Smoking in cars with children and health inequalities

There has been much discussion recently regarding banning smoking inside cars carrying children, in the lead up to MPs voting to legislate against it by 376 to 107 votes. The decision comes after recommendation of the move by the Royal College of Physicians and a letter in the British Medical Journal signed by 584 physicians calling for a ban.

The vote by MPs allows, but does not require, ministers to bring in the ban, and the shadow health minister has called on minsters not to delay in implementing the move. The move has predictably been opposed by organisations such as the tobacco industry funded Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco and the move is apparently opposed by the Deputy Prime Minister. However, in addition to the well-publicised health benefits, the move will also reduce health inequalities. Analysis of the Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Survey of 11 to 15 year olds surveyed in 2012 found that overall 37.0% of these children had been exposed to smoke inside cars in the previous year. Exposure was considerably higher in children on Free School Meals than those not (48.6% vs. 34.8%) and analysis adjusting for age and sex found that these children were nearly twice as likely to be exposed (Adjusted Odds Ratio 1.83, 95% Confidence Interval 1.55 to 2.16). The survey asked children whether they were exposed to smoke inside the family, or another vehicle, and these results gave a similar picture.

So, in addition to the individual health benefits, banning smoking inside cars carrying children also presents an opportunity to protect poorer children and to narrow health inequalities.

Comments

Brief physical activity guidance for older adults in isolation

Resources on brief physical activity guidance for older adults in isolation for patients and clinicians Giving Older Adults Brief Physical Activity Advice. Given current clinical pressures, clinicians dealing with older adults will likely have limited time, and this adapted 3As model may provide a possible structure to clinician’s advice. Ask: Permission to discuss physical activity as something that could make a difference to health and wellbeing Advise /Explain/Explore: Ask how they physical activity levels have changed and what they could do to increase it? Agree: A plan considering what they will do, how they will do it. Try to ensure that it includes some cardiovascular, muscle and bone strengthening activities including resistance exercises, balance and co-ordination elements to the plan. Cardiovascular : Ideally the individual should be slightly out of breath when performing the activity. Aim to build to 150 minutes

Family Medicine Residency Training Program in Saudi Arabia

Dr Ahmed Al-Mujil is a Family Medicine Doctor from Saudia Arabia on a one year attachment to the Academic Dept of Primary care at Imperial. In this blog he gives us a unique insight into Family Medicine training in Saudia Arabia. The Family Medicine Residency Training Program in Saudi Arabia was established in 1994, at which time the first edition of the curriculum was written. Since then, Family Medicine and medical education have undergone significant changes. The curriculum was revised many times, until recent adoption of the Canadian Medical Education Directive for Specialists- CanMeds competencies framework in which the “competent physician” seamlessly integrates the competencies of all seven CanMEDS Roles. (Medical expert, Collaborator, Communicator , Leader , Health Advocate, Scholar and Professional). The duration of training in Family Medicine is four years starting from the first of October every year. All trainees must go through the rotations in their training m

A warm welcome to Dr Shivani Tanna, our new Year 3 GP and CMT Course Lead!

Dr Shivani Tanna, Year 3 GP and CMT Course Lead "I am delighted to have been appointed as year 3 GP course lead. My role in the department started on the 1st March 2016 and I have now taken over as CMT course lead. Having taught on this course, I feel privileged to be able to help maintain its excellent reputation and content. I am also developing the new 10 week GP attachment in year 3 which is being piloted for 60 students from September 2016. The students have expressed great enthusiasm and interest in this and we have already reached our recruitment target. Together with plenty of input from department leads, teaching fellows, and our GP tutors, we have started developing new ideas for both the attachment and departmental teaching sessions. I am hoping this is going to be fun and rewarding for all involved. I aim to design a course that is innovative, comprehensive and exciting. My version of “ICE”. If all goes to plan, the pilot will be rolled out

Imperial College London Primary Care

Search This Blog