On the Relationship between Self-Reported Physical Health and Social Networks : Among Korean Junior High School Students

This paper tried to examine the relationship between social network patterns and physical health statuses among junior high school students in Korea with three distinctive characteristics with compared to many previous studies. First, based on two-year panel data of Korean Youth Panel Survey, it tried to control for unobserved heterogeneity that might have been exerting effects on students' health but could not have been included in the survey. Furthermore, instead of typical random model of anel data, it employed a modified random model that examined each coefficient to decide if we could treat 'between' effect same as 'within' effect. Thanks to this modified model, we could detect getting along with friends at school had only 'between' effect without statistically significant 'within' effect. Lastly, by including self-perceived psychological problem in the regression, we examined the possibility of direct network effects on physical health. The results revealed that in each of three social dimensions (school, family, and friends) direct effects of network existed on physical health of junior high school students. Especially, cohesive and frequent interacting with friends rather than simple popularity among friends was closely related with physical health.This research is financially supported by National Cancer Institute (Grant # 5 P50 CA106743)

Development of the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences Guideline for Rating Physical Impairment

Systematic and effective welfare for the disabled is possible when there are scientific and objective criteria demonstrating either presence or severity of the impairment. We need our own scientific criteria suitable for our culture and society, since the impairment is influenced by them. In 2007, we established the Developing Committee of Korean Academy of Medical Sciences (KAMS) Guideline for Impairment Rating under KAMS supervision. We included all fixed and permanent physical impairments after a sufficient medical treatment. The impairment should be stable and medically measurable. If not, it should be reevaluated later. We benchmarked the American Medical Association Guides. The KAMS Guideline should be scientific, objective, valid, reasonable and practical. In particular, we tried to secure objectivity. We developed the KAMS Guideline for Impairment Rating

Facial wrinkles as a predictor of decreased renal function

AIMS: Oxidative stress generated either by exogenous or endogenous sources can lead to progressive organ damage and skin ageing over a long period of time. Moreover, some dermatological signs are independent of chronological ageing, and may reflect the long-term redox state of internal organs. Therefore, we hypothesized that there might be an association between facial wrinkles and decreased renal function, an oxidative stress-related disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a Korean population of 264 adults aged 30 years and older. Facial wrinkle scores in the crow's-foot area were estimated using a standardized form of visual assessment. As an index of renal function, we determined estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) assay was performed to measure the levels of oxidative stress. RESULTS: After adjusting for possible confounders, lower eGFRs and higher LPO levels were found in those with severe facial wrinkles. CONCLUSION: We conclude that severe facial wrinkles might be used as a predictive marker of decreased renal function, independently of age, gender and other established risk factors