One strain of E. coli is not usually found in foods, but has been related to consumption of undercooked ground beef. Symptoms are stomach cramps and diarrhea, and 2-7% of infections lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is life threatening. Camps can prevent outbreaks by avoiding uncooked meat on overnight campouts and requiring appropriate…

Transmitted by mosquitos, West Nile virus may cause serious illness, but the actual likelihood of infection is low. Prevention, implications, and recommendations for camps are discussed. Poison ivy identification, treatment, and complications are presented; a prevention quiz is included. Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease are described, as are…

This study examined the effects of stress, health practices, and social support on illness. Variables were explored which may moderate or reduce the illness-provoking effects of stress. Results confirmed observations of the potentially adverse impact of stress on health and illness. Education on stress reduction is urged. (JD)

Proposes an ecological model for health promotion that focuses on individual and societal environmental factors as targets for health promotion interventions. The model assumes that changes in the social environment will produce changes in individuals and that support of individuals is essential for implementing environmental changes. (JOW)

Prevalence of intestinal parasite infection among program participants of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities for 1986-87 was estimated at 7.3%, suggesting that management of parasitic infection is improving. Males and individuals with severe/profound mental retardation were twice as likely to have…

Discusses efforts to prevent the global expansion of killer viruses that threaten humans and livestock populations. Focuses on virus research efforts conducted at Plum Island. Profiles the most worrisome of potential plagues. (LZ)

Presents two lesson plans exemplifying analytical geography. The first lesson shows how medical geography can be used to track the silent route of cholera. The second lesson about the Bermuda Triangle is an exercise in fundamental mapping skills and teaches children a valuable lesson in double-checking facts. (RLC)

Describes Lyme disease, which is spread most commonly by the deer tick; indicates symptoms, preventive measures, diagnosis, and treatment. (SM)

Provides guidelines for creating and promoting healthy environments in early-childhood education programs in order to prevent and control the spread of contagious disease. Offers illness-prevention strategies, practical suggestions for health-education curricula, and a self-assessment check list for early-childhood settings. Includes resources for…

Reviews techniques for handwashing, diapering, helping a child use the toilet, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, dealing with illness, and preventing disease during swim season. Summarizes how to take a child's temperature and emphasizes the need to wash hands even when using gloves. (DLH)

Presents an activity in which students grapple with the complex issues surrounding the use of DDT to control malaria which affects millions of people in developing nations. Considers risk/benefit analysis and the pre-cautionary principle, two techniques used when making policy decisions involving the impact of science and technology on society.…

Several social and biological scientists who have Native status are engaged in productive research careers, but the encouragement that has been offered to Native students to formulate career goals devoted to cancer etiology or cancer control in Native peoples has had limited success. Hence, the Native Researchers' Cancer Control Training Program…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 76 million cases of foodborne illness occur in the U.S. each year; 5,000 are fatal. Most of these illnesses are caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites and the remaining are poisonings triggered by harmful toxins or chemicals. To Jack Guzewich, a foodborne disease…

In 2007, Sanofi Pasteur asked RAND Health, a division of the RAND Corporation, to study the current climate for adolescent immunization in the United States, to recommend broad strategies for immunizing low-income adolescents (through age 18), and to identify promising "on the ground" practices consistent with the proposed strategic…

The purpose of this paper is to provide background information about the spread of viruses in a population, to introduce an adaptable procedure to further the understanding of epidemiology in the high school setting, and to show how hypothesis testing and statistics can be incorporated into a high school lab exercise. It describes a project which…