Surveyed 3,032 U.S. adults to operationalize, estimate the prevalence, and ascertain the epidemiology of complete health. Overall, 19 percent of adults were completely healthy, 18.8 percent were completely unhealthy, and 62.2 percent had a version of incomplete health. Completely healthy adults were likely to be young (age 25-34 years) or old…

Examines the epidemiology, diagnosis, and therapy related to common pet-associated diseases and injuries. Discusses transmission of pet-related health hazards and methods of treatment. Describes preventive measures aimed at safe animal care and control. (RJC)

Takes three presentations from American Public Health Association meeting as point of departure from which to consider how health maintenance organizations (HMOs) organize and deliver mental health services to members. Recommends that HMOs work toward parity in coverage of mental and medical conditions, just as they do not discriminate in coverage…

Outlines six steps for building local coalitions aimed at stopping community dioxin exposure. Discusses the dangers of dioxin exposure and the advantages of coalition-building. (LZ)

Health promotion and occupational therapy are a natural partnership. Therapists can expand their roles to include enabling, mediating, and advocating by incorporating health promotion and community concepts into their practice. (SK)

It is critical that nursing recruit individuals who reflect the populations served; curriculum and clinical experience should be culturally relevant. Current demographic data provide information to guide goal setting for educational programs, research, and clinical practice. (SK)

This article focuses on Great Lakes pollution as it describes the evolution of the zero discharge concept, outlines the major areas of debate, and explores facets of a developing strategy to ensure the ultimate success of the zero discharge approach. (46 references) (LZ)

Health communication helps change behaviors in a large audience regarding a specific problem in a predefined time period. This article illustrates linkages between diffusion theory, social marketing, and health communication, articulating examples of health communication campaigns and discussing three models of health communication programs…

Reports on clandestine drug laboratories for manufacturing methamphetamine; the formation of an interagency steering committee to address the problem; and the role Environmental Health professionals need to play as the problem becomes more prevalent across the United States. Provides background information on methamphetamine characteristics and…

Compares the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic to past epidemics, including social and political responses. Identifies populations at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Discusses current social and economic factors affecting AIDS education programs. Makes recommendations and identifies resources for starting…

Gatekeepers, or nontraditional referral sources, have proven to be an effective means of case finding and outreach for mental health needs of isolated senior citizens. A two-year project administered by county public health department found the gatekeeper concept to be an effective means of case finding in the public health setting. (ABL)

Reviews the literature on "safe" levels of lead in children and their association with developmental disabilities. It concludes that lead pollution in Australia, especially the Lake Macquarie area of New South Wales, continues to be a problem, that the current standard "safe" level should be reexamined, and that a…

Presents a lecture delivered in July 1999 at a meeting on Communication in Medicine, underscoring the increasing importance of educating to ensure effective communication between health care providers and their patients. Among the factors cited are the decreasing amount of time available, the escalating complexity of medical information and…

Interprets the accreditation standards of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (mission and governance, institutional commitment and resources, curriculum and teaching practices, student performance and faculty accomplishments) in terms of community-based nursing. (SK)

Nursing education should address the consequences of global environmental change, integrate environmental considerations into clinical practice, and promote sustainable policies. Educators should raise nursing students' awareness of environmental issues and empower them to contribute to policy debates. (Contains 36 references. Includes…