Synopsis for September 23, 2005

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EDT.

1. Competitive Foods and Beverages Available for Purchase in Secondary Schools ― Selected Sites, United States, 2004
2. Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Persons Aged 50-64 Years Enrolled in Commercial Managed Health-Care Plans ― United States, 2003-04 and 2004-05 Influenza Seasons
3. HIV Transmission in the Adult Film Industry ― Los Angeles, California, 2004
4. Perceptions of Neighborhood Characteristics and Leisure Time Physical Inactivity ― Austin/ Travis County, Texas, 2004
5. Vibrio Illnesses After Hurricane Katrina ― Multiple States, August-September 2005
6. Update: West Nile Virus Activity ― United States, 2005
7. Notice to Readers: Concussion Tool Kit for High School Coaches

Competitive Foods and Beverages Available for Purchase in Secondary Schools ― Selected Sites, United States, 2004

To help improve dietary behaviors and reduce overweight among adolescents, CDC recommends improving the school nutrition environment by making nutritious and appealing foods available in snack bars and vending machines and discouraging the sale of foods high in fat, sodium, and added sugars on school grounds and as part of fundraising activities.

Most secondary schools in selected states and large urban school districts across the country allow students to purchase snack foods or beverages from vending machines or at the school store, canteen, or snack bar. The types of competitive foods and beverages available for purchase vary widely across states and large urban school districts. Although most schools offer some foods and beverages that are nutritious in these settings, most schools also offer less nutritious items.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Persons Aged 50-64 Years Enrolled in Commercial Managed Health-Care Plans ― United States, 2003-04 and 2004-05 Influenza Seasons

Vaccination rates for influenza decreased in 2004–05 as a result of a vaccine shortage, however, the decreases were smaller in older persons and those in poorer health.

Vaccination rates for influenza decreased during the 2004–05 flu season among Americans age 50-64 according to results of a national survey of commercial managed health care plans released by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Well publicized vaccine shortages accounted for the decreases in flu shots, however, older persons and those in poorer health were less likely to be affected. From 2003–04 to 2004–05, overall vaccination rates decreased from 52.4 percent to 28.1 percent, a decrease of approximately 46 percent. However, the decrease for those in poor health was only 24 percent. These results demonstrate the impact of inadequate vaccine supplies, but suggest that health care providers were able to buffer the impact on higher risk groups. Note: This study looked at 50-64 year olds who were NOT a priority group (until the CDC opened flu vaccinations up to them in late December). These findings are basically consistent with CDC BRFSS data.

HIV Transmission in the Adult Film Industry ― Los Angeles, California, 2004

Occupationally acquired cases of HIV infection among four adult film performers in Los Angeles underscore the need for improved HIV and STD prevention measures in the adult film industry, according to results of an investigation led by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.

In March 2004, a male performer infected with HIV while working subsequently transmitted the infection to three female performers through unprotected sex. These cases occurred despite the performers’ participation in a monthly HIV testing program. While the male index case had recently tested negative, there is a period between initial infection and the point at which virus levels are detectable in the blood, during which false negative results can occur and the virus can be transmitted to others. Health officials stress that while voluntary HIV and STD counseling and testing are essential to reduce the inherent health risks faced by adult film performers, other prevention methods, including consistent condom use, are essential. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the employers for failure to comply with current workplace safety regulations and is working with county and state health officials to develop a model exposure control plan for the industry.

Perceptions of Neighborhood Characteristics and Leisure Time Physical Inactivity ― Austin/ Travis County, Texas, 2004

Many modifiable factors determine a person’s level of physical activity. A recent survey found that a person’s neighborhood’s characteristics are associated with leisure time physical inactivity. Improving neighborhood characteristics, such as aesthetics and safety, may positively influence physical activity.

Regular physical activity is important to our overall health and well being. The characteristics of the neighborhoods we live in can influence our leisure time physical activity levels. Recent information from a survey in Austin, Texas indicates that neighborhood aesthetics and safety from crime are important factors associated with leisure time physical inactivity. Individuals who reported their neighborhood was not safe were two times as likely to be physically inactive during leisure time as people who reported their neighborhood was safe. Additionally, people who reported that their neighborhood was not a pleasant place to walk were more likely to be physically inactive during their leisure time. Public health departments can improve physical activity within their community by supporting public safety agencies and community improvement projects.

Vibrio Illnesses After Hurricane Katrina ― Multiple States, August-September 2005

No summary available.

Update: West Nile Virus Activity ― United States, 2005

No summary available.

Notice to Readers: Concussion Tool Kit for
High School Coaches

Playing injured “for the team,” is often more dangerous than heroic. The Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports tool kit includes information to prevent concussions and identify symptoms and immediate steps to take when an athlete is showing signs of a concussion.

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by a blow or jolt to the head that can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. It is a serious injury that can happen to any athlete—male or female—in any sport. To protect teen athletes and to raise awareness about the dangers of concussion in high school sports, CDC, has developed a new multimedia educational toolkit entitled, Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports. This kit contains practical materials for coaches, athletic directors, trainers, teens, and parents that provide important information on how to reduce, prevent, and manage concussions, including a video/DVD, wallet card, clip board sticker, posters, fact sheets, and a CD-ROM.

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