Role of stress in health disparities explored
Twenty-five experts from around the world gathered in Boston recently to discuss the impact of chronic stress stemming from low socioeconomic status and discrimination on health disparities and premature death. The conference was organized by Michelle Williams, Stephen…
Popular South African street drug may contain HIV medication
Antiretroviral resistance could increase if untreated HIV-infected individuals exposed to antiretroviral medication August 28, 2013 — A new study led by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) calls attention to a new street drug being used in…
Living near foreclosed homes may raise risk of being overweight
August 12, 2013 — People who live near foreclosed homes may be at greater risk of being overweight than those who don’t have such homes in their immediate neighborhoods, according to a new study by Harvard School of…
Curbing children's tobacco use in India by boosting life skills, confidence
March 22, 2013 -- It’s estimated that about five million children in India are addicted to tobacco. They’re lured in by small, brightly colored packs of chewing tobacco—very popular in India—that cost just pennies a pack and are…
Using color-coded packaging, tobacco industry appears to have evaded FDA’s ban on ‘light’ cigarette descriptors
For immediate release: March 14, 2013 Boston, MA – New research from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) shows that one year after the federal government passed a law banning word descriptors such as “light,” “mild,” and “low” on…
Survey finds public support for legal interventions to fight obesity, noncommunicable diseases
For immediate release: Monday, March 4, 2013 Boston, MA — The public is very supportive of government action aimed at changing lifestyle choices that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other noncommunicable diseases—but they’re less likely to support…
Poll finds big gap between parents and experts: Parents less likely to recognize children as overweight or obese
Only 15% of kids have parents who say they are overweight, compared with national stats showing that 32% of young people are overweight or obese Many families face challenges in trying to help children eat well and be…
TV viewing, exercise habits may significantly affect sperm count
20 hours of TV weekly may nearly halve sperm count; 15 or more hours of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly may boost sperm count For immediate release: Monday, February 4, 2013 Boston, MA — Men’s sperm quality may be…
Painting the big picture on a Navajo reservation
November 1, 2012 -- Once upon a time, Anne Newland wanted to go to film school. But because life unfolds with its own logic, she instead became a doctor with the federal Indian Health Service (IHS). And shaped…
Life expectancy declines among least-educated whites
Life expectancy among the least-educated white Americans has fallen markedly over the past two decades, according to recent research, including some studies by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) experts. A front-page article in the September 20, 2012…