Author Interviews, Disability Research / 11.08.2025

[caption id="attachment_70257" align="aligncenter" width="500"]medical-health-insurance-rider Photo by Andrea Piacquadio[/caption] As indicated by the Insurance Barometer Study, 42% of U.S. adults believe they have inadequate life insurance coverage. 10% of policyholders feel that they actually need more coverage. Life insurance policies may carry with them a waiver of premium rider. This safety feature can be extremely valuable if one becomes totally disabled. It allows for payment of premiums to cease with the policy remaining in full force.  How exactly does it work? Let us clarify the concept of waiver of premiums and how it works within your life insurance policy in cases of significant disability or loss of income.
Accidents & Violence, Disability Research, Orthopedics, Pain Research / 17.06.2025

Accidents That Can Cause a Herniated Disc Back pain is more than just discomfort—it can completely change how you live, move, and even sleep. Among the many spinal injuries people suffer, a herniated disc is one of the most common and misunderstood. And in many cases, it's not caused by age or genetics—it's the result of sudden, forceful trauma. Nestled between Denver and Colorado Springs, Castle Rock blends small-town charm with rapid suburban growth. With its scenic trails, active lifestyle, and expanding roadways, accidents—especially those involving the spine—are unfortunately not uncommon. Understanding your legal rights here is just as important as seeking medical care. If you believe your herniated disc was caused by someone else's negligence, don't ignore it. Getting help from an experienced professional like Casares Injury Law's Castle Rock herniated disc attorney could make all the difference in how your case is handled and how you recover. Let's break down the types of accidents that commonly lead to herniated disc injuries and why they can be so serious.
Disability Research, Legal-Malpractice / 13.06.2025

[caption id="attachment_69026" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Experienced Social Security Disability Lawyers Photo by Mikhail Nilov[/caption] Bronx, New York, a borough defined by its vibrant neighborhoods and hardworking residents, often presents obstacles for those coping with disabling conditions. When medical bills mount and everyday tasks grow harder, the Social Security Disability system can feel like an endless maze of paperwork and deadlines. With tight filing windows and complex eligibility rules, applicants can feel overwhelmed before their claim review, which is when legal expertise becomes invaluable.  Drawing on in-depth knowledge of SSA procedures and medical criteria, a dedicated attorney supports clients at every stage—gathering precise documentation, crafting persuasive case narratives, and preparing for administrative hearings. They anticipate common setbacks, develop strong appeals when initial applications get denied, and shoulder the bureaucratic load so clients can concentrate on their well-being. This personalized guidance uncovers benefits they might otherwise miss and offers practical reassurance during a stressful process. For Bronx residents seeking clarity and results, partnering with an Experienced Social Security disability lawyer can make all the difference.
Disability Research / 13.06.2025

[caption id="attachment_69021" align="aligncenter" width="500"]disability-social-security-lawyers Photo by Marcus Aurelius[/caption] Social Security disability claims in Greenville, South Carolina, have become increasingly complex, with the Social Security Administration reporting that approximately 67% of initial disability claims are denied nationwide. This statistic highlights the challenging landscape that Greenville residents face when seeking disability benefits. The complexities of social security disability claims can feel overwhelming to deal with. Knowing when to reach out for expert advice will play an important role in deciding the outcome of such claims. In this post, we explore the best time to contact a social security disability lawyer and the various benefits that can accompany such action. Having a Spartanburg social security disability lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in navigating these complex legal waters and improving your chances of a successful claim.
Disability Research, Health Care Workers, Worker's Compensation / 28.02.2025

