The paper explores ways that families choose a doctor for their child and offers guidelines for physician selection especially for parents with children who have learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders. Results of a survey of parents are reported indicating that parents used an average of only 1.2 sources of information in identifying…

Children are especially vulnerable to solar injury and heat illness. Physicians can lower children's risk through education about short-term and long-term sequelae and through various prevention efforts. The paper discusses how to screen for risk factors and how to prevent and treat heat illness and solar injury. (SM)

Health professionals tend to view dying patients with two intertwined attitudes. On one hand the patient possesses an irreversible pathological condition and the doctor is obliged to help that patient embrace death with as much dignity as possible. On the other hand, the patient's imminent death is daily testimony to the limits of the doctor's…

Argues that services and systems are needed to support medical students and faculty as they learn about domestic violence, particularly to help individuals deal with their own and others' personal attitudes, feelings, and reactions to patients who have suffered abuse. Complex issues to be considered in preparing medical students and faculty are…

Intended for use by parents of children and youth with handicaps, this guide offers guidelines for choosing a physician and communicating with him/her concerning the needs of the handicapped child. The question-answer format addresses the following issues: how do families choose a doctor for their child?; what about the child who has a…

Discusses recent guidelines on hypertension from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and details the latest management protocols for patients with high blood pressure. The article helps physicians interpret the guidelines for treating active patients, highlighting diagnosis, step care revision, pharmacology, and sports participation…

With appropriate techniques, physicians interested in sports medicine can use their brief contacts with adolescents to address issues of violent behavior. Seizing the moment to gauge involvement and counsel appropriately can be done on any brief visit. The paper presents specific strategies for such teen violence prevention. (SM)

In the United States today Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is recognized by professionals as a distinct disorder, a neurobiological disability marked by inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. About 2-10% of school-age children suffer from ADD, making it an issue of rising concern to families and school leaders. It is necessary that…

This monograph describes the basic physical/neurological examination of children with special needs and how such an exam fits into the multidisciplinary evaluation and development of individualized programming for such children. The first section addresses the importance of the medical history. Next, the basic exam is described, followed by…

Designed for Massachusetts health care providers, this booklet provides information on transition planning for adolescents with special health care needs and disabilities. It includes resources and strategies to guide interventions with families and to focus their attention on four key facets of adulthood: health care, education, employment, and…

This training guide presents a model for optimum delivery of the primary duties, tasks, and steps required in the comprehensive case management of adolescents with chronic disease. Using a team approach to coordinated health care, the guide involves the patient and family as key members of the care team along with the physician, nurse, dietitian,…