TUNCELI, KAAN, KEMENG LI, AND L. KEOKI WILLIAMS. Long-term effects of obesity on employment and work limitations among U. S. adults, 1986S. adults, to 1999S. adults, .Obesity. 200614:1637-1646. Objective: To determine the relationships between BMI and workforce participation and the presence of work limitations in a U.S. working-age population. Research Methods and Procedures:We used data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a nationwide prospective cohort, to estimate the effect of obesity in 1986 on employment and work limitations in 1999. Individuals were classified into the following weight categories: underweight (BMI Ͻ 18.5), normal weight (18.5 Յ BMI Ͻ 25), overweight (25 Յ BMI Ͻ 30), and obese (BMI Ն 30). Using multivariable probit models, we estimated the relationships between obesity and both employment and work disability. All analyses were stratified by sex. Results: After adjusting for baseline sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, exercise, and self-reported health, obesity was associated with reduced employment at follow-up [men: marginal effect (ME) Ϫ4.8 percentage points (pp); p Ͻ 0.05; women: ME Ϫ5.8 pp; p Ͻ 0.10]. Among employed women, being either overweight or obese was associated with an increase in self-reported work limitations when compared with normal-weight individuals (overweight: ME ϩ3.9 pp; p Ͻ 0.01; obese: ME ϩ12.6 pp; p Ͻ 0.01). Among men, the relationship between obesity and work limitations was not statistically significant.Discussion: Obesity appears to result in future productivity losses through reduced workforce participation and increased work limitations. These findings have important implications in the U.S., which is currently experiencing a rise in the prevalence of obesity.

Current adolescent overweight will likely lead to large future economic and health burdens, especially lost productivity from premature death and disability. Application of currently available medical treatments will not greatly reduce these future burdens of increased adult obesity.

Travel-associated outbreaks of legionnaires disease (LD) and combined outbreaks of LD and Pontiac fever (PF) are rarely identified. During one travel-associated combined outbreak at a hotel, a cohort study of potentially exposed persons and an environmental investigation were performed. Two LD and 22 PF cases were identified. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 6 (Lp6) isolates from the index patient and the hotel whirlpool spa were found to be identical by amplified fragment-length polymorphism typing. Disease occurred in 10 of 26 guests who were exposed to the spa versus 2 of 29 guests who were exposed only to the pool area (38% vs. 7%; P=.005). Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to the outbreak Lp6 strain was more common among persons with PF (4 of 9) than among non-ill persons (2 of 32) (44% vs. 6%; P=.02). Spa exposure correlated with disease (P=.001) and IgM seropositivity (P=.007). New laboratory techniques facilitate outbreak investigation; to expedite outbreak interruption and measure the impact of travel-associated legionellosis, surveillance must be improved.

Although having >/=5 nits within one fourth inch of the scalp was a risk factor for conversion, most children with nits alone did not become infested. Policies requiring exclusion from school and treatment for all children with nits alone are likely excessive. Instead, these children may benefit from repeated examination to exclude the presence of crawling lice.lice, pediculus, lice infestations, pediatrics, school.

Strategies for identifying urban youth with asthma have not been described for high school settings. African-American high school students are rarely included in asthma studies, despite a high risk of asthma mortality when compared to other age and race groups. Identification and follow-up of children with uncontrolled respiratory symptoms are necessary to reduce the burden of asthma morbidity and mortality, especially in underserved areas. We describe a process used to identify high school students who could benefit from intervention based on self-report of asthma and/or respiratory symptoms, and the costs associated with symptom-identification. Letters announcing a survey were mailed to parents of 9th-11th graders by an authorized vendor managing student data for the school district. Scan sheets with student identifiers were distributed to English teachers at participating schools who administered the survey during a scheduled class. Forms were completed by 5,967 of the 7,446 students assigned an English class (80% response). Although prevalence of lifetime asthma was 15.8%, about 11% of students met program criteria for enrollment through report of an asthma diagnosis and recent symptoms, medication use, or health care utilization. Another 9.2% met criteria by reported symptoms only. Cost of symptom-identification was $5.23/student or $32.29/program-eligible student. There is a need for school-based asthma programs targeting urban adolescents, and program initiation will likely require identification of students with uncontrolled symptoms. The approach described was successfully implemented with a relatively high response rate. Itemized expenses are presented to facilitate modifications to reduce costs. This information may benefit providers, researchers, or administrators targeting similar populations.

To evaluate physical activity, obesity and asthma, we analyzed information from children attending a racially diverse middle-class suburban school district. Physical activity in metabolic equivalents (METS) and percent body fat were related to diagnosed asthma. On average the, 636 children were 8.9 years of age, 64.0% black, and 11.8% with reported asthma. Children with asthma were more active: 6,438 versus 5,432 METs/year, p = 0.03. Logistic regression considering METs, percent fat, gender and race showed METs were a significant risk factor for asthma, odds ratio (OR) = 1.24 (95% CI 1.01-1.52, p = 0.045). Higher levels of physical activity were related to more diagnosed asthma.

No abstract

No abstract