Potential health impact of switching from car to public transportation when commuting to work.

We assessed humidity-corrected particulate matter (PM(2.5)) exposure and physical activity (using global positioning system monitors and diaries) among 18 people who commuted by car to Queens College, New York, New York, for 5 days, and then switched to commuting for the next 5 days via public transportation. The PM(2.5) differed little between car and public transportation commutes (1.41 µg/M(3)·min; P = .226). Commuting by public transportation rather than by car increased energy expenditure (+124 kcal/day; P < .001) equivalent to the loss of 1 pound of body fat per 6 weeks.

Using geographic information system analyses to monitor large-scale distribution of nicotine replacement therapy in New York City.

OBJECTIVE: Since 2003, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has distributed nicotine replacement therapy nicotine replacement therapy to adult smokers through annual large-scale distribution programs. METHODS: In 2008, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene formally integrated geographic information system analyses to track program enrollment, map the geographic density of enrollees, and assess the effects of outreach strategies. RESULTS: Geographic information system analyses provided a unique, near real-time visual method of assessing participation patterns as well as the impact of media and outreach strategies. Among neighborhoods with high smoking prevalence, lower income neighborhoods had higher enrollment compared to higher income neighborhoods. Mapping before and after a press release demonstrated that program interest increased over 700% in one area. CONCLUSION: Although geographic information system analysis is traditionally utilized for large-scale infectious disease surveillance, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene used GIS to inform and improve an annual large-scale smoking cessation program. These analyses provide unique feedback that can aid public health program planners in improving efficiency and efficacy of service delivery.