Perspectives in Public Health recent issues

Social marketing: a toolkit, a profession or a political diversion?

Scriven, A. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

News

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Policy and politics

Keady, P. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Cutting edge

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Media maladies

Stanwell-Smith, R. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

In Practice

Donaldson, C. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Prison Health

Gatherer, A. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

All change please...

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

As the awareness and use of social marketing campaigns grows, challenges and hurdles are becoming all the more apparent. Lizzy Hay discusses the suggestions made to overcome such hurdles and considers the approaches taken and challenges faced by a novel campaign aiming to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health

Guest Editorial

Mackie, P. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Addressing obesity through social marketing: 'Liverpool's Challenge'

Thomas, J. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Jane Thomas, Head of Insight and Social Marketing at Liverpool PCT, describes how the obesity epidemic is being tackled in a city heavily affected

Proving the power of social marketing: The UK's growing evidence base

Reynolds, D. L. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Dr Lucy Reynolds manages ShowCase, the National Social Marketing Centre’s new online collection of social marketing case studies. Having developed this programme since July 2008, Lucy shares her experience of the UK’s growing proficiency in social marketing delivery

Being there: Public health needs a public face

Hastings, G. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Professor Gerard Hastings, OBE, Director of the Institute for Social Marketing and the Centre for Tobacco Control Research at University of Stirling and the Open University, offers an insight into how business wins hearts and minds — and the opportunities it presents for public health

Time to reassert public health's core brand values

French, J. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Can social marketing bring about long-term behaviour change?

Jackson, A. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Amanda Jackson, Director of Social Change at ICE Marketing & Communications, an agency working with NHS partners and PCTs nationwide helping to tackle a range of public health concerns, offers her perspective

The nature, development and contribution of social marketing to public health practice since 2004 in England

French, J. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Social marketing is a highly systematic approach to health improvement that sets out unambiguous success criteria focused on behaviour change. This paper reviews the key concepts and principles of social marketing and its recent rapid development across government in England in the public health field. This paper outlines the role of the National Social Marketing Centre and concludes with a discussion of the probable future impact of social marketing on public health practice. The paper argues that there is a close ideological match between social marketing and liberal democratic imperatives. Social marketing’s focus on outcome, return on investment and its emphasis on developing interventions that can respond to diverse needs, means it is probable that social marketing will increasingly be required by governments as a standard part of public health programmes.

The integration of health promotion and social marketing

Griffiths, J., Blair-Stevens, C., Parish, R. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

The urgency and scale of contemporary health challenges are enormous. The review It’s Our Health!¹ published in 2006 found that social marketing had considerable potential to increase the effectiveness of health improvement work, with the intention that it should build on core health promotion principles and not replace them. Health promotion has, however, lost its focus and identity in recent years in some parts of the country, partly due to repeated organizational change, and it has suffered from a lack of proactive workforce development. Over the last year, the National Social Marketing Centre (NSMC) and the Shaping the Future of Health Promotion Collaboration (StFofHP), hosted by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), have explored the relationship between social marketing and health promotion and led a debate with stakeholders. A Delphi consultation with an expert panel drawn from specialists and strategic leaders in several settings, and the academic community, is currently under way and will report in the autumn. Findings so far emphasize the wide variation in understanding and interpretation of the two skill sets, much confusion about definitions and what added value both health promotion and social marketing bring to health improvement. Some of the distinctive contributions of both are described in this paper.

Evaluating social marketing: Lessons from ShowCase

Christopoulos, A., Reynolds, L. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

In April 2009, the National Social Marketing Centre launched its new case study resource, ShowCase: a collection of 40 best practice social marketing programmes, predominantly from the UK. The process of collecting and researching these case studies has provided a unique opportunity to look at the current state of ‘evaluation’ within the field of social marketing. This paper shares some of the observations made during the review, exploring common challenges faced when evaluating social marketing. It also provides recommendations for improving this process to guide future social marketing delivery.

Increasing breastfeeding and reducing smoking in pregnancy: a social marketing success improving life chances for children

Lowry, R J, Billett, A., Buchanan, C., Whiston, S. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate an intervention using social marketing principles to increase breastfeeding and reduce smoking during pregnancy in a population to improve life chances for children born in a town in north east England.

Method: Breastfeeding and smoking cessation attendance rates were measured against targets set in a government—local health authority agreement.

Results: Targets were bettered in both breastfeeding and smoking cessation.

Conclusion: This social marketing-based approach is successful.

