Reviews possible mechanisms by which exercise lowers blood pressure and discusses research which indicates exercise is an effective therapy for hypertension. The article presents information to help physicians counsel hypertensive patients wanting to start an exercise program and examines the use of exercise testing to predict the onset of…

A survey of 113 graduates of the State University of New York at Stony Brook dental school now in general practice found a high rate of self-reported use of preventive practices (oral hygiene instruction, pit-and-fissure sealants, fluorides, and diet analysis) included in the dental school's curriculum. (MSE)

The classification scheme for periodontal diseases developed in 1989 is discussed, and technologies, both surgical and nonsurgical, for prevention, control, and regeneration of periodontal tissues are described and compared. Research needs are discussed. (MSE)

Examines the effect of caffeine consumption on fit, healthful lifestyles, discussing its effects on the heart and respiration and noting its psychological effects on some athletes. Moderate caffeine use will not cause problems for most people, but anyone susceptible to its effects (e.g., with arrhythmias) may want to avoid caffeine. (SM)

A framework and concepts for developing inclusion criteria for meta-analysis are presented and illustrated in a meta-analysis of primary studies in patient education for preventive health services. Of 5,451 citations located and abstracts screened, 64 studies eventually met acceptability criteria. (SLD)

Thirty-six female cheerleaders and their advisors from four high schools participated in the development and evaluation of a preventative vocal hygiene program designed to communicate information about voice and vocal abuse. Pretest/posttest comparison indicated a significant improvement in participants' knowledge and awareness of vocally abusive…

Reviews what is known about the effect of managed care on access to health services, as well as utilization of hospital care, emergency department visits, primary care services, and specialty pediatric services. The effect of managed care appears dependent on several factors and, thus, is likely to vary according to the population served. (SLD)

Discusses the role of departments of family medicine in teaching preventive medicine through required clinical experiences, required nonclinical courses, electives, collaborative interdisciplinary clerkships, and interdisciplinary nonclinical courses. Offers examples of innovative programs at the Universities of Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont,…

Reviews the rationale for including prevention in the clinical medicine clerkship. Summarizes current guidelines, presents examples of curricula in several medical schools, and proposes a future direction that stresses integrating teaching preventive medicine into internal medicine clerkships and across the entire four-year medical curriculum. (DB)

Effects of age, education, and gender on acceptance of genetic testing were studied. Finnish participants responded to a questionnaire presenting reasons for and against genetic testing (N=1,967). Intentions to take genetic tests, worries, and experience of genetic test or hereditary disease were also assessed. Results are presented and discussed.…

A panel of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) experts at a recent conference sponsored by the National School Boards Association provided useful advice and information to school officials on medical, legal, and policy-related issues raised by the AIDS epidemic. Highlights of the conference are discussed. (TE)

A self-report questionnaire of graduates of a family practice residency program obtained information on their practices, professional and emergency medicine experiences, and attitudes toward the practice of emergency medicine by family practioners. (Author/MLW)

The cost and effectiveness of various types and combinations of school-based preventive dental care procedures were assessed in the National Preventive Dentistry Demonstration Program, a four-year study involving more than 20,000 students, from ten schools nationwide. Communal water fluoridation was reaffirmed as the most cost-effective means of…

More attention should be given to the ethical dimensions of health promotion. This paper reviews the general purpose of health promotion, discusses two cases in terms of potential ethical questions, and presents principles which may help readers to evaluate the moral dimensions of their work. (CJ)

A good introductory course in women's health would consist of all or a variety of issues which would include: the economics of women's health, terminology, hysterectomies, breast cancer, hormone therapy, childbirth, and patient-practitioner relationships. (JN)