State

Oklahoma smoking rate reaches historic low (OK)
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports that the statewide smoking prevalence among adults decreased from 28.7% in 2001 to 23.7% in 2010, an all time low. State Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline says the State Department of Health, Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, community partners, healthcare providers, policy makers and others have contributed to the reduction in the state’s smoking prevalence. Cline believes the state still has work to do to continue the progress, but is excited about this achievement. Read the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s news release here.

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National

Cigarette sales in pharmacies in the USA (2005-2009)
Although several jurisdictions have prohibited pharmacies from selling cigarettes for health reasons, there is little data on how pharmacies contribute to overall cigarette sales in the U.S. According to a study published in Tobacco Control, overall cigarette sales in the U.S. have decreased in recent years, while sales in pharmacies have risen. The researchers tabulated 2005-2009 data from AC Nielsen and Euromonitor to determine cigarette sales, and extrapolated the data to determine what the rate of sales will be in 2020. The data indicated that pharmacy cigarette sales increased by almost 23% between 2005 and 2009, and by 2020 almost 15% of cigarettes might be sold in pharmacies. The authors say that effective tobacco control policies are needed to stop the sales of cigarettes in pharmacies. Read more here.

Trends in selected chronic conditions and behavioral risk factors among women of reproductive age, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2001-2009
A new analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2001-2009 indicates that among women of reproductive age, the prevalence of smoking and physical inactivity declined significantly, while other risk factors either worsened or did not change. The authors describe trends in the prevalence of risk factors and chronic conditions, such as heavy drinking, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, and high blood pressure, which affect reproductive outcomes. The article concludes that understanding why progress occurred in smoking and physical activity may shed light on interventions to address other risk factors and chronic conditions. Click here to view the article, which appears in the November 2011 issue of the journal Preventing Chronic Disease.

Healthy People 2010 misses targets on obesity and health disparities
According to a final review of progress toward the Healthy People 2010 national health objectives, Americans’ health has improved over the past decade, and as a result, life expectancy has increased. However, disparities did not change significantly for approximately 80% of the objectives that were reviewed. Smoking prevalence decreased overall among adults and youth; however, minorities, people with lower educational attainment, and those with lower incomes remain more likely to smoke and to be exposed to secondhand smoke. Click here to read a summary of the findings, or click here to view the report, “Healthy People 2010 Final Review.” Related: National release of 2020 Leading Health Indicators Every ten years, the Healthy People initiative sets evidence-based goals and objectives designed to guide national health promotion and disease prevention efforts. On Monday, October 31, the Healthy People 2020 Leading Health Indicators will be released at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting. Find out more here.

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International

WHO warns of growing epidemic of premature death from 'noncommunicable diseases'
A new report from the World Health Organization warns of a growing burden of premature deaths caused by noncommunicable diseases, which include heart attack, stroke, cancer, emphysema, and diabetes. According to the report, noncommunicable diseases cause 36 million of 57 million deaths each year worldwide, and many of the deaths are among people of working age in low-income countries. The report notes that up to half of these deaths could be prevented through healthier lifestyles, clinical care, or policy interventions. Click here to read more, or click here to view the report, “Noncommunicable diseases country profiles 2011.”

UN launches global campaign to curb death toll from noncommunicable diseases
At a United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York City in September, leaders from dozens of countries discussed a plan to address the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Meeting attendees reviewed and adopted a draft declaration that urges governments to adopt policies to promote healthier lifestyle choices and prevent noncommunicable diseases. Click here to read more. Click here to read a press release from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids urging governments to follow up on the commitments in the declaration by taking decisive action to implement tobacco control policies.

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