[caption id="attachment_66932" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Overexertion That Lead to Workers' Image source[/caption] Unlike other cities where industries are more evenly spread out, Las Vegas thrives on tourism, entertainment, and hospitality; these are sectors that demand a good deal of physical labor. The city’s workforce includes thousands of hotel housekeepers who spend their shifts lifting mattresses, pushing heavy carts, and bending to clean rooms quickly. Casino workers often stand for hours on end, while warehouse employees and delivery personnel handle large shipments to keep the city’s supply chains moving. There are also construction workers who are constantly working on new projects under the blazing desert sun. The extreme heat alone adds an extra layer of risk to physically demanding jobs. Unfortunately, not all of these professionals are even aware that a workers’ comp attorney in Las Vegas can help them get compensation if this overexertion causes them to suffer health complications. Overexertion doesn’t just happen in high-intensity jobs. Even workers in offices and retail stores can suffer from repetitive stress injuries caused by continuous physical motions, like typing on a computer or stocking shelves. Here are 4 of the most common health issues caused by overexertion that lead to worker’s comp claims in Las Vegas:
Disability Research, Education / 21.02.2025

science-tutors-disabled-students.png Do students with disabilities face additional challenges in learning science? Many students with disabilities struggle in traditional classrooms. Science can be especially hard because it involves fast-paced lectures, complex ideas, and hands-on experiments.  For students with physical disabilities, getting to class and participating in lab work may be difficult. Those with learning disabilities might find it overwhelming to process large amounts of information quickly. Some students struggle with concentration, making it difficult to follow the teacher’s explanations. Online science tutoring provides a more flexible, accessible, and supportive learning experience. It removes many of the barriers that disabled students face and allows them to focus on learning in a way that works best for them. 

Learning at a Comfortable Pace

In the U.S., classroom instruction often follows a predetermined pace that may not suit all students. The teaching approach involves rapid topic presentation while expecting students to maintain their alignment. The necessary processing time for disabled students creates stress during academic activities. Student difficulties include problems with reading skills together with writing and concentrating over an extended time. Physical discomfort or tiredness forces certain students to need periodic rest breaks. The inability to stay on pace causes students to experience frustration or doubts about their mastery of the subject. Through online tutoring, students possess the power to proceed through their lessons at rhythms that best match their learning speeds. With the help of an online science tutor, disabled students gain flexibility in choosing session times and taking breaks or reviewing lessons as needed to support their understanding.
Author Interviews, Disability Research, Exercise - Fitness, Pain Research / 21.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66034" align="alignleft" width="133"]Cheryl A. Krause-Parello, PhD, RN, FAANAssociate Vice President for Research Associate Executive Director & Faculty Fellow Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention (I-HEALTH) Director, C-P.A.W.W. Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors® Health Research Initiative for Veterans Professor (Secondary), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing Florida Atlantic University Dr. Cheryl Krause-Parello[/caption] Cheryl A. Krause-Parello, PhD, RN, FAAN Associate Vice President for Research Associate Executive Director & Faculty Fellow Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention (I-HEALTH) Director, C-P.A.W.W. Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors® Health Research Initiative for Veterans Professor (Secondary), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing Florida Atlantic University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Chronic pain, especially chronic low back pain, is a significant issue for U.S. military veterans, affecting 40–70% of this population and often leading to disability. Veterans experience higher rates of chronic pain than civilians, with back pain being the most prevalent type. Younger veterans and those from recent conflicts report more severe pain, while older veterans frequently face persistent chronic pain. Complicating factors include comorbid conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and behavioral disorders, as well as an increased reliance on opioids, which pose risks of addiction and overdose. This underscores the need for nonpharmacological interventions like qigong, a traditional Chinese practice combining movement, breathing, and meditation, to address the biopsychosocial challenges of chronic low back pain.
Disability Research, Legal-Malpractice / 18.01.2025

  [caption id="attachment_65980" align="aligncenter" width="500"]social-security-claim.jpg Photo by Accuray on Unsplash[/caption] Many people assume that they’ll automatically be approved for Social Security Disability benefits if their doctor says they can’t work. In reality, it’s not so straightforward. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires a lot more objective medical evidence before deciding if you qualify. When it comes to proving a disability claim, certain medical tests carry much more weight than others. In this article, we’ll look at five categories of tests that could potentially make or break your case.

