Describes the emergence of parish nursing as a specialty practice within community health nursing. Parish nurse roles include health educator, health counselor, liaison to community resources, and clarifier of the relationship between faith and health. (JOW)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works to make communities aware of dangers posed by misused pesticides, which can be hazardous to the health of children and others. The EPA is involved in outreach to inform the public. People need information about safe and effective pest-control options. They should report suspected pesticide misuse to…

A survey of 16 Australian clinical nurse consultants showed they spent substantial time in informal teaching, but only 3% of it is recorded as limited educational activity for accountability purposes. However, a survey of 58 nurses taught by the consultants demonstrates the gains derived from informal education. (SK)

Presents data on methamphetamine use in the United States and the economic and social pressures that may partially explain expanded methamphetamine use. Recommends a policy response that utilizes a public health approach, including prevention campaigns, harm-reduction outreach and treatment approaches, and pharmacologic and abstinence-based drug…

Major public health problems require interventions that recognize the broad, social, cultural, economic, political, and physical environments. The learning environment is a key setting for promoting health, especially mental health and emotional well-being. (SK)

Examines the potential impact of the revised standards for race and ethnicity on data from the 2000 census and public health data sources, policies, and programs. Results indicate that the multiple-race group comprises a small percentage of the American population and may have little impact on data for single-race groups. Actual effects will vary…

From 14 Ontario public health nurses' descriptions of their reactions to changes in the field from 1980-1996, six orientations to change were identified. Acceptance included critical approval, insidious assimilation, or wounded acquiescence. Resistance took the form of judicious circumvention or constructive opposition. Change initiation through…

Presents recommendations for the media in educating the public about suicide prevention. The report is a result of collaboration between public and private sector organizations. (JDM)

Describes how leadership in working out the potential benefits of the Program on Health and Higher Education at the State University of New York Stony Brook led to the creation of a learning community around public health issues relevant to students. Program outreach to local high schools engaged students in learning about these issues and what…

Reviews the practice of female circumcision and the significance of considering social, cultural, economic, and educational opportunities available to females in developing countries when creating intervention programs to help end this practice. The PRECEDE-PROCEED model is a tool that can assess various elements present in a girls' life that…

Public health nurses must advocate healthy public policy. The education of these nurses should include learning experiences such as analysis of population health issues, environmental scanning, letters to editors or legislators, and practicum activities that develop awareness of public policy. (SK)

Surveyed pre-university high school students in Trinidad regarding their awareness and knowledge of tuberculosis. Results indicated that while most students had heard of tuberculosis, knowledge levels were generally poor regarding the major presenting features of tuberculosis, vaccination and treatment, and the impact of overcrowded living…

Community health nursing students performed community assessments and proposed and implemented service learning projects that addressed adolescent smoking in middle schools, home safety for elderly persons, industrial worker health, and sexual abuse of teenaged girls. Students learned to apply epidemiological research methods, mobilize resources,…

Healthy campuses are critical so that students can learn and actively participate in shaping and maintaining a strong educational environment. This Viewpoint describes the commonalities between service learning, social justice, campus health, and the goals of Healthy Campus 2010, which was developed from the larger Healthy People 2010 objectives…

The use of interventions claiming to prevent, retard, or reverse aging is proliferating. Some of these interventions can seriously harm older persons and aging baby boomers who consume them. Others that are merely ineffective may divert patients from participating in beneficial regimens and also cause them economic harm. "Free market…