This overview of the public health significance of Lyme disease includes the microbiological specifics of the infectious spirochete, the entomology and ecology of the ticks which are the primary disease carrier, the clinical aspects and treatment stages, the known epidemiological patterns, and strategies for disease control and for expanded public…

Discussed are the sources, and harmful effects of methylmercury. Research on this problem is reviewed. Suggestions to help anglers reduce their mercury consumption from fish they catch are provided. (CW)

A model of family caregiving by public health nurses includes these competencies: encouraging self-help, locating and building trust, timing and detecting, being available, mobilizing, collaborating, resolving problems and crises, working through emotions, fostering family understanding, educating parents, persuading, and saving children. (SK)

Respondents (3,129) from 6 communities provided information about the recall of environmental risk information and sources related to environmental health risks. Local media were the most pervasive source of environmental information. More information sources and higher levels of consumer interest are needed to involve the public effectively in…

Reviews the latest statistics relative to tobacco consumption, the health consequences of cigarette use, and future U.S. smoking trends projected through the year 2000. Smoking statistics are presented by ethnicity, gender, educational status, and brand preferences. Also provided are factors contributing to smoking initiation. (GLR)

To teach community health assessment to nursing students, videotaped segments of real community situations were incorporated in an interactive simulation program that leads students through the processes of data collection and evaluation. (SK)

Discusses the threat posed by the Legionnaire's Disease bacterium and the germ's ability to thrive in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, especially in standing water. Describes ways to minimize disease risk through HVAC system design (such as locating cooling towers away from air intakes) and ways to maintain a clean…

Examines the crisis-communication strategies employed by Odwalla, Inc. during its juice contamination crisis, a crisis whose impact on public health and safety gave it the potential for developing into an issue that required public policy relief. Finds that public-relations response strategies dominated legal response strategies, followed by mixed…

Discusses implications of three recommendations concerning higher education and public health in a 1988 study, "The Future of Public Health." Recommendations address: (1) the mission of public health professionals; (2) the need for a well-informed public; and (3) the social determinants of health. Also discusses the university's role in providing…

Describes the development and testing of a clinical evaluation tool for a community health nursing course for registered nurses through review of the literature and focus groups with community health nurses and faculty. The article contains 22 references and an abbreviated form of the evaluation tool. (Author/JOW)

Discussion of teaching preventive medicine through electives describes four prototypes of innovative programs: (1) population health, (2) international health, (3) American Medical Student Association opportunities, and (4) public health degree programs. These electives enable students to participate in preventive services through experiential…

Offers a four-part plan for developing a four-year curriculum in preventive medicine: (1) develop the desired objectives or competencies; (2) present the basics in years 1 and 2; (3) focus on health promotion/disease prevention and population health in years 3 and 4; and (4) develop a mechanism to evaluate and improve the curriculum. (DB)

Discusses a report published by the Center for Public Integrity (CPI) entitled Toxic Deception: How the Chemical Industry Manipulates Science, Bends the Law, and Endangers Your Health. Voices concerns that the federal regulatory system receives favors from the chemical industry that create bias. (PVD)

Identifies three special issues and considerations Marital and Family Therapy supervisors might face with the increasing HIV/AIDS epidemic. Issues include: (1) the importance of educating therapists regarding various aspects of the disease process and transmission; (2) the ethical and legal ramifications; and (3) the considerations provided to…

Responds to an article on health literacy and social practice and suggests the article has much to offer debates about literacy and health. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education) (Author/VWL)