Why Medical Tests Matter for Social Security Disability

Social Security doesn’t just take your word (or even your doctor’s word) that you can’t work. They rely on hard medical evidence to back up your condition. While your medical records and treatment history are one piece of the puzzle, they’re not always enough to get a claim approved. That often comes down to specific diagnostic tests. A Social Security disability lawyer can make sure you’ve got the medical evidence you need before applying. This gives you the best chance of approval on your first application. Without it, you may be denied, even if you have a serious health condition.
Aging, Disability Research / 08.01.2025

Planning for retirement is a multifaceted process, but it becomes even more complex when living with a disability. The intersection of health and financial planning is crucial for ensuring stability, independence, and a fulfilling retirement. By addressing unique challenges and leveraging available resources, individuals with disabilities can develop a comprehensive strategy that meets their long-term needs. [caption id="attachment_65859" align="aligncenter" width="500"]disability-retirement Photo by Malcolm Hill[/caption]

Understanding the Unique Challenges

Retiring with a disability introduces distinct considerations that differ from traditional retirement planning. Some of the key challenges include:
  • Increased Healthcare Costs: Chronic conditions or disabilities often require ongoing medical care, adaptive equipment, and specialized services, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Limited Work History or Income: Disabilities may reduce the ability to work consistently, potentially impacting Social Security benefits or retirement savings.
  • Access to Benefits: Navigating disability-related benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), requires careful planning to avoid potential reductions when transitioning to retirement benefits.
  • Housing and Accessibility Needs: Creating a living environment that accommodates a disability often involves modifications or choosing specialized housing options, which can be costly.
Understanding these challenges helps in creating a retirement plan that accounts for both immediate and long-term needs.
Author Interviews, Disability Research, Pediatrics / 08.01.2025

Author Bio: Lorraine Culpo is a dedicated writer with a focus on healthcare, disability advocacy, and family well-being. With a passion for shedding light on the importance of early pediatric support, she aims to empower readers with insights into how comprehensive care can shape brighter futures for children with disabilities. pediatric-care-academic-support.jpg Pediatric care plays an essential role in helping children grow and develop, especially those living with disabilities. Through early support, medical care, and learning resources, pediatric care improves children’s outcomes and builds a foundation for a more inclusive society. Understanding how pediatric care shapes disability support can help families, educators, and healthcare providers create an environment where every child can thrive.

Early Support Changes Lives

Early support services can make a big difference for children with disabilities. When doctors and specialists spot developmental challenges early, children can get help sooner. This early start allows them to build important skills at key stages of growth. For example, speech therapy can help a child with delayed language skills improve their ability to communicate. Physical therapy can help children with motor challenges gain strength and coordination. These interventions work best when they begin as early as possible, which increases the chances that children will meet milestones that lead to more independence. In many cases, NDIS treatment plans for children ensure that the support they receive is tailored to their specific developmental and medical requirements. It provides a structured approach that aligns with their long-term goals.
Disability Research, Legal-Malpractice, Neurology / 21.11.2024

  [caption id="attachment_64888" align="aligncenter" width="500"]paralysis-wheelchair Image Source[/caption] Paralysis brings unique challenges for individuals beyond physical limitations, influencing nearly every facet of daily life. While often aimed at providing equitable treatment and support, the law sometimes needs to address the nuanced needs of paralyzed individuals. These challenges affect accessibility, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion, highlighting areas where legal frameworks still need refinement.   If you or someone you know has been paralyzed due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to seek legal assistance. Hiring a paralysis injury attorney is essential for victims to understand their rights and seek fair compensation.

Physical Accessibility and Legal Inconsistencies

Individuals with paralysis face significant challenges navigating physical spaces, even with ADA mandates in place. Older buildings often lack essential accessibility features, and compliance can vary widely between urban and rural areas. Many small businesses need help with the costs of modifications, and legal loopholes contribute to inconsistent implementation.
Disability Research / 20.09.2024

[caption id="attachment_63397" align="aligncenter" width="500"]disability support Image Source[/caption] Supporting a loved one with a disability is not only challenging for the caregiver but can also be incredibly difficult for the person living with the disability. Daily tasks, social interactions, and emotional well-being often become more complicated to manage, leading to frustration and feelings of isolation. However, with the right approach and practical strategies, you can provide valuable support that makes a real difference for both of you. This guide outlines five key ways to effectively assist a family member with a disability, helping to create a more supportive and understanding environment.
Author Interviews, Disability Research, Genetic Research, NEJM / 29.05.2016