From service delivery to solution delivery: Commissioning for health improvement

Shircore, R., Ladbury, P. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

The further division of responsibilities between commissioners and providers in England will have far-reaching consequences and opportunities for developing and enhancing health improvement. Commissioners will have the opportunity to craft local solutions to local issues. To be effective, these local responses need to tackle the core determinants of health and to build the social capital that is at the heart of all communities that enjoy high standards of health. This paper argues that the new arrangements mark an evolution of the Beveridge model of healthcare (centralized, top down and professionally prescribed) to a post-Beveridge model characterized by it being decentralized, localized and utilizing professional skills in the pursuit of client and community satisfaction and engagement rather than a narrowly defined professional perspective. This paper indicates some of the key conceptual changes commissioners need to employ to take advantage of the emerging opportunities. It is argued that the new arrangements will only be fully effective if commissioners of health improvement programmes ensure they factor in health promotion and social marketing expertise, both in the strategic and operational phases of commissioning. Finally, predictions are made about changes in the values and characteristics of current health improvement organizations.

Book Review: The Truth about Hormones By Vivienne Parry. Published by Atlantic Books, London, 2008. Paperback 304pp. Price {pound}8.99. ISBN 978 1 84354 429 6

Connolly, V. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Book Review: Osteoarthritis -- Preventing and Healing without Drugs By Peter Bales. Published by Prometheus Books, New York, 2008. Paperback 284pp. Price {pound}15.99. ISBN 978-1591026150

Aspden, R. M — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:32 PST

Health Inequalities -- fair inequality?

Hartwell, H. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:46 PDT

News

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:46 PDT

Diary

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:46 PDT

Policy and politics: Confessions of a scholastic distortionist and selectivist

Mittelmark, M. B. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:46 PDT

Public Health Law

Martin, R. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:46 PDT

Cutting edge

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:46 PDT

Media maladies

Stanwell-Smith, R. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:46 PDT

All things being equal

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

As cancer in men rises above that in women, and women continue to suffer more heavily from depression and other mental health conditions, Caitlyn Donaldson writes that treating men and women differently is the key to health equality.

Humanity and Equality -- will they ever be fully compatible?

Hodge, S. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

Tackling health inequalities in India

Rao, M. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

Social differences in populations and their implications for public health

Kelley, M. P — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

Strengthening health systems and cross-government capacity to address health inequalities

Ziglio, E. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

Misfortunes never come singly

Caan, W. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

Overhead or opportunity?

Eagles, D. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

David Eagles, a partner with PKF, a firm of accountants and business advisors, discusses the role of audit in the quest for continuous health improvement

The Infant Mortality National Support Team

Korkodilos, M., Thorne, A., Earwicker, R. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

An evaluation of performance-arts based HIV-prevention events in London with 13--16 year olds

Campbell, T., Bath, M., Bradbear, R., Cottle, J., Parrett, N. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

Aim: The London borough of Newham is ethnically diverse and is one of the poorest regions in the UK. Rates of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are high compared to the rest of the country. One strand of the local school-based HIV-prevention programme for young people utilizes performance arts as a tool for HIV education and prevention. This study evaluated HIV knowledge, confidence and intention to use a condom in two groups of 13—16 year olds who had participated in performance-based events.

Method: Group 1 (n = 14) participated in a six-week programme of performance arts-based HIV education and prevention workshops, which culminated in a theatre-based performance. Group 2 (n = 65) were audience members who attended the performance. Participants completed a short questionnaire containing both qualitative and quantitative items.

Results: Qualitative data suggested that the participants had learned about condoms and their efficacy in preventing acquisition of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Quantitative results indicated that after participation in the events, respondents had more information about HIV and condom use; were more confident that they could insist on condom use with partners; and planned to use condoms in the future. There was a statistically significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 but because of the small numbers in Group 1 this result should be interpreted cautiously.

Conclusions: Performance-based HIV-prevention activities may be a useful way to deliver HIV-prevention messages to young people. This evaluation will form the basis of a more systematic and robust evaluation of future events.

