Wednesday, April 15
Columbia Climate Center: Book Launch - Climate Change: Picturing the Science
Speakers: Peter deMenocal, Professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University; Stephanie Pfirman, Chair, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Barnard College; Gavin Schmidt, Adjunct Senior Research Scientist, Center for Climate Systems Research, The Earth Institute, Columbia University; Joshua Wolfe, Editorial and Documentary Photographer, GHG Photos
Time: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Columbia University, Morningside Campus, Schapiro CEPSR Building, Davis Auditorium
Contact: Kate Duffy, kd2201@columbia.edu or call (212) 854-8158
RSVP: Register
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Public policy for the poor? A randomised assessment of the Mexican universal health insurance programme : The Lancet
Public policy for the poor? A randomised assessment of the Mexican universal health insurance programme : The Lancet
Summary
Background
We assessed aspects of Seguro Popular, a programme aimed to deliver health insurance, regular and preventive medical care, medicines, and health facilities to 50 million uninsured Mexicans.Methods
We randomly assigned treatment within 74 matched pairs of health clusters—ie, health facility catchment areas—representing 118 569 households in seven Mexican states, and measured outcomes in a 2005 baseline survey (August, 2005, to September, 2005) and follow-up survey 10 months later (July, 2006, to August, 2006) in 50 pairs (n=32 515). The treatment consisted of encouragement to enrol in a health-insurance programme and upgraded medical facilities. Participant states also received funds to improve health facilities and to provide medications for services in treated clusters. We estimated intention to treat and complier average causal effects non-parametrically.Findings
Intention-to-treat estimates indicated a 23% reduction from baseline in catastrophic expenditures (1·9% points; 95% CI 0·14—3·66). The effect in poor households was 3·0% points (0·46—5·54) and in experimental compliers was 6·5% points (1·65—11·28), 30% and 59% reductions, respectively. The intention-to-treat effect on health spending in poor households was 426 pesos (39—812), and the complier average causal effect was 915 pesos (147—1684). Contrary to expectations and previous observational research, we found no effects on medication spending, health outcomes, or utilisation.Interpretation
Programme resources reached the poor. However, the programme did not show some other effects, possibly due to the short duration of treatment (10 months). Although Seguro Popular seems to be successful at this early stage, further experiments and follow-up studies, with longer assessment periods, are needed to ascertain the long-term effects of the programme.
"Global Warming: Beyond the Tipping Point," Presented by James Hansen, PhD, Director, Goddard Institute for Space Studies, on April 22, 2009 at 4 pm
| Event information here |
Dr. James E. Hansen
![[photo]](http://www.giss.nasa.gov/gfx/staff/j_hansen.jpg)
Affiliation: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
2880 Broadway
New York, NY 10025 USA
E-mail: James.E.Hansen@nasa.gov
Phone: (212) 678-5500
Curriculum Vitae
- Download CV (PDF)
Education:
- B.A., Physics and Mathematics, 1963, University of Iowa
- M.S., Astronomy, 1965, University of Iowa
- Ph.D., Physics, 1967, University of Iowa
Publications
Research Interests:
As a college student in Iowa, I was attracted to science and research by James Van Allen's space science program in the physics and astronomy department. Since then, it only took me a decade or so to realize that the most exciting planetary research involves trying to understand the climate change on earth that will result from anthropogenic changes of the atmospheric composition.
One of my research interests is radiative transfer in planetary atmospheres, especially interpreting remote sounding of the earth's atmosphere and surface from satellites. Such data, appropriately analyzed, may provide one of our most effective ways to monitor and study global change on the earth. The hardest part is trying to influence the nature of the measurements obtained, so that the key information can be obtained.
I am also interested in the development and application of global numerical models for the purpose of understanding current climate trends and projecting humans' potential impacts on climate. The scientific excitement in comparing theory with data, and developing some understanding of global changes that are occurring, is what makes all the other stuff worth it.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
-- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - BillionTree Campaign Site --
-- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - BillionTree Campaign Site --: "Together, let’s plant 7 billion trees by the end of 2009!"