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_24758" align="alignleft" width="156"]Dr. Clara van Karnebeek PhD Certified Pediatrician and Biochemical Geneticist at the BC Children’s Hospital Principal Investigator, University of British Columbia Dr. Clara van Karnebeek[/caption] Dr. Clara van Karnebeek PhD Certified Pediatrician and Biochemical Geneticist at the BC Children’s Hospital Principal Investigator, University of British Columbia MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Dr. van Karnebeek: The goal of the study was to diagnose patients with genetic conditions and discover and describe new diseases with potential for treatment. The study included patients with neurodevelopmental conditions that doctors suspected were genetic or metabolic in origin but had not been diagnosed using conventional methods. Our team tested the children and their parents using a combination of metabolomic (large scale chemical) analysis and a type of genomic sequencing called whole exome sequencing. With this state-of-the-art technique, experts analyze and interpret the portion of DNA called genes that hold the codes for proteins. Some people’s intellectual disability is due to rare genetic conditions that interfere with the processes the body uses to break down food. Because of these metabolic dysfunctions, there is an energy deficit and build-up of toxic substances in the brain and body leading to symptoms such as developmental and cognitive delays, epilepsy, and organ dysfunction. Some of these rare diseases respond to treatments targeting the metabolic dysfunction at the cellular level and range from simple interventions like dietary modifications, vitamin supplements and medications to more invasive procedures like bone marrow transplants. Because the right treatment can improve cognitive functioning or slow or stop irreversible brain damage, early intervention can improve lifelong outcomes for affected children and their families.
Aging, Author Interviews, Disability Research, Lancet / 09.12.2015

[caption id="attachment_19952" align="alignleft" width="200"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Carol Jagger AXA Professor of Epidemiology of Ageing and Deputy Director of the Newcastle University Institute for Ageing (NUIA) Institute of Health & Society Campus for Ageing and Vitality Newcastle upon Tyne Medical Research: What is the background for this study? Prof. Jagger: Although we know that life expectancy at older ages is increasing, there is still uncertainty about whether the extra years are healthy ones. Our results are based on data from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFASI and II), two cohorts of people aged 65 years and over in three centres in England (Cambridgeshire, Newcastle and Nottingham) who were interviewed in 1991 and 2011. The participants, over 7000 people in each study, were recruited from general practices in the area and included those living in care homes to ensure our results reflect the total older population. Medical Research: What are the main findings? Prof. Jagger: We used three health measures to calculate the health expectancies at age 65: cognitive impairment, self-perceived health and disability (mild and moderate/severe). Over the 20 year period women’s life expectancy at age 65 increased by 3.6 years whilst they gained 4.4 years free of cognitive impairment, 3.1 years in good self-perceived health but only 0.5 years free of disability. Men on the other hand lived an extra 4.5 years in total with gains of 4.2 years free of disability, 3.8 years in good self-perceived health and 2.6 years free of disability. So all the extra years of life were free of cognitive impairment for women but most were spent with disability, although the gains were in mild rather than more severe disability. Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report? Prof. Jagger: Health services still seem to be much better at saving lives than reducing the disabling consequences of diseases. Clinicians should optimally manage pain and recommend therapies to ensure that older people with mild disability can remain active. Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study? Prof. Jagger: Our future research will explore which diseases and conditions are responsible for the increase in mild disability and whether inequalities between social groups in disability-free life expectancy have widened over the 20 years. Citation: A comparison of health expectancies over two decades in England: results of the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study I and II Jagger, Carol et al. The Lancet DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00947-2 Prof. Jagger[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Carol Jagger AXA Professor of Epidemiology of Ageing and Deputy Director of the Newcastle University Institute for Ageing (NUIA) Institute of Health & Society Campus for Ageing and Vitality Newcastle upon Tyne  Medical Research: What is the background for this study? Prof. Jagger: Although we know that life expectancy at older ages is increasing, there is still uncertainty about whether the extra years are healthy ones. Our results are based on data from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFASI and II), two cohorts of people aged 65 years and over in three centres in England (Cambridgeshire, Newcastle and Nottingham) who were interviewed in 1991 and 2011. The participants, over 7000 people in each study, were recruited from general practices in the area and included those living in care homes to ensure our results reflect the total older population. Medical Research: What are the main findings? Prof. Jagger: We used three health measures to calculate the health expectancies at age 65: cognitive impairment, self-perceived health and disability (mild and moderate/severe). Over the 20 year period women’s life expectancy at age 65 increased by 3.6 years whilst they gained 4.4 years free of cognitive impairment, 3.1 years in good self-perceived health but only 0.5 years free of disability. Men on the other hand lived an extra 4.5 years in total with gains of 4.2 years free of disability, 3.8 years in good self-perceived health and 2.6 years free of disability. So all the extra years of life were free of cognitive impairment for women but most were spent with disability, although the gains were in mild rather than more severe disability.
Aging, Author Interviews, BMJ, Disability Research, End of Life Care, Geriatrics, Yale / 21.05.2015