Postnatal depression: A global public health perspective

Almond, P. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

The aim of this paper is to discuss whether or not postnatal depression is a global public health concern. Public health is the study of the morbidity, mortality and the cause and course of disease, at a population rather than an individual level. Public health is also concerned with examining factors that cause health inequalities. Postnatal depression is a mental and emotional condition that can affect women during the first postnatal year. Since the effects of postnatal depression are known to go beyond the mother in that it also affects the partner and the child, it can be deemed a public health problem. Additionally, severe postnatal depression can lead to infanticide as well as maternal death, often by suicide. Furthermore, evidence demonstrates that all countries are faced with the challenge of postnatal depression, but low- to middle-income countries face the greatest burden. The literature revealed various treatment options for this complex condition. However, it also uncovered that not all women are assessed for postnatal depression, nor do all women receive treatment. The emerging picture is that postnatal depression is indeed a public health problem, particularly as the incidence is much higher than the quoted rate of 10%—15%. This paper recommends direction for public health-orientated perinatal mental health research and suggests that service providers should consider the routine assessment of all postnatal women.

Sociocultural dimensions of HIV/AIDS among Middle Eastern immigrants in the US: bridging culture with HIV/AIDS programmes

Ehsanzadeh-Cheemeh, P., Sadeque, A., Grimes, R. M, Essien, E J. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

The population of Middle Eastern immigrants in the US has been increasing dramatically over the past 30 years, growing from 200,000 in 1970 to 1.5 million in 2000. These immigrants and their descendants constitute an important new population of interest for public health and other social programmes. With this addition to the cultural diversity of American society, it is important for healthcare programmes to be responsive to the unique cultural needs of those of Middle Eastern origin and to include them in healthcare curricula. This need is particularly imperative for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) intervention programmes, where the reduction of risky behaviours is essential to controlling the epidemic. When Middle Easterners emigrate to the US they must adjust to the American culture, which leads to preservation of some aspects of their culture and adjustment of behaviors to match American customs. This article aims to present sociocultural factors of HIV risk behaviours that are specific to Middle Eastern culture. The article also provides recommendations for HIV/AIDS-culturally appropriate intervention programmes.

Using practice development methodology to develop children's centre teams: Ideas for the future

Hemingway, A., Cowdell, F. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

The Children’s Centre Programme is a recent development in the UK and brings together multi-agency teams to work with disadvantaged families. Practice development methods enable teams to work together in new ways. Although the term practice development remains relatively poorly defined, its key properties suggest that it embraces engagement, empowerment, evaluation and evolution. This paper introduces the Children’s Centre Programme and practice development methods and aims to discuss the relevance of using this method to develop teams in children’s centres through considering the findings from an evaluation of a two-year project to develop inter-agency public health teams. The evaluation showed that practice development methods can enable successful team development and showed that through effective facilitation, teams can change their practice to focus on areas of local need. The team came up with their own process to develop a strategy for their locality.

Book Review: Memory: A Very Short Introduction By Jonathon K Foster. Published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2009 Paperback 144pp. Price {pound}7.99. ISBN 978-0192806758

Tee, S. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

Book Review: Asthma: The Facts By AS Arshad and KS Babu. Published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2009. Paperback 144pp. Price {pound}9.99. ISBN 978-0-19-921126-5

Qureshi, B. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

Book Review: Removing the Barriers to Global Health Equity By Theodore H Macdonald. Published by Radcliffe Publishing, Oxford, 2009. Paperback 296pp. Price {pound}29.95. ISBN 978-1-84619-308-8

Hill, S. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

Book Review: Taking the Lead in Patient Safety: How Healthcare Leaders Influence Behaviour and Create Culture Edited by Thomas R Krause and John H Hidley. Published by John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey, 2009. Hardback 287pp. Price {pound}46.95. ISBN: 978-0-470-22539-4

Adil, M. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:53:47 PDT

Public health challenges of adding years to life and life to years

Scriven, A. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

News

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Diary

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

News

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Policy and politics

Williams, P. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Cutting edge

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Media maladies

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

A mouth to feed

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

In Practice

Hay, L. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Food Policy

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Active retirement for healthier ageing

McMinn, A. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Sparklebunnies are go!

Clapham, D. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

"Let's help those who want to help themselves," advocates David Clapham, Senior Environmental Health Officer at Bradford County Council and intrepid explorer

Reflective practice and self-awareness

Morgan, G. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Gaol and ship fevers

Collins, C. H, Kennedy, D. A — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

The impact of well-developed preventative strategies on the eradication of head lice

Ibarra, J., Fry, F., Wickenden, C., Jenner, M., Franks, A. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

In the 1970s Donaldson applied the principles of infectious disease surveillance to pediculosis capitis infestation with head lice. This provided a lasting insight into an effective strategy for prevention. Research in Teesside, UK, proved that the first step in breaking the chain of transmission is the engagement of parents in an intensive detection/treatment campaign. United action halved the infestation rate, even though failing lindane treatments were in use. Subsequently although effective malathion treatment was introduced, it became clear that the late detection of light cases of head lice still undermines eradication.

