Austin Public Health News: October 10, 2024
Your community updates from Austin Public Health
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In this edition:
- Get Your Flu and COVID-19 Shots to Protect Yourself This Flu Season
- Blood Test Predicts 30-year Cardiovascular Disease Risks for Women
- National Women’s Blood Pressure Awareness Week is Oct. 13-19
- New Report on the State of Obesity in America Highlights Rising U.S. Obesity Rates
Get Your Flu and COVID-19 Shots to Protect Yourself This Flu Season
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older (with rare exceptions) get updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and flu vaccines to protect against severe illness from these viruses this fall and winter. It’s safe to get both shots at the same time.
Getting vaccinated protects against severe outcomes of COVID-19 and flu, including hospitalization and death. In 2023, more than 916,300 people were hospitalized and more than 75,500 people died due to COVID-19. During the 2023-2024 flu season, more than 44,900 people are estimated to have died from flu complications.
Learn more about the CDC’s recommendations. Find free flu vaccination clinics in our Community Vaccine Events section below.
Blood Test Predicts 30-year Cardiovascular Disease Risks for Women
Researchers found that a blood test to measure levels of three compounds could predict a woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease decades later. The findings may lead to ways to detect and treat heart disease earlier.
Cardiovascular disease is the term for diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels. These include coronary heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, heart failure and peripheral artery disease. More than 800,000 people nationwide die of such diseases every year.
A research team set out to study whether blood measures of cholesterol and inflammation could predict cardiovascular disease decades later. The team collected blood samples and medical information from nearly 28,000 health care providers nationwide who participated in the Women’s Health Study.
The team found that women with the highest levels of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol had a 36% greater risk for heart disease compared to those with the lowest levels. Those with the highest levels of Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] had a 33% greater risk. Those with the highest levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) had a 70% greater risk.
When all three measures were assessed together, women with the highest levels had more than 1.5 times the risk for stroke and more than triple the risk for coronary heart disease compared to women with the lowest levels. Although only women were assessed in this study, similar results would be expected in men.
People can take actions to improve their cardiovascular health, including getting regular physical activity, eating a heart-healthy diet, managing stress and avoiding tobacco or quitting smoking. Higher cholesterol and inflammation levels have both been tied to cardiovascular disease, and medications to lower these can also help. Researchers have found that any steps people take earlier in life to support their heart and vascular health can add up over time to bring better health outcomes years later.
National Women’s Blood Pressure Awareness Week is Oct. 13-19
Every year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health (OWH) dedicates a week to raising awareness about high blood pressure (hypertension) in women. National Women’s Blood Pressure Awareness Week (NWBPAW) aims to help women understand and manage their heart health by uplifting strategies and resources to prevent or control high blood pressure. The week also shines a light on programs across the country that support women in keeping their hearts healthy. This year’s observance takes place October 13-19.
Learn more about NWBPAW and find resources.
New Report on the State of Obesity in America Highlights Rising U.S. Obesity Rates
The State of Obesity 2024: Better Policies for a Healthier America report highlights rising U.S. obesity rates, with over 35% of adults affected in 23 states. The epidemic, particularly impacting communities of color and low-income areas, is driven by limited access to healthy foods and physical activity.
Obesity-related health conditions are increasing, affecting both physical and mental well-being. The report calls for comprehensive policy changes, including increased funding for prevention programs, expanding nutrition support like SNAP, promoting healthy food environments and improving healthcare access. Addressing obesity requires systems-level solutions that go beyond individual behaviors to target structural barriers and inequities.
According to APH’s 2023 Critical Indicators Report, in 2020, more than 37% of Travis County residents were considered overweight and 27% were considered obese. Obesity is slightly more prevalent in men than women, and Black and Hispanic residents have a higher prevalence compared to white residents.