Aetna, Georgia Public Broadcasting Begin Campaign to Fight Childhood Obesity in the State

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aetna (NYSE: AET) and Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) have kicked off a 12-month statewide multi-media campaign to raise awareness of the increased risks of childhood obesity.

Funded by a $50,000 grant from the Aetna Foundation, the campaign will include community health events in Atlanta, Macon, Savannah and Columbus; a series of television and radio spots; and a 60-minute television special that will air tonight.

During last night’s TV special, an expert panel discussed causes and solutions to the epidemic of childhood obesity that is plaguing Georgia. A GPB phone bank and on-line chat connected viewers with a group of experts led by the Georgia Department of Community Health.

“With the help of great organizations such as GPB and Aetna, we will continue to provide educational resources that improve the wellness of Georgia’s children,” said Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Georgia Public Broadcasting will host a community health event Sept. 26 in Atlanta. Other events are scheduled Oct. 2 in Augusta, Nov. 7 in Macon and Nov. 14 in Savannah. An additional community health event will be scheduled in Columbus on a date to be determined.

Dr. Neal Shulman, the real-life “Doc Hollywood” whose story inspired the 1991 Michael J. Fox movie of the same name, will be featured at all of the events, educating children and their parents about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices in a fun and entertaining way. He also produced and is featured in the public service announcements being used as part of the campaign. Dr. Shulman lives in the Atlanta area and teaches at Emory University.

"GPB's collaboration with Aetna is one example of how we're fulfilling our mission of providing programs and services that are enriching to children and families," said GPB President and Executive Director Teya Ryan. "We're proud to use all of our media platforms to bring attention to this important issue."

In 2008 Aetna and the Aetna Foundation awarded community grants and sponsorships in Georgia totaling $725,000, with a particular focus on diabetes and related conditions. Year to date for 2009, they have awarded $596,000 for similar programs. Aetna provides health benefits to more than 600,000 people in Georgia.

“Obesity is a major health challenge, one that is diminishing the quality of life of people in our community,” said Cynthia Follmer, president of Aetna’s Georgia market. “Our children, particularly those from lower-income families, are particularly at risk. Working with Georgia Public Broadcasting, we’re committed to doing what we can to get people thinking about what they can do to combat obesity, and to provide support as they make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes.”

According to a National Health and Nutrition survey, 2.7 million U.S. children are severely obese. The rate of severe childhood obesity has tripled over the past 25 years, putting increasing numbers of children at risk for diabetes and heart disease. In Georgia, 24 percent of school children are obese by the time they enter third grade, according to a recent report issued by the Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health.

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Reducing Suicidal Behaviors among Adolescents

Adolescent girls who view themselves as too fat may display more suicidal behaviors than those who are actually overweight, according to a study by Inas Rashad, an assistant professor of economics at Georgia State University.

Although studies have shown a link between obesity, depressive disorders and suicidal behaviors, Rashad and Dhaval Dave of Bentley University, analyze these indicators in conjunction with an individual’s perception of their weight. The study was accepted for publication last month and is forthcoming in Social Science and Medicine.

“Both obesity and suicide have been highlighted by the Surgeon General as areas of focus for adolescents and areas of great concern,” Rashad said. “We find that the role perception has independently of actual overweight status is an important one, which has implications in terms of any solutions to the obesity epidemic that are put forth.”

The researchers utilized data from 1999 to 2007 from the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System, which indicated that 17 percent of high school students have seriously considered committing suicide. The data were used to not only investigate whether overweight status or perception are causal factors affecting suicidal thoughts and attempts among high school students, but also to estimate the potential economic costs.

“If being overweight not only imposes the usual health care and labor market costs, but also increases the risk of suicide, we need to take these costs into account when offering solutions,” Rashad said.

The study revealed that body dissatisfaction had a strong impact on all suicidal behaviors for girls and was generally insignificant for males. For instance, any perception of being overweight by girls raised the probability of suicidal thoughts by 5.6 percent, the probability of a suicide attempts by 3.2 percent, and the probability of an injury causing suicide attempts by 0.6 percent. The researchers also state that the risk of suicide by adolescent females could potentially add about $280 to $350 million to the costs of adolescent obesity, which includes the direct cost of illnesses and associated health care and indirect costs such as productivity losses, reduced income and premature mortality.

Rashad hopes more research will be done on the topic, but she recommends efforts aimed at preventing youth suicides focus on educating youths and fostering healthy attitudes with regard to weight.

“The prevalence of body dissatisfaction, among special populations of youths such as non-black girls, is significantly higher than the general youth population, even when the underlying weight is in a healthy range,” Rashad said. “Interventions that identify and assist these youths and educate them regarding a healthy body image will succeed in lowering suicide attempts.”

