Climate Change book launch at Earth Institute

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

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

Original Text

Prof Gary King PhD a , Emmanuela Gakidou PhD b, Kosuke Imai PhD c, Jason Lakin PhD d, Ryan T Moore PhD h, Clayton Nall MA d, Nirmala Ravishankar PhD b, Manett Vargas MPA e, Martha María Téllez-Rojo PhD f, Juan Eugenio Hernández Ávila MSc f, Mauricio Hernández Ávila MD e f, Héctor Hernández Llamas PhD g

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

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

• Go to bibliography

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.

-- 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."

What to Read on Climate Change | Foreign Affairs

What to Read on Climate Change | Foreign Affairs: "An annotated Foreign Affairs syllabus on climate change."

Did the White House just allow a massive climate change windfall? | FP Passport

Did the White House just allow a massive climate change windfall? | FP Passport

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.

'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."

National Public Health Week, April 6-12, 2009

Promote Public Health in Your Workplace Wednesday, April 8, 2009 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: Start a workplace wellness program. Well-constructed workplace wellness programs can reduce costs to the employer and improve employee health and morale. Form a committee and start making changes today! Stress the importance of healthy food options. Find yourself tempted by the high-calorie, low-nutrient foods in the vending machine when late afternoon hunger sets in? Get rid of the temptation! Organize your co-workers to advocate for healthy food choices. Start a walking group with your colleagues. Workers who are sedentary throughout the workday would have to spend most of their evenings in motion to meet the recommended 10,000 steps a day. Incorporate more physical activity in your day by forming a walking group to keep each other motivated. In This Issue What’s Happening Today NPHW Blog Series Public Health in the News Take Action Today! Resources What’s Happening Today Along with continued efforts to spread the word about the Healthiest Nation in One Generation campaign and video, here are some of the NPHW events taking place across the nation: Building the Foundation for a Healthy America: Media Power and Responsibility, College Park, Maryland "Unnatural Causes-Place Matters" Movie Screening, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania National Start Walking Day Event, Louisville, Kentucky Health Fair: Pathways to a Healthier You, Topeka, Kansas 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 Today’s blog entry will explore the impact of where we work on our health. Visit www.nphw.blogspot.com to check it out. Public Health in the News Here are some recent stories on NPHW from around the nation, as well as a selection of stories from the NPHW Twitter: Schwarzenegger, stars lobby for U.S. health reform (Reuters, 4/7) Living happier, healthier lives (Ventura County Star, 4/7) Poll: Majority Would Pay Higher Taxes For Universal Health Care (CBS News, 4/6) Prevention best 'cure' for many health problems (Daily Citizen, 4/6) Take Action Today! Help build awareness of public health's critical role in ensuring a healthy America! Send a letter to your members of Congress each day of NPHW that focuses on the different settings through which our health is impacted. 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 NPHW Toolkit NPHW Brochure Download logos Get Facts Click here for more…

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.

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.

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...

Healthiest Nation in One Generation

This is an amazing video message from the American Public Health Association.

Wikibooks

Wikibooks: "Wikibooks is a Wikimedia community for creating a free library of educational textbooks that anyone can edit."

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."