Discusses the various strength qualities (maximum strength, high- and low-load speed strength, reactive strength, rate of force development, and skill performance), noting why a training program design based on strength diagnosis can lead to greater efficacy and better performance gains for the athlete. Examples of tests used to assess strength…

Compares the relative emphasis on science news and the type of science stories covered in three mainstream newspapers and three supermarket tabloids. Finds that supermarket tabloids are more likely to cover stories about medicine and health and devote more of their news space to science stories than do mainstream newspapers. (RS)

A review of medical charts of 13 youths (age 8-15) with soccer-related eye injuries identified as causes: a head butt, kicks, the ball. Risks can be lessened by use of polycarbonate eyeguards, properly inflated balls, adequate conditioning and practice before scrimmages, a moderate and balanced practice/playing schedule and good sportsmanship.…

Review of sports medicine records of 285 softball players and responses of 200 adult softball players to a questionnaire regarding injuries leads to suggestions about ways to prevent softball injuries, including preseason conditioning and strengthening. (Author/CB)

The article provides answers to frequently asked questions about sports ophthamology, concerning sports-related eye injuries, eye protection, safety recommendations, and medical restrictions. (CB)

The issue of societal responsibility of the medical profession has three dimensions: (1) responsibility of individual practitioners; (2) responsibility of organized medicine; and (3) responsibility of academic medicine. Physicians have an obligation to participate in the political process where health care decisions will be made. (SK)

Defines behavioral medicine as multidisciplinary field that combines research methods from behavioral and biomedical sciences. Examines the role of behavior theory in behavioral medicine. Uses new advances in basic research on learning to illustrate that findings from behavioral science have implications for the field of contemporary behavioral…

Analyzes the order in which professionalism occurs, using medicine as an example. Investigates a variety of basic events in professionalism--control of work, development of schools and other knowledge institutions, creation of professionally dominated work sites, association, licensing, and scientific transformation. Argues for a model of…

Discusses research on the focus and functions of language in medical practice and training. Four specific areas are highlighted: (1) speaking to patients; (2) speaking with patients; (3) speaking about patients; and (4) speaking by patients. Example studies are cited in each section, and the contributions and limitations in each topic are noted.…

Challenges the wisdom of basing nursing practice on the findings of statistical research and offers objections to the philosophy of evidence-based nursing. Proposes rethinking what counts as evidence, suggesting a model based on reflection after the event. (SK)

Discusses how "mindbody" medicine has become the most prominent version of alternative medicine in the United States. Notes that it advocates an equality of patient and physicians in the deliberative process of treating illness and maintaining health; it also argues, on scientific grounds, that the body is a vast cellular democracy,…

Historical models of health care provided by allied health clinicians give guidance for health care service into the next century. The fates of physicians and clinicians are intertwined and both professions face major changes. (SK)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a rare cause of death among athletes, with deaths occurring in young, apparently healthy people. Differentiating HCM from conditioning hypertrophy is challenging. Routine detection involves family history, physical examination, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. Keys to differential diagnosis include…

One of the psychological states that can be monitored and influenced during learning in order to improve its various aspects is the state of anxiety, and one possible index of this state is frontal EEG beta. However, frontal EEG beta has also been associated with mental activities. This may imply that frontal EEG beta would not be a reliable index…

Mary Elizabeth Braddon's novels and stories exemplify some of the main issues surrounding women's texts and their place in literature: aesthetic value, intellectual challenge, universality, and contemporary popularity. Her work, it may be argued, betrays occasional aesthetic imperfections; however, she produced a tremendous amount of published…