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Health Officials Issue Revised Pregnancy Weight-Gain Guidelines For Obese Women
The Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council on Thursday issued revised U.S. weight-gain guidelines for obese pregnant women, in response to rising levels of obesity in the country and growing evidence that weight gain can cause health problems for women and their infants, the New York Times reports. The revision, which is the first since 1990, recommends that obese women -- those with a body mass index of 30 or more -- limit their weight gain to 11 to 20 pounds over nine months. The 1990 pregnancy guidelines did not specifically address weight gain for obese women, telling them instead to follow the recommendations for overweight women. According to health officials, the changes to the recommendations for obese women were required to keep up with the changing weight patterns among women in the U.S. The New York Times reports that about 27% of women of childbearing age are considered obese, while 55% fall into the categories of overweight or obese.The recommendations for women with BMIs of less than 30 did not change. They call for overweight women -- those with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 -- to gain 15 to 25 pounds over nine months, while underweight women -- with BMIs of less than 18.5 -- should gain 28 to 40 pounds, and normal-weight women -- with BMIs of 18.6 to 24.9 -- should gain 25 to 35 pounds (Parker-Pope, New York Times, 5/29).Time reports that pregnant women who do not gain enough weight face a higher risk of stunted fetal growth and preterm delivery. However, it is more common for women to gain too much weight, placing them at higher risk for conditions like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition, their infants are at increased risk of being born earlier, larger and by cesarean section. Time reports that excessive weight gain can increase a woman"s risk of postpartum obesity and elevate risks of heart disease and stroke because most women do not lose extra pounds gained during pregnancy. Many studies also have suggested that a woman"s gestational weight can predict potential weight problems in her offspring (Kingsbury, Time, 5/28).The committee that developed and issued the revision said that the existing guidelines were essentially on target but that women and their physicians need to work harder to help women reach a normal weight before pregnancy and avoid gaining too much weight during pregnancy, according to the Los Angeles Times (Roan, Los Angeles Times, 5/29). The guidelines also recommend more nutrition and exercise counseling during pregnancy, advising physicians or midwives to consult dieticians to shape a woman"s care regardless of her initial weight, the AP/Yahoo! News reports (Neergaard, AP/Yahoo! News, 5/28). The Los Angeles Times reports that health care professionals are expected to recognize and implement some of the recommendations; however, it is not mandatory to do so.Several experts on maternal obesity and child health expressed disappointment with the guidelines, arguing that obese women should gain little to no weight during pregnancy, according to the Los Angeles Times. They also argue the new guidelines do not do enough to address obesity before pregnancy. Maxine Hayes, state health officer for the Washington State Department of Health, said, "If we wait for every woman to be advised about weight gain after they become pregnant, it"s too late. It puts women and their babies on a trajectory that is unhealthy" (Los Angeles Times, 5/29).
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Study Suggests Smoking May Worsen MS
A new study has revealed a possible link between smoking and more rapid progression of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS).
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First Annual Consumer Genetics Conference To Demystify Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests, Discuss Best Practices And Provide Forum For Dialogue
With consumer genetics becoming more of a reality to the average consumer and direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetics tests becoming more available, thought leaders, experts and DTC companies will convene in Boston on June 9-11 for the first annual Consumer Genetics Conference to move the issues to the forefront and demystify this emerging field. Preeminent leaders from government, healthcare, biotechnology and diagnostic fields, will examine consumer genetics, including its practical realities and complex policy considerations; speakers and companies will present new advances and information on available genetic tests and developments in this field. The conference is open to all who are curious, impacted by, and interested in consumer genetics, including consumers (http://www.consumergeneticsconference.com).
Mental Health

Ministers Seek Views On Rural Health Plan For Wales

Health Minister Edwina Hart and Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones will speak at an event held as part of the consultation process on a major new plan to drive forward improvements in healthcare services in rural areas. The Rural Health Plan, which is out to consultation until 21 August, delivers on a commitment in the One Wales document, and aims to address the challenges faced in ensuring people have appropriate healthcare particularly in sparsely populated communities. The document has been developed by a group under the chairmanship of Lord Elystan Morgan in close consultation with local people, health professionals and other key groups in rural areas. The plan includes: - The primary care workforce will be re-evaluated so that practitioners could fulfil more than one role for the convenience of the patient; - Pharmacy networks will be developed by the Assembly Government to support healthcare services and encourage partnerships in the community; - Community hospitals will need to be modernised with a new purpose, for example possibly as a base for out of hours services and specialist treatment; and, - A review of alternative methods of providing emergency and non-emergency transport to ensure that rural patients have adequate access to healthcare whatever their circumstances. Health Minister Edwina Hart said that the plan outlines how services can be delivered locally for the benefit of patients. "Wales is extremely fortunate to have such a rich rural landscape but that does pose special challenges in providing effective healthcare for people in rural communities. "We aim to deliver as many services as possibly locally where they can be provided safely and effectively, but do recognise that for some, especially highly specialised services, patients may need to travel. However, at the moment in rural areas, even for some more routine services, patients still have to travel. "By integrating services and utilising fully the skills of all staff that work in the NHS in rural areas, we will be able to improve care for patients and provide more career opportunities for staff. "I am pleased that this document delivers one of our key One Wales commitments, and will help meet people"s health and social care needs. "I urge members of the public to read the plan carefully and have their say on the proposals. All comments will be taken into account during the consultation and reflected to ensure we provide better services in rural communities." Elin Jones added: "Getting services to people and people to services across the whole spectrum of health and social care is essential to the future of rural health in Wales. I anticipate that the proposals will kick-start an enthusiastic and constructive debate on health services in Wales. I hope that rural residents will take the opportunity to air their views in the planned workshops across Wales so they take an active part in building their health service." Lord Elystan Morgan said: "Providing easy access to services that people are entitled to within rural areas brings many challenges. For example, a concentrated and increasing ageing population, prevalent in rural communities hinders access, as do transport services and distances travelled. We have developed this consultation paper by looking at the picture of rural communities as a whole, taking into account social and economic factors, to ensure its success within communities." The consultation will close after on the 21 August 2009 and can be viewed here. Welsh Assembly Government


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