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One in Five Augustans With Type 2 Diabetes Mistakenly Believe That Being Obese or Overweight Can Positively Impact Their Disease

/PRNewswire/ -- Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) announced findings today from a recent survey conducted by national research firm Yankelovich that found that more than one in five Augustans with type 2 diabetes mistakenly think that excess weight has a positive effect on the disease. In fact, research shows that being overweight often contributes to the development of diabetes, complicates proper management of the disease and can lead to other serious conditions, including blindness, kidney damage and cardiovascular disease.

Survey findings also revealed that the recession is taking a negative toll on how Augustans manage their diabetes. One in four have reduced their level of diabetes care to save money, either by limiting treatment supplies, skipping doctor visits or taking medications less often, which can all lead to significant long-term health risks.

"These findings underscore the need for more education on the importance of proper diabetes management, including the impact of weight, in Augusta and the variety of options available to them," said Dr. Steven Edelman, physician, author and founder of TCOYD.

The survey, which assessed the behaviors and attitudes of Augustans with type 2 diabetes, was commissioned by TCOYD, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 diabetes education organization that offers programs to inform, motivate and empower participants to take control of their diabetes. TCOYD is also holding a diabetes education conference that will help Augustans with diabetes and their loved ones learn how to better manage the disease. The conference and health fair, taking place on Feb. 28, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Augusta Marriott, will feature national and local medical experts in diabetes care discussing the latest developments in the treatment of diabetes, the complications of the disease, psychological barriers to controlling diabetes and nutritional issues.

The survey also found that many Augusta residents with type 2 diabetes struggle with managing their weight because of a lack of knowledge of their disease and available treatment options, as well as local challenges specific to Augusta. Survey results include:

* Seventy-nine percent of survey respondents describe themselves as
overweight, and 81 percent say that their doctor has told them to lose
weight to better manage their disease
* Seventy-one percent are aware that there are diabetes medications that
cause weight gain, but almost half are currently taking these
medications. A startling 77 percent are unaware that there are diabetes
medications that can help people lose weight



"These survey findings show that many Augusta residents with type 2 diabetes are unclear on how to manage their disease and do not have the educational and economic resources to make healthy choices," said Dr. Charles Shaefer, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia. "It is vital that Augustans receive the necessary information and resources to take care of their health and prevent serious related conditions."

Both diabetes and obesity are growing national epidemics, affecting millions in the United States and worldwide. Recognizing the impact of these and other chronic diseases on the American healthcare system, the new Obama administration is making them a primary health focus. These diseases also have a significant impact in Richmond County, where more than 10 percent of the population has diabetes and more than 30 percent are obese. With so many Augusta residents affected by these diseases, it is vital to understand the best way to manage them.

Pre-registration for the conference is recommended and is $15 per person. On-site registration begins Feb. 28, 2009 at 9 a.m., and costs $20. Financial assistance is available by calling TCOYD. To register or get more information, call (800) 998-2693 or visit http://www.tcoyd.org/.

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New Cases of Diagnosed Diabetes on the Rise

The rate of new cases of diagnosed diabetes rose by more than 90 percent among adults over the last 10 years, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The data, published in CDC′s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, show that in the past decade, the incidence (new cases) of diagnosed diabetes has increased from 4.8 per 1,000 people during 1995-1997 to 9.1 per 1,000 in 2005-2007 in 33 states.

“This dramatic increase in the number of people with diabetes highlights the increasing burden of diabetes across the country,” says lead author Karen Kirtland, Ph.D., a data analyst with CDC′s Division of Diabetes Translation. “This study demonstrates that we must continue to promote effective diabetes prevention efforts that include lifestyle interventions for people at risk for diabetes. Changes such as weight loss combined with moderate physical activity are important steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk for developing diabetes.”

The study used data from CDC′s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and provides incidence rates of diabetes for 43 states and two U.S. territories. Only 33 states had data for both time periods, but 43 states collected data in 2005-2007.

State-specific, age-adjusted estimates of new cases of diabetes ranged from 5 per 1,000 people in Minnesota to 12.7 per 1,000 in West Virginia. The number of news cases was highest in Puerto Rico at 12.8 per 1,000. States with the highest age-adjusted incidence were predominately Southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

“This report documents the geographic distribution of new cases of diabetes and is consistent with previous studies showing an increase in new diabetes cases,” said Kirkland. “We must step up efforts to prevent and control diabetes, particularly in the Southern U.S. region where we see higher rates of diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity.”

CDC, through its Division of Diabetes Translation, funds diabetes prevention and control programs in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, and seven U.S. territories and island jurisdictions. The National Diabetes Education Program, co-sponsored by CDC and the National Institutes of Health, provides diabetes education to improve treatment for people with diabetes, promote early diagnosis and prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.

For more information about diabetes, visit www.cdc.gov/diabetes. The MMWR report is available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

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