This paper analyzes the development by the health charity, Community Hygiene Concern, of the Bug Busting programme based on this solid evidence. In the 1990s the charity solved the problem of detecting asymptomatic lice using a specially designed Bug Buster louse comb in wet, conditioned hair. It undertook the popularization of this method and the co-ordination of national detection days (Bug Busting Days) through primary schools.

In 2004 this structured approach to prevention was adopted in Chester. It produced a 24% reduction in health authority spending on treatment products in the first year and appreciable savings in professional time.

It is concluded that participation in the Bug Busting programme benefits community health providers and schools. Provision of dependable detection combs with the correct instructions to families at risk, empowers them to gain sustainable, cost-effective control of head lice.

Sport, health and drugs: a critical re-examination of some key issues and problems

Vidar Hanstad, D., Waddington, I. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

One of the major justifications for the ban on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport has been that relating to the protection of the health of athletes. This paper subjects this argument to critical analysis by putting it in the context of the broader relationship between sport and health. More particularly, the paper seeks to unravel some of the complexities of this relationship by an examination of: (i) some aspects of sports sponsorship, particularly with alcohol and tobacco companies; (ii) the health risks associated with elite level sport; and (iii) the widespread and legal use within the sporting context of drugs that can have dangerous side effects. The paper concludes with an examination of some aspects of anti-doping policies within sport and it is suggested that a more imaginative approach to athlete education is needed to prevent the misuse of drugs.

Environmental risk factors and health outcomes in selected communities of the Niger delta area, Nigeria

Ana, G. R., Sridhar, M. K., Bamgboye, E. A — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Aims: The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of various health outcomes associated with exposure to environmental risk factors including industrial pollution in selected communities of Nigeria's oil-rich Niger delta area (NDA).

Methods: The study involved both laboratory experiments and community health surveys using questionnaires and hospital records. A total of 14 air samples, 16 grab soil samples and 18 surface water samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters including heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using standard methods. A 77-item questionnaire was administered on randomly selected 349 subjects. A five-year record was collected from health facilities located in the two communities.

Results: The laboratory results indicated that the median PAH level at Eleme as compared to Ahoada East was higher than the guideline limit 50 ng/l for surface waters. The mean TSP level at Eleme was higher than the level at Ahoada East and the guideline limit 100 µg/m³. The median PAH level at Eleme was higher than the level at Ahoada East and the guideline limit < 100 ng/m³ for air. The survey results showed that at Eleme air pollution in the community was significantly associated with painful body outgrowths (p = 0.027) and the effect the air contaminants has was significantly associated with respiratory health problem ( p = 0.044). At Ahoada East commonly consumed aquatic food was highly significantly associated with painful body outgrowth ( p < 0.0001) while use of domestic cooking fuel types was also highly significantly associated with child deformities (p < 0.0001). Hospital records showed high proportions of respiratory disorder among males (3.85%) and females (4.39%) at Eleme as compared to the proportion of respiratory disorder among males (3.68%) and females (4.18%) at Ahoada East.

Conclusions: The study shows that industrial communities such as Eleme, which are exposed to higher levels of air pollution, are more predisposed to respiratory morbidities, skin disorders and other related health risks.

Book Review: Health Systems and the Challenge of Communicable Diseases: Experiences from Latin America: By R Coker, R Atun and M McKee. Published by Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2008. Paperback 296pp. Price {pound}27.99. ISBN 978-0335233663

Riley, A. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Book Review: Involving People in Healthcare Policy and Practice: By Susie Green. Published by Radcliffe Publishing, Oxford, 2007. Paperback 176pp. Price {pound}24.95. ISBN 978-1857757736

Griffiths, J. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:30:16 PDT

Physical activity -- `you say jump and I will ask how high'

Hartwell, H. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

News

Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Can't exercise, won't exercise

Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

In Practice

Hay, L. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Cutting edge

Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Media maladies

King, M. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Policy and politics

Maryon-Davis, A. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

What is physical activity and why should we do it?

