Background: We aimed to better understand the impact of statewide legislation removing personal belief exemptions (PBEs) for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) school immunization requirement and factors associated with resulting health-seeking behaviors. Methods: We used chi-squared tests and logistic regression models to determine individual-…

Background: School-based health centers (SBHCs) have been shown to offer substantial benefits to students but we know little about how the public thinks about them. We sought to assess US public attitudes about SBHCs and the provision of 7 health service lines--primary care, preventive care, vaccinations, preventive dental care, preventive vision…

Background: We assessed the effectiveness of a handwashing program using hand sanitizer to prevent school absenteeism due to upper respiratory infections (URIs). Methods: This was a randomized, controlled, and open study on a sample of 1341 children 4-12 years old, attending 5 state schools in Almería (Spain), with an 8-month follow-up. The…

A weekly "swish and spit" program takes about ten minutes of class time, effectively prevents dental caries, and promotes an awareness and greater concern for good dental practices in the school community. (MJB)

A survey of health professionals reveals that health educators are not highly regarded in the system of health care; this article discusses how they may obtain higher prestige. (JD)

While glaucoma generally strikes those over 35 years of age, awareness of glaucoma should be promoted in junior and senior high school and college by incorporating information into a unit on eye health or chronic diseases. (MJB)

Although fetal alcohol syndrome is a preventable disease, it is hard to control because identification of the alcoholic mother is difficult. (MM)

This article traces the dramatic expansion of knowledge in the field of medicine over the past two hundred years in the United States. (JD)

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

A screening program for health education facilitated the acquisition of health knowledge for high school students. (JD)

A school-based fluoride program promises to decrease the amount of dental decay among elementary school children. (JD)

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)

The decision to mass immunize the public against Swine Flu was based on odds that had been calculated from variables of unknown magnitude. (JD)

The problems and successes of a community immunization program for childhood diseases are described. (JD)