Oxfam CHANGE Programme
Medsin: Global Health - Local Issue: "Oxfam is giving 40 young people aged 18-25 an amazing opportunity to receive specialist training and knowledge for campaigning on development issues. We are running an all expenses paid 4-day residential training course in Birmingham from 18-21 September 2009, which will equip you with everything you need to know to make an impact in the fight against poverty and suffering."
Thursday, April 9, 2009
What to Read on Climate Change | Foreign Affairs
What to Read on Climate Change | Foreign Affairs: "An annotated Foreign Affairs syllabus on climate change."
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Malaria and urbanization in developing countries
I had a chance to talk with Dr. Omumbo from the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI)about the urbanization and malaria outbreak in developing countries.
She identified several determinants to malaria spread in an urban area:
1. Slum condition Infrastructure cannot catch up with the population inflow from a rural areas, which leads to deterioration of urban environment such as creating a slum. Thus, people at slum would face the poor sanitation condition, which leads to vulnerability to the risk of being infected by malaria. Specifically, dirty water conditions in slum is serious.
2. Demographic movement. Rural people, who is more infected by malaria, come to an urban area, which leads to the spread of malaria in an urban.
3. Urban expansion. Urban will expand to its surrounding area, whose land use is more prone to vector emergence. For example, a suburban area has a lot of rice field, where more mosquito can live.
She identified several determinants to malaria spread in an urban area:
1. Slum condition Infrastructure cannot catch up with the population inflow from a rural areas, which leads to deterioration of urban environment such as creating a slum. Thus, people at slum would face the poor sanitation condition, which leads to vulnerability to the risk of being infected by malaria. Specifically, dirty water conditions in slum is serious.
2. Demographic movement. Rural people, who is more infected by malaria, come to an urban area, which leads to the spread of malaria in an urban.
3. Urban expansion. Urban will expand to its surrounding area, whose land use is more prone to vector emergence. For example, a suburban area has a lot of rice field, where more mosquito can live.
'Epidemic of Oral Disease' Is Found in Poor
"The disparities were particularly great among children. The study found that more than a third of all poor youngsters ages 2 to 9 had untreated cavities, compared with 17 percent of children who are not poor.And even children with health insurance often lack proper care; a recent study, cited in the surgeon general's report, found that among children covered by Medicaid, the government insurance program for the poor, fewer than 1 in 5 had a preventive dental visit during the previous year."
''We have had a tendency to separate oral health from the rest of the body,'' said Dr. David Satcher, the surgeon general, in an interview after releasing the study."
''We have had a tendency to separate oral health from the rest of the body,'' said Dr. David Satcher, the surgeon general, in an interview after releasing the study."
National Public Health Week, April 6-12, 2009
Promote Public Health in Your Workplace
Almost every day, Americans spend just as much time, if not more, in their workplaces than they do in their communities or at home. Therefore, promoting health and safety in the workplace is an essential part of public health’s role in building the foundation for a healthy America. From worksite wellness programs aimed at helping workers adopt healthy behaviors to safety regulations aimed at keeping them safe on the job, public health works in a variety of ways to address health where we work. Today, think about how public health provides the foundation for the health and well-being of people in Your Workplace. What can you do to help create a healthier environment at work? Make a special effort to share our Healthiest Nation in One Generation viral video with your co-workers today. And don’t forget to add your organization’s name to the list of those who have committed to make a difference. Here are some other things you can do to promote public health in your workplace:
In This Issue
What’s Happening Today
Want to know what is happening in your community? Visit the NPHW Event Calendar for a complete list of submitted events that are taking place around the nation. You can also get the word out about any NPHW events that you’re organizing. NPHW Blog Series Public Health in the News
Take Action Today! Wednesday: Your Workplace - Supporting healthy employees and healthy businesses Urge your legislators to recognize the importance of public health as the foundation of our health system and to work to prioritize public health in the health reform debate. NPHW Resources Click here for more…
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The Lost Tribes of New York City on Vimeo
The Lost Tribes of New York City on Vimeo: "Urban Anthropologists, Andy and Carolyn London interview some of New York City's more overlooked citizens."
