To investigate running activity, life-style, and endurance capacity of joggers, all competitors o... more To investigate running activity, life-style, and endurance capacity of joggers, all competitors of a popular 16-km race were surveyed by questionnaire. The response rate was 83.6%, yielding a study population of 4358 male runners over age 16. In univariate analysis, there were significant associations between 16-km running time and weekly training distance (average of 1 year), weekly training frequency, body mass index (BMI), age, cigarette smoking, years of regular running, and frequency of alcohol cosumption. A multiple regression analysis provided six significant, independent predictors of 16-km time, explaining 47% of its variance: weekly training distance (standardized regression coefficient = -0.46), age (0.37), BMI (0.23), years of regular running (-0.19), weekly training frequency (-0.11), and cigarette smoking (0.10). Based on laboratory treadmill testing of a subsample of runners, 16-km running times were transformed into maximum aerobic capacities (VO2 max equivalents) for all competitors. In comparison with the general population, even the slowest 5% of the runners showed a higher endurance capacity than the age-specific population mean. Application of the multivariate regression model for an estimation of the overall impact of training and life-style on endurance capacity showed that the great difference in mean endurance levels between joggers and the general population could entirely be attributed to differences in running activity, BMI, and smoking. We conclude that the joggers investigated were, on average, not selected concerning biological predisposition and genetic endowment since their behavior alone explained their high average endurance capacity.
Schweizerische Rundschau für Medizin Praxis = Revue suisse de médecine Praxis, Jan 31, 1989
In this review of new developments in the field of "smoking and health", three question... more In this review of new developments in the field of "smoking and health", three questions are more closely analyzed. The first concerns the health consequences of passive smoking. Based on the example of bronchial carcinoma, evidence is shown on which independent expert committees have come to the conclusion that a causal relationship has to be accepted as probable. A graph is presented showing that among more than a dozen epidemiologic studies, most point clearly to a dose response relationship. In addition it has been shown that passive smoking involves mainly inhalation of sidestream smoke containing significant amounts of carcinogens. The second question concerns the trend of smoking habits in Switzerland. Among men, the proportion of smokers has dropped from at least 60 to 70% in the nineteen fifties to 40% today, and among women, a downward trend has also been observed in recent years. Finally, lung cancer rates have started to decline in several countries and levelle...
In an interview study of 480 aged persons, questions on satisfaction with several aspects of life... more In an interview study of 480 aged persons, questions on satisfaction with several aspects of life were included. A factor analysis allows to distinguish a factor relating to "depressivity" from a factor "satisfaction with social contacts" and a health-related dimension.
Objectives The studies reported here investigated the association between health complaints and t... more Objectives The studies reported here investigated the association between health complaints and the vicinity to the short wave transmitter Schwarzenburg, and looked for evidence for a relationship between magnetic field exposure and sleep disturbances. Subjects and Methods Between 1992 and 1998 two cross-sectional and two panel studies were performed in the area of Schwarzenburg. In each cross-sectional survey about 400 adults living in differently exposed areas were asked about somatic and psycho-vegetative symptoms including sleep disturbances as well as possible confounding factors. Exposure was estimated based on 2621 measurements of magnetic field strength made in 56 locations. In the panel studies, sleep quality and melatonin excretion was studied when the transmission was interrupted or definitively shut down, respectively. Results In both surveys, prevalence of difficulties of falling asleep and in particular, maintaining sleep, increased with increasing radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure (RF-EMF). Sleep quality improved after interruption of exposure. A chronic change of melatonin excretion following RF-EMF exposure could not be shown, but a parallel study of salivary samples in cows showed a temporary increase after a short latency period following interruption of exposure. Conclusions The series of studies gives strong evidence of a causal relationship between operation of a shortwave radio transmitter and sleep disturbances in the surrounding population, but there is insufficient evidence to distinguish clearly between a biological and a psychological effect.
The comments we received ranged from the highly complementary to strongly critical. The EMF staff... more The comments we received ranged from the highly complementary to strongly critical. The EMF staff are gratified by the support expressed by eminent figures in the fields of public health, EMF research, epidemiology and risk evaluation: " I highly appreciate the logical and disciplined way, in which you have analyzed the issues involved in evaluating the practical significance of a wealth of scientific work, which in the past had been undervalued. As your work shows, the reason for this is because earlier evaluations had been on the basis of an inappropriate set of criteria. " " This is by far the most comprehensive and ambitious risk evaluation on this topic that has been conducted. Not only is it comprehensive but also intelligently done. I also find that the process has been very carefully thought out with possibilities for all parties to participate and with a great openess. I realize that there has been comments on various aspects of the process, such as the choic...
