Why Black People Die Sooner
There is a persistent gap in life expectancy between Black people and their white counterparts in the United States. It is a direct result of structural racism within American society and has nothing to do with genetic differences. In past eras, scientific racism sought to shift the blame to the supposed physical inferiority of people of African descent. Even today, medicine labors under false beliefs derived from nineteenth-century racial thinking, harming patients who are not of European descent. Why Black People Die Sooner is a powerful and rigorous examination of the ways racism shapes health and disease. Joseph L. Graves Jr. demonstrates that the medical profession still fails to grasp basic facts about race, tracing how deep-rooted falsehoods have perpetuated the disparity between Black and white lifespans. He equips readers with the tools to dispel the fallacies and errors of racialized medicine, including an understanding of evolutionary biology and human biological variation. Graves also debunks common misconceptions about race and health on topics such as high blood pressure, sickle cell disease, the microbiome, infectious diseases, and cancer. Why Black People Die Sooner closes by offering a sweeping vision for dismantling medical racism, from professional training to clinical practice through biomedical research. Timely and bracing, this book reveals why medicine keeps misunderstanding race--and how we can make it change.
Health Effects of Exposure to Environmental Pollutants
The study of the effects of environmental pollutants on human health has received widespread attention, including whether traditional pollutants such as particulate matters and heavy metals, or new pollutants such as nanoparticles and microplastics can cause serious impact to the environment and human health. Research on the potential toxic effects and mechanisms of environmental pollutants can provide a scientific basis for related prevention work.The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish research on the potential toxicity and mechanisms of environmental pollutants affecting humans or the environment. We encourage the use of novel methods such as multi-omics techniques, or research on new pollutants such as nanomaterials. Research using biomarkers to conduct biological monitoring to assess the impact of environmental or occupational pollutants on human exposure or health is also included, as well as reviews summarizing relevant recent advances.
Nutrition and Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Disease
This Special Issue focuses on the impact of nutrition on the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases, including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer-related malnutrition, and digestive disorders. It brings together research on dietary interventions, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle factors that affect health outcomes. By addressing both clinical and psychosocial dimensions of chronic illness, this reprint offers practical, evidence-based insights to support patient care and promote well-being through nutrition-focused strategies.
Program Planning and Development for Social Change
The Friends and Family Guide to the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
A practical and compassionate guide to understanding and addressing the opioid crisis.The opioid crisis in the United States continues to kill Americans at an alarming rate. Over the past two decades, annual overdose deaths have skyrocketed, growing from roughly 20,000 per year to over 100,000 per year. In this deeply informed and compassionate guide, Peter Canning shares the devastating realities of the opioid crisis from the perspective of a seasoned paramedic and advocate. This essential resource provides practical tools to recognize and respond to overdoses, access life-saving treatments like naloxone, and navigate the complex landscape of addiction and recovery. Canning humanizes the crisis through poignant stories of individuals and families grappling with the ripple effects of substance use. The book offers a broader understanding of the epidemic's roots, including the rise of fentanyl, the science of addiction, and the transformative potential of harm reduction strategies. Canning explains how to recognize the signs of overdose, the risk factors that increase the likelihood of overdose, and the precautions that both people who use opioids and those who care about them can take. With extensive experience as a paramedic who responded to countless opioid overdoses, Canning explains what to do in case you discover someone who has overdosed on opioids.For anyone trying to help a loved one manage opioid use disorder, the process can be overwhelming, and the stigma that accompanies substance use disorder makes it even harder. Whether you're a concerned citizen, a family member, or someone directly impacted by the crisis, The Friend and Family Guide to the Opioid Overdose Epidemic equips you with the knowledge and empathy to take meaningful steps toward saving lives and fostering understanding in your community.
Emerging Trends in Global Cancer Epidemiology
Cancer remains one of the most pressing global public health challenges, with the number of new cases and deaths rising each year. As the global cancer burden continues to grow, so does the need for rigorous epidemiological research that elucidates patterns in incidence, mortality, prevalence, and survival across diverse populations and regions. This Special Issue, entitled Emerging Trends in Global Cancer Epidemiology, brings together a collection of impactful studies that reflect the evolving landscape of cancer epidemiology worldwide. These contributions offer fresh perspectives on emerging cancer trends, showcase innovative methodologies including big data analytics, genomics, and machine learning and examine the role of environmental, lifestyle, and social determinants in shaping cancer outcomes. From investigations into population-level disparities to evaluations of prevention strategies, each study adds a critical piece to the global cancer puzzle. Collectively, this Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of cancer as a global health threat and inform the development of effective, population-level strategies for cancer prevention and control.