The author reviews research on early deprivation and neglect and recounts his own experience with children whose dwarfism is attributed to abuse or neglect. The existence of specific learning disability and diminished IQ in many of these children is cited. The author suggests further attention to the problem. (CL)

This study differentiates multiple and specific pain experiences in children and explores their relationship with other discomforts viewed as distress symptoms. It found subjects experiencing any frequency of pains have significantly more discomforts, such as anxiety, than painfree subjects. The results are troublesome due to the high prevalence…

A study of 40 individuals (ages 5-31) with autism investigated immune deficiency. Results found the subjects had significantly lower serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels than that of age- and sex-matched controls. Seventeen subjects had one of three haplotypes associated with IgA deficiency and seven of these had decreased IgA levels. (CR)

Studied health and finances among 1,782 older unmarried persons. Examined effect of financial strain on physical health over time and degree to which vulnerability to financial strain was linked to health. Found no evidence that financial strain contributed to poor health. (Author/NB)

Various treatments for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are described, focusing on the role of exercise. Some physicians prefer to try exercise and others, lifestyle changes before turning to such treatment as psychoactive drugs, vitamin B complex, dopamine agonists, and immunotherapy. Regular exercise has been shown to relieve symptoms of PMS. (SM)

Notes that age-related changes and maintenance of health and well-being of elderly prisoners require special management skills to assist elderly in coping with combined stressors of incarceration and increased health risks of aging. Information for training of law enforcement and jail personnel is discussed, including physical changes associated…

Hypertension is more prevalent among Black Americans than among White Americans. In recognition of this fact, some physicians are devising outreach programs that inexpensively promote improved health habits, including exercise, in Black communities. (JD)

Interviewed older adults before and after three types of bereavement/loss: attachment bereavement (child, spouse, parent), nonattachment bereavement (sibling, grandchild, friend), and other losses (nonbereavement). Five measures of health were used. Results suggest that older adult sample handled bereavements and other losses with minimal…

Investigated relationship between age, sex, and subscription to Ellis's irrational beliefs and illness among 122 adults. Found that, for older participants, and more often for women, high need for approval, competency, and achievement; lower need to find perfect solutions; and higher dependency were correlated with more organ systems affected by…

The health care system should focus on health promotion and disease prevention; the nursing curriculum should be revised to reflect this emphasis. (SK)

Extended concept of hardiness to address the family as the unit of analysis. Assessed 58 families in relation to family life events, adult hardiness, and illness occurrence. Results indicated that family life events and illness occurrence were positively correlated. Findings support stress-moderating effect of hardiness, particularly in relation…

Surveyed 223 breast cancer survivors 16 months to 32 years from original surgery to assess their current physical, psychological, and social functional status. Although general measures of functioning indicated high physical, psychological, and social functional status, measures specific to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment indicated problems…

Examines the need for exercise intensity to become physically fit, concluding that intensity is not important for improving health, only for improving performance. What is important is routinely performing some sort of exercise. (GLR)

Examined long-term effects that burdens associated with coping with mental illness have on parental health. Data from 81 mothers of adult children with schizophrenia revealed that subjective burdens associated with stigma and worries were related to lower levels of physical well-being among the mothers. (Author/NB)

Discusses the history, etiology, diagnosis, histopathology, treatment, and prevention of Pseudomonas Folliculitis, an increasingly common skin infection contracted in hot tubs and, to some extent, in swimming pools. (Author/SM)