Traditionally, vaccines have been associated with childhood. Historically, many of the most-feared communicable diseases attacked infants and toddlers, and those who survived were generally protected from those diseases as adults. During the past century tremendous advances in vaccination spared millions the morbidity and mortality associated with…

Objective: (1) to provide a commentary on a conference held at the University of Manchester entitled Researching Water Fluoridation: Evaluation and Surveillance; (2) to synthesize from the proceedings of the meeting suggestions for future research and public health surveillance. Method: The main points and problematic issues raised by the speakers…

Argues for the importance of fluoridation in childhood as a preventive health measure and critically examines objections raised against its use. (Author/SS)

The article proposes a change in medical paradigm from that of curative practice to one emphasizing primary health care (PHC). Discussed are origins and dilemmas of PHC; conflicting PHC values and practices; organizational changes and PHC; health care reform examples from Latin America; and implications for medical education. (DB)

The nurse practitioner in the school is a valuable source of practical health education and also preventive health measures. (JD)

Describes five types of acne and stresses the importance of appropriate treatment. Some dermatologists believe diet is critical in improving acne. Other treatments include the use of drying lotions and soaps, astringents, abrasive cleansers, prescription drugs, face peels, and dermabrasion. (SM)

School nurses are advised to change their programs from crisis-oriented health care to active case finding and preventive care. (JMF)

A school nurse recommends that elementary school children be given a foot screening test for early detection of foot problems. (JD)

Reviews methods of teaching preventive medicine in pediatrics and highlights innovative programs. Methods of teaching prevention in pediatrics include patient interactions, self-directed learning, case-based learning, small-group learning, standardized patients, computer-assisted instruction, the Internet, student-centered learning, and lectures.…

By examining prenatal care opportunities and health resources for low-income families, this paper investigates both the extent to which available health care in Virginia emphasizes a preventive approach and the extent to which Virginia's medically needy children have access to medical care. Statistics indicate that, as compared with the country as…

Contends that generally accepted criteria for screening asymptomatic individuals are not appropriate for the elderly due to the prevalence of symptoms and chronic problems in the elderly and the importance of tertiary prevention. Proposes evaluation criteria that reflect the goals of screening elderly individuals. (Author/ABB)

College health services today have the responsibility for bringing a wide range of health education and medical, dental, and mental health services to a changing population of college students. The history of student health is described, and recommendations are made for the efficient handling of acute problems by college health services. (JN)

The right of the individual to make personal choices in health matters without undue pressure from health educators is discussed. (JD)

A dialogue addressing future issues in health education which require attention today is presented. (JD)

Departments of preventive medicine can survive through unity, which can be achieved through majority agreement on a new and specific definition of preventive medicine. A definition is proposed that is based on a review and analysis of recent progress in the prevention of the major causes of mortality. (MLW)