August 25, 2021
Public Health/Prevention
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published new guidance recommending that overweight and obese Americans should start getting screened for diabetes at age 35 instead of 40. The new guidelines stem from rising rates of both obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and research showing health benefits of prevention methods and early treatment. The USPSTF also recommends earlier screenings for overweight or obese American Indians, Black people, Hispanics, and other groups with disproportionately high diabetes rates. (Articles here, here, here, and here)
  • According to a new CDC report, infection and hospitalization rates were five and 29 times higher, respectively, among unvaccinated people in Los Angeles County than the fully vaccinated. Among the 43,127 COVID infections in Los Angeles County, between May 1 and July 25, about 25 percent were fully vaccinated, about 3 percent were partially vaccinated, and about 71 percent were unvaccinated. About 3 percent of vaccinated people were hospitalized compared to nearly 8 percent of unvaccinated people. (Report here; Articles here and here)