A preliminary communication is made about an epidemiolocial survey in Switzerland concerning the ... more A preliminary communication is made about an epidemiolocial survey in Switzerland concerning the habits and problems of several groups of elderly under different life conditions. Special interest is given as well the aspects of health and competence in the activities of daily life as the question of disablement and need for personal aid.
Einleitung Wie Thomas Kuhn in seinem Essay fber die Struktur Wissenschaftlicher Revolutionen geze... more Einleitung Wie Thomas Kuhn in seinem Essay fber die Struktur Wissenschaftlicher Revolutionen gezeigt hat, folgt die naturwissenschaftliehe Kl~irung von Ph~inomenen imraer einer bestimmten Grundvorstellung, bis es gelingt, ein neues Modell for einen Bereich der Wirklichkeit zu entwicklen, in dem sich neue Tatsachen einfacher, konsistenter kl/iren lassen. Ein entsprechender ~Paradigmawechseb> in den Grundformen des medizinisehen Denkens hat, nach ersten zaghaften Schritten im neunzehnten Jahrhundert, in den letzten Jahrzehnten entscheidend an Raum gewonnen: ,,Krankheit ist in der Mehrzahl der Ffille die Folge unseres Lebensstiles und jener Einfl!isse, welche aus der gesellschaftlichen Umwelt auf KOrper und Seele des Menschen wirken~r (f-I. Schaefer). Die Efitwicklung moderner epidemiologiseher Methoden war eine der Voraussetzungen for diesen Paradigmawechsel in der Erforschung der Krankheitsfitiologie. FOr jeden Epidemiologen ist der AufSchwung, der in diesem Zusammenhang vor allem auch die kardiovaskul/ire Epidemiologie erfahren hat, Anlass Zur Bewunderung, zum Ansporn. Fiir Fred Epstein Zudem auch Quelle der Befriedigung, denn er ist selber ein wichtiger Teil dieser Entwicklung hin zu einer Erweiterung des medizinischen Denkens im 20. Jahrhundert. Der wohl einzige verOffentlichte historische Uberblick fiber die letzten 30 Jahre der kardiovaskulfiren Epidemiologie stammt denn auch aus Fred Epsteins Feder: es handelt sich um seinen Vortrag an der Universit~it Heidelberg zum Anlass der Verleihung des Doktors der Medizin honoris causa (24. Januar 1980). Bezeichnend for seine bescheidene Wesensart finden sich darin nur wenige Hinweise auf seine eigene Rolle dies soll deshalb hier, wenn auch nur unvollst~indignachgeholt werden.
Überlegungen zum Tabakproduktegesetz Die Schweiz und der internationale Kampf zur Beendigung der ... more Überlegungen zum Tabakproduktegesetz Die Schweiz und der internationale Kampf zur Beendigung der Tabakepidemie Seit Jahrzehnten besteht eine tödliche Epidemie, gegen die bisher nur zögerlich vorgegangen worden ist, obwohl sie in der Schweiz jährlich Tausende und weltweit Millionen Menschenleben fordert. 178 Staaten haben sich durch Ratifikation einer Rahmenkonvention verpflichtet, an der gemeinsamen Besiegung mitzuarbeiten. Doch die Schweiz steht bisher abseits. Nikotinsucht und Anfixen als Schlüssel Der Erreger der tödlichen Epidemie ist der Tabakrauch, der jahrzehntelang inhaliert wird, weil ihre Konsumenten süchtig sind-süchtig geworden als Kinder und Jugendliche und angefixt durch eine raffinierte Kombination von Werbung, Promotion und Sponsoring, die darauf ausgerichtet ist, sie glauben zu machen, Rauchen sei unter Erwachsenen etwas «Normales» und Trendiges. Das Suchtpotential von Nikotin ist vergleichbar mit demjenigen von Kokain. Bei vielen Jugendlichen löst das Rauchen einiger weniger Zigaretten im Hirn ein langfristiges Verlangen nach Nikotin aus. Und Nikotinabhängigkeit erleichtert die Entwicklung von Kokainabhängigkeit [1]. Bei der Förderung des Erstkonsums geht es also um Anfixen, und solange angefixt wird, setzt sich die Epidemie fort. Die interessierten Kreise haben bisher vom Aspekt der Suchtwirkung des Nikotins abgelenkt und mit dem Recht des Erwachsenen zu rauchen argumentiert. Doch um diese Frage geht es hier nicht. Erwachsene Raucher dürfen ruhig weiterhin rauchen, solange es ihre Mitmenschen nicht stört oder gefährdet und den Jungen nicht als Vorbild dient. Sie müssen Tabakprodukte kaufen können, und im Interesse ihrer Gesundheit muss ihnen Hilfe beim Aufhören angeboten werden.
