This paper explores the use of a public health/public policy model to prevent suicide. Various methods are analyzed using the concepts of availability and lethality to illustrate means by which they might be modified through the public health/public policy approach of community action and legislative change. (Author)

A ten year study, being conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health in six cities since 1974, is a survey of children and adults for the health effects of pollutant levels. The environment is being monitored for: (1) sulfur dioxide, (2) sulfates, and (3) respirable particulates. (BT)

Reports the development of a three-course eight-week summer program for medical students. One course covers research methods and the other two involve research practicums in public health and medical sociology. (JDH)

Provides an overview of dietary risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including diet sodium intake for hypertension and dietary fat and cholesterol for hypercholesterolemia, exacerbation of these conditions by obesity, and intervention strategies for their modification. Describes clinical strategies for modifying diet: education, skills…

Examines three major aspects of child development--motor, cognitive, and psychological--and their influence on physical health. Suggests a beginning framework for examining the relationship between development and health, and proposes that a developmental perspective be added as a fourth dimension to the commonly employed three-dimensional…

Discussed is the government's research and development policy related to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Programs and institutions working on various AIDS projects with federal support are discussed and several are listed. The Public Health Service Task Force on AIDS is discussed and the organization is described in a chart. Problems…

Discusses the importance of personnel policies covering AIDS (and other communicable diseases) and presents relevant employee guidelines developed by teacher unions and school districts. Three insets offer additional Center for Disease Control guidelines, day-to-day considerations when working with AIDS employees, and available publications…

Some children in American schools have known and unknown communicable diseases, including herpes, cytomegalovirus, AIDS, mononucleosis, pinworms, and hepatitis. This article examines major public health issues, school responsibility, preventative measures (like basic hygiene), and the need for more effective community education programs. A disease…

Pressured by public safety concerns, school boards have begun to adopt exclusionary policies and screening programs for pupils and employees infected with the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) virus. This article reviews recent court decisions based on the "handicapped individual" defense and urges administrators to present…

The purpose of the study was to determine whether a brief seat belt group educational intervention could be incorporated into an existing public health program and result in increased use of seat belts. Seat belt use increased from 4.9 to 12.6 percent among 268 low-income mothers during the study. (Author/CH)

Factual information dealing with the virus herpes is provided in hopes of allaying the public fears that have recently appeared because of misinformation presented by the media. Symptoms, types, and new developments in treatment are explored. Recommendations for obtaining additional information are offered. (DF)

Extensive use of pesticides during food production has created concerns for certain involuntary risks. Examines these concerns: government role in control and monitoring pesticide use, proposals for reform, and how consumer awareness might be an effective pressure for finding remedies. A table listing produce and pesticide residues is included.…

Two issues related to dental health policy are examined: the contribution of dental education to the process by which dental health policy is established, and the nature of dental education's response to established policies. (MLW)

These authors argue that evaluation in medical settings is best taught using experimental and quasi-experimental paradigms as a basic framework. Three types of health evaluation courses at the master's, doctoral, and professional doctoral levels at the University of Michigan that stress the crucial connection between evaluation and policy are…