Public Health Moment

Middle-age individuals who smoke, have high blood pressure, or have diabetes run a high risk of being hospitalized for dementia later in life.

That's according to a research study of more than 11,000 people, led by Alvaro Alonso, a University of Minnesota epidemiologist.

Alonso adds that this research provides one more reason why people should quit smoking and concentrate on improving their cardiovascular health.

Listen to Alonso on Public Health Moment

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Many middle-aged and older Americans are not getting adequate nutrition -- even those taking dietary supplements.

That's according to a study involving 6,200 people, ages 45 to 84. The study included African Americans, Chinese, Hispanics, and whites.

Pam Schreiner, a University of Minnesota epidemiologist, led the study.

Schreiner says she believes that more education and more prevention are needed.

Listen to Schreiner on Public Health Moment

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September is Healthy Aging Month, a campaign intended to focus attention on the positive aspects of growing older.

Lyn Steffen, a University of Minnesota epidemiologist, says that it's important for seniors to adopt healthy dietary practices in order to better manage chronic conditions.

• Listen to Steffen on Public Health Moment

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In his book, "It Shouldn't Be This Way: The Failure of Long-Term Care," Robert Kane, a University of Minnesota professor on aging, documents the difficulities that he and his sister encountered when trying to arrange long-term care for their ailing mother. We asked Kane: What should people know about caring for their aging parents.

• Listen to Robert Kane on Public Health Moment

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