Disease pattern changes with food system

Article Abstract:

Over the past 20 years Americans have decreased their consumption of red meat by 50 percent and their consumption of whole milk by 14 percent. In addition to these dietary changes, the pattern of food-borne disease outbreaks has also shifted. When a cause can be found, bacteria have been responsible for two-thirds of these outbreaks. Viruses are also a significant source of infection, but are more difficult to detect. Thirty years ago, the classic outbreak was due to salmonella contamination of mayonnaise-containing potato salad at church suppers. Now, however, mass production and international distribution of foods means that, although salmonella may be present at low levels, affected individuals may be many hundreds of miles from each other and from the source of infection. There has also been an increase in the variety of available food products. Eating habits have changed, with Americans spending one-third of their food dollars eating outside of the home, often in fast-food restaurants. These establishments now sell salads and cold food items in response to consumers' desires to decrease their fat intake and increase their vegetable consumption. These cold food items are handled more often than hamburgers; consequently, food handlers become a significant source of disease transmission. Most food service workers are poorly educated and poorly paid, factors associated with increased frequency of intestinal infections. Public health and regulatory agencies must respond to changes in food habits, processing, and distribution, and must be prepared to deal with potential outbreaks of low-level, widespread food contamination. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Demographic aspects, Public health, Foodborne diseases, Diet

---

Learning how phytochemicals help fight disease

Article Abstract:

Researchers are studying the nature of the chemicals in foods that may protect against cancer and other chronic diseases. These chemicals, called phytochemicals, can be found in many fruits and vegetables. Isothiocyanates are found broccoli and watercress and induce the activity of enzymes that detoxify potentially cancerous chemicals. In one study, isothiocyanates reduced the incidence of lung cancer by 50% in rats exposed to a cancer-inducing chemical. Other researchers have studied phenolic compounds, which are common in fruits, vegetables and cereals. These chemicals act as antioxidants. Flavonoids and monoterpenes have been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer in animals. It may be more beneficial to eat more fruits and vegetables rather than take pills containing phytochemical supplements.

Vegetables, Cancer, Fruit, Fruits (Food), Phytochemicals, Plant products

---

Another health care idea: disease management

Article Abstract:

Disease management may be one concept that will control health care costs and provide more effective treatments. Disease management involves finding the most cost-effective treatment plans for diseases. It includes understanding how the disease develops, integrating medical care across different health care settings and determining the most cost-effective treatment for the disease. Several pharmaceutical companies have set up consulting programs to provide information on disease management, practice guidelines and insurance claims analysis to managed care organizations. Disease management will involve doctors in health care decisions once more, but they must be willing to drop ineffective treatments.

Care and treatment, Innovations, Medical care, Chronic diseases

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Vision-related problems may offer clues for earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Consensus statements: applying structure
• Abstracts: DNA discoverer James Watson now dreams of curing genetic diseases. A few words of advice from a woman of letters - Ann Landers
• Abstracts: Effects of intense sweeteners on hunger, food intake, and body weight: a review. Caloric compensation for lunches varying in fat and carbohydrate content by humans in a residential laboratory
• Abstracts: Cold laser, arterial stent studies continue. Still a mystery but 'not likely' a virus
• Abstracts: Gene scene. Gene scene: a master control switch for myogenesis muscles its way into the clinic. First gene therapy for inherited hypercholesterolemia a partial success

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.