The Lost Tribes of New York City from Carolyn London on Vimeo.
The Lost Tribes of New York City from Carolyn London on Vimeo.
Oral health behaviour among 11-13 year olds in slums
Oral health behaviour among 11-13 year olds in slums
This is an interesting (if technical) article on findings of a study that looked at oral health and oral health behaviors of children living in slum areas. These are contrasted against findings for children living in rural areas and it is revealed that the children in the slums have poorer oral health and less effective oral health behaviors.
This is an interesting (if technical) article on findings of a study that looked at oral health and oral health behaviors of children living in slum areas. These are contrasted against findings for children living in rural areas and it is revealed that the children in the slums have poorer oral health and less effective oral health behaviors.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
One topic that I found interesting from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s information on senior oral health is copied below. It was extremely hard to find any outreach materials geared towards aging populations online. I wonder if this has something to do with limited internet access among the elderly?
“If you have arthritis or limited use of your hands, try adapting the toothbrush for easy use. Insert the handle into a rubber ball or sponge hair curler; or glue the toothbrush handle into a bicycle grip. Toothbrush handles can be lengthened with a piece of wood or plastic such as a ruler, ice cream bar stick or tongue depressor.
For people who have dexterity problems and cannot use a manual toothbrush, an electric toothbrush may be easier to use and increase effectiveness. Numerous studies confirm that electric brushes are excellent plaque removing devices and are extremely effective in stimulating gums. Dental floss holders are also available.”
Also for information on NY state, I found that before 2001, NY did not have a comprehensive plan for oral health. Recently, the CDC reported that a plan was adopted statewide in 2005.
House Dust Yields Clue to Asthma - Roaches
House Dust Yields Clue to Asthma - Roaches - NYTimes.com:
"...“For inner-city children,” said the lead researcher, Dr. Daniel G. Remick, a professor of pathology, “the major cause of asthma is not dust mites, not dog dander, not outdoor air pollen. It’s allergies to cockroaches.” [...]"
BBC NEWS | Health | Cancer risk 'not changing habits'
BBC NEWS | Health | Cancer risk 'not changing habits': "Cancer risk 'not changing habits'"
Looks like we need a new technique to inspire behavior change...
Looks like we need a new technique to inspire behavior change...
Healthiest Nation in One Generation
This is an amazing video message from the American Public Health Association.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Developing nations leading development?
This article suggests that, with this most recent G20 summit, we have just entered a world in which the United States is no longer the necessary partner in any major economic dealings.
"The presence of the world's top “developing” countries – notably China, India and Brazil – was not tokenism or ornament, as it has largely been at past summits. Those countries are now contributors, rather than recipients, of finance; without China's $50-billion commitment yesterday, the trade-finance package would not have worked.
But something important changed yesterday. It is no longer a case of Washington bailing out the world, with the help of a small group of wealthy European nations and sometimes Canada.
Yesterday, to an important degree, the world bailed out the United States. Mr. Brown compared it to the Marshall Plan, in which the U.S. government injected hundreds of millions into the European and Japanese economies after the war in exchange for Washington holding decisive power in most international bodies.
Yesterday, 65 years after Bretton Woods, the favour was returned."
"The presence of the world's top “developing” countries – notably China, India and Brazil – was not tokenism or ornament, as it has largely been at past summits. Those countries are now contributors, rather than recipients, of finance; without China's $50-billion commitment yesterday, the trade-finance package would not have worked.
But something important changed yesterday. It is no longer a case of Washington bailing out the world, with the help of a small group of wealthy European nations and sometimes Canada.
Yesterday, to an important degree, the world bailed out the United States. Mr. Brown compared it to the Marshall Plan, in which the U.S. government injected hundreds of millions into the European and Japanese economies after the war in exchange for Washington holding decisive power in most international bodies.
Yesterday, 65 years after Bretton Woods, the favour was returned."
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