children for entrance exams at top-tier kindergartens. 'At a time when children should be simply learning how to play and grow, they are suffering under excessive academic pressure and stress from competition," the lawmaker said. "There needs to be a thorough review of early private education, and real action to ease the burden on our youngest learners."
Saudi Salary
11-03-2025
- Health
- Saudi Salary
المملكة تدين بأشد العبارات ممارسة الاحتلال أساليب العقاب الجماعي على الفلسطينيين بقطع الكهرباء عن قطاع غزة
The landscape of pediatric health has experienced a seismic shift over the past two decades, with the incidence of chronic conditions among children and young adults rising alarmingly to nearly one in three youths. A recent comprehensive study sheds light on this concerning trend, revealing that a substantial portion of the younger population is grappling with enduring health issues that notably impact their daily lives and future prospects. This study, led by Dr. Lauren Wisk from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), highlights the implications of these findings and urges stakeholders to take decisive action. A multitude of factors contributes to this unprecedented rise in chronic pediatric conditions, predominantly featuring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, asthma, prediabetes, and mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. These disorders not only affect the individual's physical health but also their psychological, social, and educational outcomes. According to Dr. Wisk, socioeconomically disadvantaged youth are particularly vulnerable, often facing barriers that exacerbate their health challenges. The findings reveal a stark disparity, where young individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds—characterized by limited education, income instability, reliance on public insurance, or unemployment—exhibit significantly higher rates of chronic health conditions compared to their more affluent counterparts. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal 'Academic Pediatrics,' utilized nationally representative data gathered from approximately 236,500 participants aged between 5 and 25 years, derived from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) spanning from 1999 to 2018. The analysis revealed a troubling trend; the prevalence of chronic conditions among children aged 5 to 17 years increased from roughly 23% in 1999/2000 to over 30% by 2017/2018. This equates to an annual rise of approximately 130,000 additional children suffering from chronic conditions each year. Similarly, among young adults aged 18 to 25 years, the prevalence of chronic health issues climbed from 18.5% to a striking 29%, showcasing an annual increment of around 80,000 young adults experiencing these daunting health hurdles. Notably, a significant portion of these pediatric chronic conditions is manageable and treatable with access to high-quality health care. However, the U.S. healthcare system, criticized for its inefficiencies, often fails to provide this necessary level of care consistently. Dr. Wisk emphasizes that most youth with chronic health conditions will require ongoing access to health and social services throughout their lives. Unfortunately, the transition from pediatric to adult-focused healthcare remains fraught with challenges. Many young individuals fall through the cracks during this vital transition, leading to disengagement from necessary medical care and exacerbation of their health issues. The systemic barriers faced by these youth demand urgent attention and comprehensive reform. The findings underscore the necessity of investing in strategies to ensure that young individuals maintain appropriate engagement with healthcare throughout their lifespan. This is critical not just for managing their health conditions but also for facilitating their full participation in society. By providing effective healthcare access and support, we can empower these youths to participate meaningfully in educational, vocational, and community activities, thereby safeguarding their overall well-being. Despite the alarming trends depicted in the research, there are limitations to the study that warrant discussion. The reliance on self-reported data or caregiver reports introduces a layer of subjectivity and potential recall bias, raising questions about the accuracy of the findings. Furthermore, the researchers faced constraints when examining specific conditions, as the NHIS's design led to inconsistent assessments of certain health conditions over time. This inconsistency makes it challenging to track the progress of some chronic issues accurately. Interestingly, the NHIS underwent significant changes in 2019 that impacted its data collection methodology. As a result, the researchers could only estimate the prevalence of pediatric chronic conditions up to that point, effectively halting the ability to track ongoing trends beyond the study's completion. Dr. Wisk advocates for innovative methods to monitor and evaluate the health of the nation's youth, emphasizing that a better understanding of long-term trends is essential for addressing and mitigating these growing public health challenges. The implications of this study extend beyond immediate healthcare concerns; they reflect wider socio-economic realities that intertwine with health, education, and community support systems. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations must recognize the interconnectedness of health and socioeconomic status to develop comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of health disparities among youth. By reallocating resources, increasing accessibility to quality healthcare, and fostering environments that promote well-being, we can begin to curtail the surge of pediatric chronic conditions and enhance youth health outcomes across the board. Furthermore, it is imperative that mental health is integrated into pediatric health care systems. Given the prevalence of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression highlighted in the study, there is an urgent need to destigmatize mental health discussions and ensure that mental wellness is prioritized alongside physical health. Healthcare providers must receive training in recognizing and addressing mental health challenges in young patients to provide holistic, integrated care that addresses all aspects of their well-being. Engagement with families and caregivers is another critical dimension in improving health outcomes. Support systems that equip parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to manage chronic conditions can bridge significant gaps in healthcare delivery. Educational programs that focus on disease management and prevention strategies can empower families, reduce the burden on healthcare systems, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes for youth. In conclusion, the findings presented by Dr. Wisk and her colleagues paint a sobering picture of the health landscape faced by today's youth. The significant rise in chronic conditions among children and young adults warrants immediate action aimed at creating a more responsive and supportive healthcare system. By acknowledging the complexities involved in pediatric health issues and mobilizing resources effectively, we enhance our capacity to safeguard the health and future of the nation's children. It is a clarion call for comprehensive reform and innovative strategies to ensure that every young person has the opportunity for a healthy and fulfilling life. Subject of Research: Chronic pediatric health conditions and their trends Article Title: Prevalence and Trends in Pediatric-Onset Chronic Conditions in the United States, 1999-2018 News Publication Date: 7-Mar-2025 Web References: References: Image Credits: Not Provided Keywords: Pediatrics, chronic conditions, ADHD, autism, asthma, prediabetes, depression, anxiety, healthcare disparities, youth health, socioeconomic factors
