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University researchers partnered with secondary students in West Virginia and Mali on an international science investigation to strengthen science education and public health practices. WV and Mali students made comparisons of diet, physical activity, BMI, and blood pressure gathered from study participants. Full IRB approval was provided by West Virginia University for this human subjects study. The mean systolic blood pressure for the Mali participants was significantly lower, especially when compared to African-American youth (p=0.0008), as was the mean BMI scores of Mali participants (F [subscript 1, 77]=11.43, p=0.0011). Student investigators analyzed results with guidance by university faculty and showcased their results to peer-audiences at school, for local community events, and at annual Symposia. The University partnership provided opportunities for secondary students and their teachers to discover the role that environment plays in influencing health via authentic research and exposure to international public health strategies. Viable alternatives to unhealthy behavior were shared. Results point to the importance of a nutrition-dense diet (low in fats and sugar) combined with simple walking, as beneficial for all humans. Such comparisons can enhance science education, global health awareness, and empower young adults to alter their unhealthy behavior so as to avoid chronic disease in adulthood. (Contains 3 tables.)

Background: The risks associated with logging are well documented, however little work has been done on estimating the economic impact of injuries among loggers., Methods: West Virginia Workers' Compensation claims data for the period 1996-2001 was used to assess the economic burden of logging injuries in the state., Results: There were 1,371 claimants during this period with the highest number of claims (39%) in the 25-34 years age category. The total cost of injuries was over US dollars 14 million. The most severe injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), thoracic, cervical, and lumbar, resulted in the highest medical costs, indemnity costs and permanent disability. The average medical cost for logging-related to TBI was US dollars 198,048 compared to US dollars 15,321 for other major industries., Conclusions: The magnitude of the economic costs underscores the need for active research of injury prevention among loggers and for greater attention to occupational safety and health programs.