Gaea OÜ Clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO)

Staying Alive—Fitness Over Thinness  🏃♀️ Being in shape is more beneficial for longevity than being thin. Based on robust research, individuals with higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality—regardless of their body mass index (BMI). 🔬 Key Findings: 🔬 Unfit individuals—whether normal weight, overweight, or obese—face a 2 to 3 times higher mortality risk than their fit counterparts. 🔬 Higher CRF levels correlate with better health outcomes, overriding the impact of BMI. 🔬 Public health approaches focusing solely on weight loss may overlook the critical role of physical fitness in enhancing life expectancy. 💡 Why It Matters: This insight reshapes how we view health goals. As we begin this new year, the emphasis should shift towards improving fitness levels through regular physical activity rather than obsessing over weight loss. 💪 Let’s prioritise being active and fit to unlock substantial health benefits beyond the scale! This post draws on a summary provided by Prof. Eric Topol in his newsletter. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/dy3EZDz9 Original Source: Weeldreyer NR, De Guzman JC, Paterson C, et al. Cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 13 November 2024. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108748. #PublicHealth #Health #HealthyLifestyle #SelfCare

The Secret to Extreme Longevity? Misplaced Paperwork! 🕵️♂️📜 As we wrap up another year, let's reflect on a humorous yet eye-opening revelation about human longevity. 💡 “The data on extreme human ageing is rotten from the inside out.” – Saul Justin Newman, Ig Nobel Winner For years, we've been fascinated by "blue zones"—regions famed for high numbers of centenarians, inspiring countless studies and lifestyle guides. But recent findings suggest the secret to reaching 110 might be simpler than we thought: don't have a birth certificate or don't register your death! 🔍 The Reality Check: A 2010 Japanese government review discovered that 82% of registered centenarians in Japan were deceased. The illusion of extreme longevity was often due to unreported deaths. While the idea of blue zones offers inspiration, we must base our health strategies on accurate data. Misrecorded ages can lead to misconceptions about longevity and divert focus from proven health practices. As we enter 2025, let's prioritise evidence-based health practices over myths. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and meaningful social connections remain the true, data-backed secrets to a long, healthy life. Source: ‘The data on extreme human ageing is rotten from the inside out’ – Ig Nobel winner Saul Justin Newman. The Conversation. Available at: https://lnkd.in/gvVFxUmN. #PublicHealth #DataIntegrity

💡 As we look ahead to 2025, the air quality crisis demands attention—only 10 countries, including Estonia, met WHO PM2.5 standards in 2023. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or smaller—tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, causing severe health problems. Long-term exposure is linked to heart and respiratory diseases, lung cancer, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm births and low birth weights. 📊 Staggering Statistics: - 92% of countries exceeded the WHO guideline of an annual PM2.5 average of 5 µg/m³. - The cleanest countries included French Polynesia (3.2 µg/m³), Iceland, Estonia, and Finland. - The most polluted countries were Bangladesh (79.9 µg/m³), Pakistan (73.7 µg/m³), and India (54.4 µg/m³)—more than 10 times the recommended levels. - Europe: Iceland, Estonia, and Finland ranked among the cleanest, while Bosnia and Herzegovina remained the most polluted despite an 18% improvement over 2022. - Africa: Data availability was limited, with only 24 of 54 countries reporting results, raising serious concerns about under-monitored pollution impacts. 🌍 The Bigger Picture: The primary drivers of PM2.5 pollution include fossil fuel combustion and climate change-induced wildfires. Yet, countries adopting electric vehicles, renewable energy, and clean heating technologies are recording lower pollution levels, proving that systemic changes work. 💡 The Takeaway: As we reflect on the lessons of 2023, the data offers a clear direction: transitioning to sustainable energy sources and reducing fossil fuel reliance isn’t just environmental—it’s essential for global health. Let’s prioritise clean air as a fundamental goal for 2025 and beyond. Source: IQAir. 2023 World Air Quality Report. Available at: https://lnkd.in/gC5x9nUd. #AirQuality #PublicHealth #Sustainability #ClimateAction