Hayes, C. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Men, work and exercise

Wilkins, D. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Lung disease and exercise -- the counter-intuitive connection

Shovelton, D. H. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Increasing exercise through youth clubs

Antrobus, S. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Rehabilitation from sports injuries: from theory to practice

Christakou, A., Lavallee, D. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

A great number of injuries occur in the context of recreational physical activities and competitive athletics. Adherence to sport injury rehabilitation means an injured athlete's compliance (or not) to a sports medicine/injury personnel's instructions of participating in a rehabilitation programme in a clinic, and/or doing rehabilitation exercises at home. It has emerged as an area of interest among physiotherapists and other allied professionals (i.e. sport trainers, physicians). This article reviews compliance among injured athletes in the recovery process by presenting the protection motivation theory, personal investment theory and models of cognitive appraisal. Also it reviews key research findings about these three theoretical models. In addition practical guidelines and specific strategies are offered to sport injury rehabilitation personnel to enhance an athlete's adherence to injury rehabilitation. Sports medicine/injury personnel should educate athletes about their injuries and rehabilitation and increase effective communication and active listening. Also sports medicine/injury personnel should provide social support and encourage positive beliefs of injured athletes. In addition, coping with pain and setting short-term goals help athletes to increase their compliance to programmes of rehabilitation.

Changes in BMI and prevalence of obesity and overweight in children in Liverpool, 1998--2006

Boddy, L. M, Hackett, A. F, Stratton, G. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Aims: To investigate changes in mean body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of obesity between 1998 and 2006 in annual cohorts of 9—10-year-old Liverpool schoolchildren.

Methods: Stature and body mass data collected at the Liverpool SportsLinx project's fitness testing sessions were available on 26,782 (n = 13,637 boys, 13,145 girls) participants. BMI was calculated from these data.

Results: BMI z-score increased over time (p < 0.01) in both boys (z-score range = –0.22—0.14) and girls (z-score range = -0.2—0.16), with all years showing significantly higher BMI values in comparison to the first two years of the project (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the most recent three years of data in boys and girls. Prevalence of obesity, and obesity plus overweight increased over time. However a `levelling off' in prevalence was observed in the most recent three years of data (2003—2006).

Conclusions: A substantial number of Liverpool schoolchildren are at risk of obesity-related illness and disease. However the most recent three cohorts' data (2003—2006) suggest that the increasing prevalence of obesity may have slowed; a positive step towards meeting the partnership agreement to halt the year-on-year increase in obesity by 2010.

Physical activity, diet and behaviour modification in the treatment of overweight and obese adults: a systematic review

Soderlund, A., Fischer, A., Johansson, T. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Aim: The aim was to extend the body of knowledge through a systematic review that combines the strengths and partly fills the gaps from earlier reviews. The aim is to review randomized controlled trials of the long-term effectiveness of physical exercise/activity with or without diet and/or behaviour modification therapy in terms of training effect, weight loss and improvement of body composition in overweight and obese, healthy adults.

Methods: Data for systematic review was collected via a search of databases for literature published between 1995 and 2006. The search yielded 12 articles.

Results: The studies showed that training intensity should be moderate. The treatment of overweight and obese individuals with training alone cannot be expected to result in any substantial weight loss but should be combined with diet and behaviour modification therapy. However training can be an important factor in preventing further weight gain, or in helping individuals maintain a lowered body weight.

Conclusion: According to this systematic review of randomized controlled trials, the treatment that produced the best weight loss results included a combination of training, behaviour therapy and diet.

Book Review: Terrorism, War or Disease? Unraveling the Use of Biological Weapons Edited by Anne L Clunan, Peter R Lavoy and Susan B Martin. Published by Stanford Security Studies, 2008. Paperback 368pp. Price {pound}18.95. ISBN 978-0-8047-5977-9

Morgan, N. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Book Review: Environmental Epidemiology: Study Methods and Application By Dean Baker and Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen. Published by Oxford University Press, 2008. Paperback 368pp. Price {pound}34.95. ISBN 978-0-19-852792-3

Morris, G. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Book Review: Understanding Fitness -- How Exercise Fuels Health and Fights Disease Edited by Julie K Silver and Christopher Morin. Published by Praeger Publishers, 2008. Hardback 240pp. Price {pound}22.95. ISBN 987-0-275-99494-5

Hayes, C. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT

Book Review: Rose's Strategy of Preventive Medicine By Geoffrey Rose with commentary by Kay-Tee Khaw and Michael Marmot. Oxford University Press, 2008. Paperback 160pp. Price {pound}19.95. ISBN 978-0-19-263097-1

Jewell, T. — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:13:14 PDT