Researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston have found that children exposed to high but well below identified toxic levels of lead show significantly lower IQ levels and a higher incidence of undesirable classroom behavior than do children with low levels of lead exposure. (Author/BB)

Research on relationships between serum cholesterol, heart rate, and exercise in age-and sex-specific groups suggests a positive relationship between fatness on the one hand and serum cholesterol and heart rate, but eliminating the effect of body fatness results in no relationship between heart rate and serum total cholesterol. (MB)

Preventive medicine is a powerful and useful strategy for the efficient use of our health resources, but its areas of applicability must be selected carefully, with full consideration given to the factors which are specific to a particular test applied to a particular individual or group of individuals. (Author/RK)

A study involving 1,235 residents of Sonoma Developmental Center found 3 residents had hepatitis C virus infections, and 633 had past or current hepatitis B virus infections. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection rose rapidly with longer residence in institutions. Hepatitis A virus infection had occurred in 494 residents. (Contains…

Discusses guidelines for HIV-infection control in group programs for children. These guidelines were adapted from the November 1988 issue of PEDIATRICS, and replace earlier statements on the topic. (RJC)

Reports on the human immunodeficiency virus which causes disease that culminates in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). States that the key to prolonging life and health is early detection of the infection which usually occurs years before symptoms emerge. (RT)

The "Digging for Healthy Hearts" teaching technique uses an inquiry and problem-solving approach to educate high school and college students about risk factors and preventive health behaviors related to cardiovascular disease. (CB)

Of 153 individuals contacted by the School of Dentistry of the Medical College of Georgia because they had been treated by an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) positive dental student, 28 percent were reported to seem anxious. Individuals (n=75) initiating contact with the school wanted assurance they had not been treated by the student. (DB)

Describes cancer control activities by the Indian Health Service in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska, including risk factor assessment and cancer screening using a modified Health Risk Appraisal; interventions to reduce smoking; community empowerment; development of health education materials; and clinical preventive services. (SV)

Tuberculosis is on the rise in the United States. The article discusses its background, factors contributing to its increase, the likelihood of children and teens developing tuberculosis, how to prevent the disease from spreading, and what schools and states can do. (SM)

In the wake of a new Institute of Medicine report that shows a disproportionately low federal investment in cancer research among minorities, some researchers are demanding a change. The National Cancer Institute, the nation's largest funder of cancer research, is taking note of the report's recommendations, and has agreed to adjust some…

Provides teachers and coaches with basic safety information they must know when dealing with blood, focusing on: the likelihood of disease transmission; use of universal precautions when blood is involved (e.g., washing hands and wearing protective equipment); wearing gloves; cleaning up blood spills; and handling special situations (e.g., loss of…

Presents facts about anthrax so that biology teachers can communicate them to others. Defines anthrax and the nature of bacterial spores. Discusses transmission and clinical presentation as well as prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Explores the use of anthrax as a biological warfare agent. (Contains 27 references.) (DDR)

Presents information about the history, biology, and medical aspects of leprosy, including its description in historical documents, its cause and effects, statistics on its prevalence, and various attempts at treatment. Notes that leprosy is one of the few infectious diseases that, although treatable with medication, remains incurable. Contains 30…

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which usually attacks the lung and is spread through the air from one person to another. Researchers from Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control and The Pitie-Salpetriere School of Medicine began their…