To investigate running activity, life-style, and endurance capacity of joggers, all competitors o... more To investigate running activity, life-style, and endurance capacity of joggers, all competitors of a popular 16-km race were surveyed by questionnaire. The response rate was 83.6%, yielding a study population of 4358 male runners over age 16. In univariate analysis, there were significant associations between 16-km running time and weekly training distance (average of 1 year), weekly training frequency, body mass index (BMI), age, cigarette smoking, years of regular running, and frequency of alcohol cosumption. A multiple regression analysis provided six significant, independent predictors of 16-km time, explaining 47% of its variance: weekly training distance (standardized regression coefficient = -0.46), age (0.37), BMI (0.23), years of regular running (-0.19), weekly training frequency (-0.11), and cigarette smoking (0.10). Based on laboratory treadmill testing of a subsample of runners, 16-km running times were transformed into maximum aerobic capacities (VO2 max equivalents) for all competitors. In comparison with the general population, even the slowest 5% of the runners showed a higher endurance capacity than the age-specific population mean. Application of the multivariate regression model for an estimation of the overall impact of training and life-style on endurance capacity showed that the great difference in mean endurance levels between joggers and the general population could entirely be attributed to differences in running activity, BMI, and smoking. We conclude that the joggers investigated were, on average, not selected concerning biological predisposition and genetic endowment since their behavior alone explained their high average endurance capacity.
Schweizerische Rundschau für Medizin Praxis = Revue suisse de médecine Praxis, Jan 31, 1989
In this review of new developments in the field of "smoking and health", three question... more In this review of new developments in the field of "smoking and health", three questions are more closely analyzed. The first concerns the health consequences of passive smoking. Based on the example of bronchial carcinoma, evidence is shown on which independent expert committees have come to the conclusion that a causal relationship has to be accepted as probable. A graph is presented showing that among more than a dozen epidemiologic studies, most point clearly to a dose response relationship. In addition it has been shown that passive smoking involves mainly inhalation of sidestream smoke containing significant amounts of carcinogens. The second question concerns the trend of smoking habits in Switzerland. Among men, the proportion of smokers has dropped from at least 60 to 70% in the nineteen fifties to 40% today, and among women, a downward trend has also been observed in recent years. Finally, lung cancer rates have started to decline in several countries and levelle...
In an interview study of 480 aged persons, questions on satisfaction with several aspects of life... more In an interview study of 480 aged persons, questions on satisfaction with several aspects of life were included. A factor analysis allows to distinguish a factor relating to "depressivity" from a factor "satisfaction with social contacts" and a health-related dimension.
Objectives The studies reported here investigated the association between health complaints and t... more Objectives The studies reported here investigated the association between health complaints and the vicinity to the short wave transmitter Schwarzenburg, and looked for evidence for a relationship between magnetic field exposure and sleep disturbances. Subjects and Methods Between 1992 and 1998 two cross-sectional and two panel studies were performed in the area of Schwarzenburg. In each cross-sectional survey about 400 adults living in differently exposed areas were asked about somatic and psycho-vegetative symptoms including sleep disturbances as well as possible confounding factors. Exposure was estimated based on 2621 measurements of magnetic field strength made in 56 locations. In the panel studies, sleep quality and melatonin excretion was studied when the transmission was interrupted or definitively shut down, respectively. Results In both surveys, prevalence of difficulties of falling asleep and in particular, maintaining sleep, increased with increasing radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure (RF-EMF). Sleep quality improved after interruption of exposure. A chronic change of melatonin excretion following RF-EMF exposure could not be shown, but a parallel study of salivary samples in cows showed a temporary increase after a short latency period following interruption of exposure. Conclusions The series of studies gives strong evidence of a causal relationship between operation of a shortwave radio transmitter and sleep disturbances in the surrounding population, but there is insufficient evidence to distinguish clearly between a biological and a psychological effect.
The comments we received ranged from the highly complementary to strongly critical. The EMF staff... more The comments we received ranged from the highly complementary to strongly critical. The EMF staff are gratified by the support expressed by eminent figures in the fields of public health, EMF research, epidemiology and risk evaluation: " I highly appreciate the logical and disciplined way, in which you have analyzed the issues involved in evaluating the practical significance of a wealth of scientific work, which in the past had been undervalued. As your work shows, the reason for this is because earlier evaluations had been on the basis of an inappropriate set of criteria. " " This is by far the most comprehensive and ambitious risk evaluation on this topic that has been conducted. Not only is it comprehensive but also intelligently done. I also find that the process has been very carefully thought out with possibilities for all parties to participate and with a great openess. I realize that there has been comments on various aspects of the process, such as the choic...
