From the Secretary of Health and Human Services (ways to promote health and prevent disease in America)

Article Abstract:

Before health promotion and disease prevention can truly become a national priority, an emphasis on personal responsibility for adopting healthy behaviors must be developed. Such an atmosphere will be fostered by the distribution of a report called Healthy People 2000, according to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Louis W. Sullivan. The report, reflecting input from a wide range of health professionals, clergy, and policy-makers, stresses three points. A 'culture of character', which can reinforce the importance of individual responsibility, is essential for enhancing disease prevention and emphasizing diagnosis and treatment early in the course of a disease. Control of fewer than 10 risk factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, failure to use seat belts, and consumption of tobacco and alcohol, could prevent a significant number of premature deaths. Second, adequate health care must be extended to those who are most in need: the poor, the elderly, members of minority groups, and children. Black Americans have a death rate one and one half times as high as that of whites of the same age. Efforts to bring about improved health care for these vulnerable groups should focus on both federal involvement and on resources outside the health care system. Finally, the proportion of resources expended to treat preventable illness must be contained. The report provides ways of measuring progress toward these goals. Ultimately, responsibility for our society's health rests with all its members, who must find ways of working together to improve America's health. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Reports, Medicine, Preventive, United States. Department of Health and Human Services

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Education for health: a role for physicians and the efficacy of health education efforts

Article Abstract:

The notion that healthy lifestyles can prevent various health problems, including fatal diseases, has gained acceptance in recent years. Along with this realization, health education and health promotion efforts have expanded dramatically. Health education seeks to provide information that will motivate individuals to voluntarily alter their behavior in positive ways. Many professionals involved in health care, not just those specifically trained in health education, can participate in health promotion efforts. Physicians can play a key role in health education, and surveys of doctors have found that many are interested in educating the public. It has also been reported that women doctors, nonsurgeons, and physicians who follow healthy lifestyles are more likely to offer health education to their patients. The Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association concludes that physicians could include preventive care in all encounters with patients, especially those patients in high-risk circumstances. The potential is great for physicians to help prevent disease and promote health by motivating patients to change their behavior, and preventive services are beginning to play a prominent role in primary care medicine. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Medicine, Practice, Patient education, Medical practice, Preventive health services

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Personal exposure of faculty and medical students to family violence

Article Abstract:

Medical students and faculty seem to be victimized by family violence to the same extent as the general population. Of 787 medical students and faculty surveyed at an academic medical center, 24% reported abuse from a family member or spouse at some time in their life. Fifteen percent were abused as a child and 13% as an adult. Forty percent of the women were abused at some time in their life, compared to 15% of the men. Twenty-two percent of women reported abuse as a child compared to 11% of men and 24% of women reported abuse as an adult compared to 6% of the men.

Medical students, Statistics, Abused women, Family violence, Domestic violence, Abused men

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