Thomas M. Gill, M.D Humana Foundation Professor of Medicine (Geriatrics) Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases) and of Investigative Medicine Director Yale Program on Aging and Yale Center for Disability and Disabling Disorders Director, Yale Training Program in Geriatric Clinical Epidemiology and Aging-Related ResearchMedicalResearch.com Interview with: Thomas M. Gill, M.D Humana Foundation Professor of Medicine (Geriatrics) Professor of Epidemiology  and of Investigative Medicine Director Yale Program on Aging and Yale Center for Disability and Disabling Disorders Director, Yale Training Program in Geriatric Clinical Epidemiology and Aging-Related Research Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?h Response: Understanding the disabling process at the end of life is essential for informed decision-making among older persons, their families, and their physicians. We know from prior research that the course of disability at the end of life does not follow a predictable pattern for most older persons.  This raises the question about what is driving the development and progression of disability at the end of life. We identified six distinct trajectories of disability in the last year of life, ranging from the least disabled to most disabled.  We found that the course of disability in the last year of life closely tracked the monthly prevalence of hospitalization for each of the six trajectories.
Author Interviews, Disability Research, Pediatrics, Race/Ethnic Diversity / 14.02.2015

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ying Wang, PhD, MPH Data Management, Analysis & Research Office of Primary Care and Health System Management New York State Department of Health Empire State Plaza  Albany, NY  12237 Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Dr. Wang: The purpose of the study was to examine the survival of children with one or more of 21 major birth defects in the United States.  We used data from 12 population-based birth defects surveillance programs that participate in the National Birth Defects Prevention Network.  The study included nearly 100,000 infants born with birth defects between 1997 and 2007. We found that children who were born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (a severe congenital heart defect) had the lowest chance of survival across multiple ages (up to 28 days of life, 1 year, 2 years, and 8 years of life), compared to children with any other birth defects studied.  We also found that the chances of survival up to 1 year of life was greater than 90% for babies born with spina bifida, cleft palate, cleft lip with or without cleft palate, pyloric stenosis, gastroschisis, or Down syndrome. For most birth defects, survival was poorer among non-Hispanic black mothers and Hispanic mothers compared to non-Hispanic white mothers.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Disability Research, Karolinski Institute / 03.09.2014

Anna-Karin Danielsson, PhD Project Coordinator Karolinska Institutet Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) Widerströmska huset| Stockholm, SwedenMedicalResearch.com Interview with: Anna-Karin Danielsson, PhD Project Coordinator Karolinska Institutet Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) Widerströmska huset| Stockholm, Sweden Medical Research: What are the main findings of the study? Dr. Danielsson: Smoking cannabis in adolescence increases the risk of adverse social consequences later on in life.
Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, Diabetes, Disability Research / 20.08.2014

