OBJECTIVE:To examine the rate of weight gain over time among Americans by age, gender, and race. PARTICIPANTS: Scientific sample of 5117 Americans, ages 25-74 y in 1971 followed for 20 y. RESULTS: Rates of weight gain estimated by mixed effects models are highest among young adults and rates of weight loss are greatest among older adults. The overall shape of the growth curves are similar for men and women, black and white, in terms of both weight gain and weight loss. Rates are also affected by baseline body mass index (BMI ¼ wt in kg/height in m 2 ). CONCLUSIONS: Americans gain weight until middle age, stabilize, and begin to lose weight near age 60. Weight loss during old age is especially evident for obese Americans. The ability to accurately identify groups with increased risk and target them for obesity prevention will help combat the steady rise of overweight and obesity in America.

The aim was to identify demographic and environmental factors that affect the incidence and course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by studying geographical variation in mortality from the disease. Counts of SLE deaths during a 10-y period were determined for each of the 3111 counties in the United States. The counts were subjected to statistical techniques for detecting spatial clusters with significantly higher or lower mortality than expected. Census data were used to compare attributes of the resulting clusters. Four clusters with significantly elevated SLE mortality were identified. They were centered in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico and had 41-65% more SLE deaths than expected. Four other clusters with significantly low mortality were centered in Minnesota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington and had 32-44% fewer deaths than expected. Comparison of SLE mortality rates between the New Mexico and Vermont clusters yielded relative risks of 3.2, 3.4 and 5.9 for white, black and other race women, respectively, and of 2.1, 5.2 and 'undefined' for white, black and other race men. Census data showed that the clusters with elevated mortality had higher poverty rates and/or greater concentrations of ethnic Hispanics than those with lower mortality. SLE mortality rates show great regional variation within the United States. The variation appears to reflect, in part, geographical patterns in socioeconomic status and in the distribution of persons of Hispanic origin.

Background: The aims of this study were to determine if observed geographic variations in colorectal cancer incidence are simply random or are statistically significant deviations from randomness, whether statistically significant excesses are temporary or persistent, and whether they can be explained by risk factors such as socioeconomic status (SES) or the percent of the population residing in an urban area rather than a rural area. Between 1995 and 1998, 6360 male and 6628 female invasive colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed in Massachusetts residents. Cases were aggregated to Census tracts and analyzed for deviations from random occurrence with respect to both location and time.

When publishing cancer maps we recommend evaluating the spatial patterns observed using Tango's MEET, a global clustering test, and the spatial scan statistic, a cluster detection test.

SYNOPSISSince 2005, the University of Connecticut Master of Public Health Program has administered its required service-learning practicum through coordinated activities of second-year students assigned to examine a pressing public health issue in Connecticut. The initiative underscores our program's commitment to preparing students for careers as leaders in applied practice and our emphasis on collaboration. Our thematic approach links content across the core curriculum, provides a venue where students demonstrate mastery of academic principles, and affirms values of public responsibility and common purpose. Projects have focused on public health concerns associated with childhood obesity, health literacy, and living with disabilities. Working together and with community-based preceptors, students estimate service needs, assess available program/service capacity, and recommend policy options. Results are compiled within a written report that accompanies a state legislative hearing. This article presents the rationale and organization of our service-learning practicum, and describes how the experience affects the education and personal growth of students and contributes positively to the community at large.