A preliminary communication is made about an epidemiolocial survey in Switzerland concerning the ... more A preliminary communication is made about an epidemiolocial survey in Switzerland concerning the habits and problems of several groups of elderly under different life conditions. Special interest is given as well the aspects of health and competence in the activities of daily life as the question of disablement and need for personal aid.
Einleitung Wie Thomas Kuhn in seinem Essay fber die Struktur Wissenschaftlicher Revolutionen geze... more Einleitung Wie Thomas Kuhn in seinem Essay fber die Struktur Wissenschaftlicher Revolutionen gezeigt hat, folgt die naturwissenschaftliehe Kl~irung von Ph~inomenen imraer einer bestimmten Grundvorstellung, bis es gelingt, ein neues Modell for einen Bereich der Wirklichkeit zu entwicklen, in dem sich neue Tatsachen einfacher, konsistenter kl/iren lassen. Ein entsprechender ~Paradigmawechseb> in den Grundformen des medizinisehen Denkens hat, nach ersten zaghaften Schritten im neunzehnten Jahrhundert, in den letzten Jahrzehnten entscheidend an Raum gewonnen: ,,Krankheit ist in der Mehrzahl der Ffille die Folge unseres Lebensstiles und jener Einfl!isse, welche aus der gesellschaftlichen Umwelt auf KOrper und Seele des Menschen wirken~r (f-I. Schaefer). Die Efitwicklung moderner epidemiologiseher Methoden war eine der Voraussetzungen for diesen Paradigmawechsel in der Erforschung der Krankheitsfitiologie. FOr jeden Epidemiologen ist der AufSchwung, der in diesem Zusammenhang vor allem auch die kardiovaskul/ire Epidemiologie erfahren hat, Anlass Zur Bewunderung, zum Ansporn. Fiir Fred Epstein Zudem auch Quelle der Befriedigung, denn er ist selber ein wichtiger Teil dieser Entwicklung hin zu einer Erweiterung des medizinischen Denkens im 20. Jahrhundert. Der wohl einzige verOffentlichte historische Uberblick fiber die letzten 30 Jahre der kardiovaskulfiren Epidemiologie stammt denn auch aus Fred Epsteins Feder: es handelt sich um seinen Vortrag an der Universit~it Heidelberg zum Anlass der Verleihung des Doktors der Medizin honoris causa (24. Januar 1980). Bezeichnend for seine bescheidene Wesensart finden sich darin nur wenige Hinweise auf seine eigene Rolle dies soll deshalb hier, wenn auch nur unvollst~indignachgeholt werden.
Überlegungen zum Tabakproduktegesetz Die Schweiz und der internationale Kampf zur Beendigung der ... more Überlegungen zum Tabakproduktegesetz Die Schweiz und der internationale Kampf zur Beendigung der Tabakepidemie Seit Jahrzehnten besteht eine tödliche Epidemie, gegen die bisher nur zögerlich vorgegangen worden ist, obwohl sie in der Schweiz jährlich Tausende und weltweit Millionen Menschenleben fordert. 178 Staaten haben sich durch Ratifikation einer Rahmenkonvention verpflichtet, an der gemeinsamen Besiegung mitzuarbeiten. Doch die Schweiz steht bisher abseits. Nikotinsucht und Anfixen als Schlüssel Der Erreger der tödlichen Epidemie ist der Tabakrauch, der jahrzehntelang inhaliert wird, weil ihre Konsumenten süchtig sind-süchtig geworden als Kinder und Jugendliche und angefixt durch eine raffinierte Kombination von Werbung, Promotion und Sponsoring, die darauf ausgerichtet ist, sie glauben zu machen, Rauchen sei unter Erwachsenen etwas «Normales» und Trendiges. Das Suchtpotential von Nikotin ist vergleichbar mit demjenigen von Kokain. Bei vielen Jugendlichen löst das Rauchen einiger weniger Zigaretten im Hirn ein langfristiges Verlangen nach Nikotin aus. Und Nikotinabhängigkeit erleichtert die Entwicklung von Kokainabhängigkeit [1]. Bei der Förderung des Erstkonsums geht es also um Anfixen, und solange angefixt wird, setzt sich die Epidemie fort. Die interessierten Kreise haben bisher vom Aspekt der Suchtwirkung des Nikotins abgelenkt und mit dem Recht des Erwachsenen zu rauchen argumentiert. Doch um diese Frage geht es hier nicht. Erwachsene Raucher dürfen ruhig weiterhin rauchen, solange es ihre Mitmenschen nicht stört oder gefährdet und den Jungen nicht als Vorbild dient. Sie müssen Tabakprodukte kaufen können, und im Interesse ihrer Gesundheit muss ihnen Hilfe beim Aufhören angeboten werden.
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