💡 Rolling back the polio vaccine? That’s not just irresponsible—it’s amoral. Navigate the noise with us as we share this from Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, MPH PhD, from the Your Local Epidemiologist newsletter: vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing disease and saving lives. The argument extends beyond polio. 🔍 Why vaccines matter: • Diseases like polio, measles, and whooping cough haven’t disappeared—they’ve been controlled through widespread vaccination. • Population immunity depends on continued vaccination efforts. When vaccination rates drop, diseases return. 💡 The benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks. For example: • For every 10,000 measles infections, there are: • 2,000 hospitalisations • 10–30 child deaths • By contrast, for 10,000 MMR vaccines, side effects include: • 3 fever-related seizures • 0–1 cases of abnormal blood clotting As Your Local Epidemiologist highlights, questioning or rolling back proven vaccines is not just unscientific—it’s dangerous. Public trust in vaccination is essential to preventing outbreaks and protecting public health. While loud voices questioning vaccine safety dominate headlines, they do not represent the majority. The facts tell a different story: • 93% of kindergarteners in the U.S. are up to date on their childhood vaccines. • 88% of parents believe the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is important for their children. • 90%+ of children are fully vaccinated against polio. The challenge lies in preventing routine vaccines from becoming polarised, as happened with COVID-19 vaccines. Protecting public health requires strong voices—scientific, bipartisan, and community-driven—to keep vaccination grounded in science, not ideology. 💬 Feeling doubts? You’re not alone. One of the most harmful effects of amplified rhetoric is that it can make people feel isolated or uncertain. Questions about vaccines are normal—vaccines are complex. In today’s world, where misinformation outpaces facts, even the most well-intentioned individuals can feel unsure. Paediatricians, doctors, community leaders, friends, and family are more important than ever. People don’t need more data—they need educators, storytellers, and people who listen. Let’s invite others to join the science by sharing evidence-based, clear information. 💡 Start here: • Childhood Vaccinations. Top 12 questions answered with the nuance you’re looking for, https://kont.ly/9442d832 • Your Local Epidemiologist Newsletter, https://kont.ly/27258e84 #VaccinesWork #PublicHealth #HealthEducation

💡 By 2050, 260 million Americans are projected to live with overweight or obesity. The obesity epidemic in the USA shows no signs of plateauing. A comprehensive analysis by the GBD 2021 US Obesity Forecasting Collaborators reveals worrying trends: 📊 Key Projections • By 2050, 43.1 million children and adolescents (aged 5–24) and 213 million adults (aged 25+) are projected to live with overweight or obesity. • This represents 67% of the projected US population of 388 million in 2050. 💡 Why It Matters The crisis is no longer just a public health issue—it has surpassed every known level of epidemic progression. The report highlights that existing policies have failed to address the structural drivers of overweight and obesity. ⚖️ The Call to Action: A multifaceted, whole-system approach is urgently needed to disrupt the obesogenic environment. This includes: • Addressing health inequities and structural determinants of obesity. • Combining public health measures with personalised strategies to support prevention and early intervention. • Sustaining efforts at both national and local levels to prioritise obesity prevention. Preventive efforts must remain central, even as new therapeutic options like GLP-1 analogues emerge. There is no vaccine for obesity—but it is largely preventable through coordinated, long-term actions. Source The obesity crisis in the USA: why are there no signs of plateauing yet? Sebert, Sylvain. The Lancet, Volume 404, Issue 10469, 2241–2242. https://kont.ly/78806d48 #PublicHealth #HealthPolicy

💡 To Those with Elderly Relatives—More Evidence to Get Them Moving 💡 Physical performance significantly correlates with increased survival rates in individuals aged 80 years and older. New findings from the ilSIRENTE study reveal that maintaining physical performance is strongly linked to longevity in octogenarians and beyond. This prospective cohort study followed 195 individuals born before 1924, with a mean age of 82 years, residing in the Sirente region of Italy, over a 15-year period, assessing their functional abilities using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). 📊 Key Insights: • Higher physical performance scores and faster gait speeds were linked to significantly lower mortality risk. • Average gait speed of survivors (aged 95+): 0.88 m/s. • Average gait speed of those who passed earlier: 0.78 m/s. • 21% of participants lived to at least 95 years, with higher SPPB scores strongly correlating with survival. 💡 Why It Matters: The study underscores physical performance as a reliable metric for predicting longevity in older adults. Interventions to improve balance, gait speed, and leg strength could significantly enhance both life span and health span. ⚖️ The Takeaway: Whether you’re a caregiver or healthcare professional, supporting elderly individuals in staying active can make a measurable difference. Simple activities like walking or chair exercises could add years to life and vitality. 📊 Source: Cacciatore S, Calvani R, Marzetti E, et al. Physical performance is associated with long-term survival in adults 80 years and older: Results from the ilSIRENTE study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2024;72(8):2585‐2589. doi:10.1111/jgs.18941 #HealthyAging #Longevity