Karen Margolis, M.D., M.P.H. Senior Investigator (Director of Clinical Research) HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research Minneapolis, MN, 55440-1524MedicalResearch.com Interview with Karen Margolis, M.D., M.P.H. Senior Investigator (Director of Clinical Research) HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research Minneapolis, MN, 55440-1524 Medical Research: What are the main findings of the study? Dr. Margolis: The study compared falls and fractures in patients aged 40-79 with diabetes who were treated for high blood pressure.  One group received treatment that aimed at getting systolic blood pressure under 120, while the other group received treatment to achieve systolic blood pressure under 140. The results show that patients who received intensive blood pressure treatment did not fall more than less intensively treated patients, nor did they incur more fractures over an average follow-up of about five years.
Author Interviews, BMJ, Disability Research / 27.06.2014

MedicalResearch:com Interview with: Stephen Honeybul FDS RCS (Eng), FRCS (SN), FRACS Consultant Neurosurgeon Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital HOD Royal Perth Hospital Perth WA Australia MedicalResearch: What are the main findings of this study?  Dr. Honeybul: Amongst those patients who had been adjudged severely disabled or in a vegetative state at 18 months, remained as such at the three years follow up. Most patients who were able to provide a response said that they would have provided consent to the "life saving" intervention even if they had known their final outcome
Author Interviews, Disability Research, Johns Hopkins, Pain Research, Rheumatology / 27.03.2014

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Damian Hoy University of Queensland School of Population Health Herston, Australia

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study? Dr. Hoy: The study was part of the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study, which was conducted by the University of Queensland, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Washington, and hundreds of disease experts throughout the globe. It is the largest ever public health study. It compared the overall burden (in terms of both death and disability) of the most common 291 diseases/conditions in the world. Low back pain was found to cause more global disability than any other disease/condition. If this is something you are going through, it may be worth knowing that marijuana strains for back pain is one of the most powerful remedies. You've possibly tried everything in the shop and over the counter medicine. So why not give this a go and see how you get on. There's no harm in trying. Global disability from low back pain is increasing. There is an urgent need for global, regional and national agencies to pay far greater attention to the disability caused by low back pain. In the developed world there are low back pain therapy treatments available whereas, in the developing world things aren't as accessible.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Diabetes Care, Disability Research / 26.02.2014

Barbara H. Bardenheier PHD, MPH, MA Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, GAMedicalResearch.com Interview with: Barbara H. Bardenheier PHD, MPH, MA Division of Diabetes Translation, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, GA MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study? Dr. Bardenheier: Our main findings were that older adults who become disabled, even mildly, are at increased risk of developing diabetes.
Author Interviews, Disability Research, Lancet / 07.08.2013

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Evelyn Wong MBBS (Hons) MPH PhD Candidate Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute Level 4, 99  Commercial Rd, Melbourne. VIC 3004 MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study? Answer: Researchers at Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute reviewed previously published literature on the association between diabetes and the risk of developing physical and functional disability. In this study, disability was defined by a person’s difficulty walking; carrying out daily activities such as using a telephone or transport, managing finances, shopping; or attending to basic self-care needs such as eating, dressing and bathing. Although there have been many previous studies on diabetes and disability, the findings have varied and to date, no one has pooled all studies together for a combined measure of risk. From 26 relevant studies, we measured the pooled effect of the association between diabetes and disability. We found that diabetes increased the risk of disability by 50-80% compared to those without diabetes and this result was consistent across all types of disability.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Disability Research / 23.07.2013

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Abigail Franklin Vice President for Development & Communications The New York Academy of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study? Answer: The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Overweight and Obesity Brief was derived from information gathered for the NYS Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is an annual statewide telephone survey of adults administered by the provide information on behaviors, risk factors, and utilization of preventive services. The survey conducted in 2011 found that nearly 25% of adults in NYS are obese and another 36% overweight. It also found that obesity rates are higher among adults who are Black (32.5%), earn an annual household income less than $25,000 (26.8%), have less than a college education (27.1%), or are currently living with a disability (34.9%). These findings bring to light that social and economic factors in our communities can be a major contributor to health disparities, like greater risk of obesity among people of color, low income individuals, and people who are disabled.