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August 20, 2009
The link between smoking, high blood pressure and dementia
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
June 9, 2009
Smoking bans do not cause economic harm
Smoking bans do not cause economic harm to bars and restaurants. That's according to a study led by epidemiologist Jean Forster from the University of Minnesota.
Forster and colleagues used state-mandated reporting data from 10 Minnesota cities for the years 2003 to 2006. That was before the introduction of a statewide smoking ban, but at a time when a number of local cities had adopted their own full or partial bans.
Forster says that smoking bans are an effective way to protect people--especially bar and restaurant employees--from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
• Listen to Forster on Public Health Moment
January 24, 2007
Smoke-Free Minnesota Day
Minnesota this year will consider legislation that would ban smoking in the workplace. Why should the public care? We asked Harry Lando, a cancer epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota.
• Listen to Harry Lando on Public Health Moment
November 8, 2006
Youth Smoking Rates
The rate of cigarette smoking among youth in the United States has declined over the last five years. Unfortunately, researchers aren't exactly sure why because they've been unable to compare the various intervention methods used by states and communities.
In general, however, a comprehensive approach seems to work best at preventing youth from taking up smoking, says Jean Forster, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.
Listen now to Jean Forster on Public Health Moment
Last modified on Monday Jul 02, 2007