🌟 Bridging the Gap in Patient Communication: Why It Matters 🌟 In clinical research and healthcare, clear communication isn't just a courtesy—it’s a necessity. Patients' understanding of medical information significantly impacts their ability to make informed decisions, adhere to treatment, and manage their health effectively. Yet, communication gaps remain prevalent, particularly with complex jargon and medical phrases. Key Findings from Research: Misunderstood Jargon A cross-sectional survey of 215 U.S. adults revealed striking results [1]: 🔍 Only 9% understood the term "febrile." 🔍 While 75% understood “nothing by mouth,” just 11% could decode its abbreviation, “NPO.” 🔍 Only 41% recognized that "neuro exam is grossly intact" is good news. 🔍 21% misunderstood “impressive” in a radiology context, believing it signified positive results rather than notable abnormalities. These misinterpretations underscore the need for better explanatory communication in clinical settings. 💡 Why It’s Critical: With the rise of complex clinical trials, decentralized trials, and reduced direct patient contact, we must double down on efforts to ensure patient comprehension. Breaking down medical terms, providing clear instructions, and using relatable metaphors can bridge the communication gap, ultimately improving outcomes. #ClinicalTrials #DecentralizedTrials #HealthLiteracy [1] Gotlieb R, Praska C, Hendrickson MA, Marmet J, Charpentier V, Hause E, Allen KA, Lunos S, Pitt MB. Accuracy in Patient Understanding of Common Medical Phrases. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Nov 1;5(11):e2242972. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.42972. PMID: 36449293; PMCID: PMC9713608.

🏃♀️ Does age modify the association between physical activity and all-cause mortality? A comprehensive analysis of over 2 million adults aged 20–97 years reveals that physical activity is a critical determinant of longevity throughout the lifespan. In fact, the beneficial association between meeting physical activity guidelines—such as 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week—and reduced mortality becomes more pronounced with age. 📊 Key Findings from the Study: • The benefits of physical activity are consistent across all adult age groups but are greatest in older adults (70–79 years). • Other modifiable factors like smoking cessation or healthy body weight showed a weaker association with mortality as age increased. 💡 The Takeaway: Physical activity remains essential at every stage of life, but its role in promoting longevity becomes even more critical with age. Public health strategies must not only encourage the adoption of active lifestyles but also focus on sustaining these habits over time to maximise their impact on mortality and cardiovascular health. ⚖️ What This Means for Public Health: Efforts to promote physical activity must account for age-specific needs, ensuring older adults receive tailored interventions such as balance and functional fitness training. Sources: Martinez-Gomez D, et al. “Physical Activity and All-Cause Mortality by Age in 4 Multinational Megacohorts.” JAMA Network Open (2024). [DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.46802]  Jakicic JM. “Physical Activity and Reduced Mortality Regardless of Age—Considerations for Public Health.” JAMA Network Open (2024). [DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.46811] #PublicHealth #PhysicalActivity #Longevity #HealthPromotion 

🌍 The Alarming Rise of Measles Cases: A Global Call to Action on Vaccination Measles is resurging at an alarming rate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), global measles cases increased by 20% from 2022 to 2023, with over 10.3 million cases reported. Tragically, 107,500 people died in 2023, the majority of them children under five. Key Insights: 🔑 A Preventable Tragedy Measles vaccines have saved an estimated 94 million lives over the past 50 years. Yet vaccination coverage is falling short of the 95% needed for herd immunity. Currently, only 81% of children globally receive the first dose, and just 71% receive the second dose, leaving 22 million children unprotected. 🔑 Measles’ Contagion Factor Measles is among the most contagious diseases, with an R0 of 18—meaning one infected person can spread the virus to 18 others. Without sufficient vaccination rates, outbreaks can spread rapidly, especially among children. 🔑 Misinformation’s Role Misinformation around vaccine safety has eroded public confidence, contributing to vaccination hesitancy. 57 countries reported significant outbreaks in 2023, up from 36 countries in 2022, highlighting the devastating consequences of low vaccination rates. 💉 A Collective Responsibility Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasises: “To save even more lives and prevent this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunisation for every person, no matter where they live.” 📢 What Can Be Done? Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities must work together to combat misinformation and improve vaccine access. Let’s protect the progress made and ensure a safer future for everyone. 🌐 For further reading on global efforts to combat measles, explore the Measles & Rubella Partnership: https://lnkd.in/dXwti-Qu 📸 Photo: Image courtesy of the Measles & Rubella Partnership. #VaccinesWork #GlobalHealth #PublicHealth

🌍 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2024: Educate. Advocate. Act Now. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global health crisis threatening our ability to treat infections effectively. Resistant bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are making illnesses harder to treat, spreading diseases faster, and increasing mortality rates. Since the World Health Assembly’s 2015 action plan, awareness has been a cornerstone of the fight against AMR. This week, we stand with the global healthcare community to educate on the risks of AMR, advocate for policies that promote sustainable antimicrobial use, and act to preserve the effectiveness of lifesaving treatments. 🌟 Join us in listening to Jan De Waele, President of ESICM, as he calls for urgent action through smarter knowledge sharing, stronger advocacy, and proactive measures. Together, we can preserve antimicrobial effectiveness and build a healthier future: https://lnkd.in/dibGtn-F 📢 Let’s amplify this message and inspire change. #AntimicrobialResistance #GlobalHealth #PublicHealth