Implementing telestroke to reduce the burden of stroke in Louisiana.

Cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases and stroke) are the leading cause of death in the United States. People living in rural areas have disproportionately high mortality rates due to stroke mainly due to lack of specialty services. Timely intervention is a critical factor in determining the prognosis for acute stroke and thousands of lives can be saved by recognizing/treating a stroke patient within an hour.

Reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases: A qualitative assessment of Louisiana health disparities collaboratives.

Background: Chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, continue to lead the way with regard to mortality as well as morbidity in the United States. Despite several efforts to prevent the onset of these diseases in the last couple of decades, the burden of chronic diseases continues to rise. The burden of chronic diseases has increased more rapidly among disparate populations, particularly among ethnic minorities, rural, and those in the lower socio-economic status.

Relationship of body mass index and fitness levels among schoolchildren.

Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the U.S.A.

Developing a process-evaluation plan for assessing health promotion program implementation: a how-to guide.

Process evaluation is used to monitor and document program implementation and can aid in understanding the relationship between specific program elements and program outcomes. The scope and implementation of process evaluation has grown in complexity as its importance and utility have become more widely recognized. Several practical frameworks and models are available to practitioners to guide the development of a comprehensive evaluation plan, including process evaluation for collaborative community initiatives.