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This article discusses the needs of Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities and the role of technology in helping to address AA/NHPI disparities.
The Future of Health Care Innovations Depend on Today's Policies
by Kathy Lim Ko
This is an exciting time in health care. Not long ago, the Supreme Court voted to uphold the Affordable Care Act -- historic legislation that has the potential to increase the accessibility of health care coverage, lower health care costs, increase consumer protections and improve the quality of care.
At the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, we understand that recent investments and reforms like the ACA are critically important; however, the road to health equity is a long one, and more must be done to remove barriers to care and to improve the health of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities. For example, language barriers, communication difficulties and cultural differences are common and frequently obstruct access to health care for many AAs and NHPIs.
These communication barriers adversely affect both access to and the quality of care, resulting in lower patient satisfaction and, sometimes, costly medical errors and poor health. Removing these obstacles is vital, particularly because many chronic diseases -- including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and obesity -- disproportionately affect AA and NHPI communities... [Continue reading the article.]
Resources from APINCSN
The Role of Communication Across the Cancer Continuum
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Cancer Society (ACS), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC) wish to develop a plan for how leaders of the national cancer program can utilize state-of-the-science communication techniques and data to reduce the cancer burden in the U.S. To inform this effort, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) conducted a systematic literature review in an effort to summarize what is known about the role of communication across the cancer control continuum. The review identified and examined existing metaanalytic or other systematic scientific reviews (referred to as “studies”) published over the period from 2001 to 2011.
This report is available for download, review, and comment HERE.
Lung Cancer Screening Resources
We all know that the number one way to stop lung cancer is through smoking prevention and cessation. BUT, our communities also need to know about a new tool in the arsenal against needless tobacco related deaths: Low dose CT screening for high risk individuals.
Two years ago, NCI's National Lung Screening Trial showed that low dose screening reduced mortality from lung cancer by at least 20% in former or current smokers over age 55 with a 30 pack year smoking history. Subsequent modeling showed an even higher mortality benefit - in some cases up to 60% mortality reduction. But even the conservative 20% mortality benefit is significant. To put it into context, mammography provides a 15% overall mortality benefit.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has not yet graded this new screening. However, WellPoint, one of the nation's largest private providers does cover this screening. And California's equivalent to the USPSTF has endorsed low dose CT screening for lung cancer.
Additional information, including the location of responsible screening programs, can be found on the Lung Cancer Alliance's website: www.screenforlungcancer.org.
National Cancer Institute's 2011-2012 Cancer Trends Progress Report
National Cancer Institute just released the 2011-12 Cancer Trends Progress Report. It describes the nation's progress in reducing the cancer burden across the full cancer control continuum, from prevention, early detection, and treatment to the impact of deaths from cancer. Especially useful for policy makers, researchers, clinicians, and public health service providers, it offers updated national trends data in a user-friendly format that can be downloaded into presentations and documents (e.g. manuscripts, grant applications). http://1.usa.gov/RW5dri
WEBINAR: Bridging Research and Reality: Practice-based Evidence & Evidence-based Practice
Register today for the National Cancer Institute's September Research to Reality cyber seminar: Bridging Research and Reality: Practice-based Evidence & Evidence-based Practice September 11, 2012 1:00PM - 2:00PM EDT. It's free and always will be. http://1.usa.gov/POvXEM
Fun News: Healthy Eating
Breakfast Scramble
This is a cholesterol-free and low-fat way to enjoy scrambled "eggs." Using tofu instead of eggs adds extra fiber and healthful plant protein, and turmeric gives the scramble the familiar yellow color.
Ingredients
Makes 6 servings
1 pound low-fat tofu
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon dried parsley, lightly crumbled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 medium zucchini, chopped
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