Suicide, and its particularly disturbing rise in the last three decades, is a major public health concern. Prevention efforts must be multifaceted, and include the refinement of epidemiological methods in the study of suicide; development of health education, information, and intervention programs dealing with suicide; and increased community…

Reviews facts about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and its epidemiology. Discusses implications for families (social stigma and isolation, fears of contagion, infection and abandonment, guilt, anger, grief, and economic hardship) and for human service professionals (public education, voluntary, anonymous testing with counseling, and…

Examines some aspects of the problem of alcoholism among Blacks, asserting that Black alcoholism can best be considered in an ecological, environmental, sociocultural, and public health context. Notes need for further research on alcoholism among Blacks and for action to reduce the problem of Black alcoholism. (NB)

Examination of data from a national survey reveals that the odds of ever smoking are not higher for blacks than for whites. The odds of heavy smoking for blacks are far less than for whites. Blacks are significantly less likely to quit smoking than whites, regardless of socioeconomic or demographic factors. (Author/BJV)

Describes the Carolina Healthstyle program in school worksites as it is being implemented by one pilot school district. Briefly discusses organizational funding and evaluation of the overall state employee wellness program. (JOW)

States that adolescents begin to drink alcohol at ever younger ages, partly because they receive mixed messages from the media. Argues that drug prevention groups must project accurate, consistent, and effective messages about alcohol for youth and that schools must provide education about the specific health risks of alcohol beginning in grade…

A discussion of the transmission and prevention of hepatitis B focuses on implications of the disease for special educators, including maintaining confidentiality, providing education in the least restrictive environment, curriculum modifications in related behavioral/social areas, and personal risk. Relevant administrative and legal questions are…

Children may be exposed to environmental hazards such as lead, arsenic, and dangerous pesticides more often than parents may realize. Dangers of more commonly used chemicals found in the environment are listed. (DF)

Fear of contracting AIDS has exaggerated the feeling of isolation that AIDS patients experience. This article discusses issues surrounding the spread of AIDS and provides information to deal with AIDS as a health issue, instead of a moral or religious one. (MT)

Reviews a model by Joel Kleinman (proposed in this issue) for comparing State infant mortality rates to long-term trends. Asserts that even States with non-significant test results may have problems needing attention. Argues that the model may not be practically applied by State health officials. (KH)

Life expectancy in the USSR declined from 71 years in 1964 to 70 years in 1970, and to an estimated 68 years in 1983. Decline was due to increase in infant mortality and increase in mortality among middle aged and elderly, and reflects public health problems. (NRB)

Reviews the debate over Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and how the legal and policy issues arising from the disease affect the schools. Reviews recent court decisions emphasizing the need for schools to adopt written policy for dealing with AIDS. Includes discussion of two court cases relating to school administration. (MD)

There are various obstacles and opportunities in the delivery of rural health education. Resource networking can be an effective strategy for extending the health educator's expertise to the rural population. Examples of network structures are offered. (DF)

While morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable diseases have declined, some college students remain susceptible to measles, rubella, diptheria, tetanus, or polio. Colleges and universities have the opportunity to ensure protection of students, faculty, and employees by establishing and enforcing immunization requirements. (Author/DF)

The current effort to eliminate measles in the United States has caused record low levels of the disease. This strategy must continue to be applied in order to break the transmission of measles on college campuses through high immunization levels, promotion of rapid reporting of cases, and quick responses to outbreaks. (Author/DF)