American journal of preventive medicine
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Childhood obesity has emerged as a public health concern in Canada. It has been suggested that excessive screen viewing (i.e., television, computer, video) is a major factor contributing to the increased risk of obesity in children. Exploring young children's experiences with this modifiable behavior may be beneficial to the creation of a multifaceted program aimed at the primary prevention of obesity. ⋯ Public health interventions are needed to increase parents' awareness with respect to the harmful effects of excessive screen viewing in preschoolers.
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Cigarette manufacturers in the United States have begun marketing cigarette brands claiming to reduce smokers' exposure to selected toxins in tobacco smoke. Little data exist on smokers' awareness, use, and beliefs about these products. ⋯ Smokers hold beliefs about the relative safety of supposedly less-harmful tobacco products that are opposite to existing scientific evidence. These results highlight the need to educate smokers about the risks of alternatives to conventional cigarettes, and the need to regulate the advertising and promotion of such alternatives.
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Historical Article
The medicine and public health initiative ten years later.
The Medicine and Public Health Initiative (MPHI) was created jointly 10 years ago by the American Medical Association and the American Public Health Association to bridge the nearly century-wide gulf between the respective disciplines. We review the history of MPHI and its growing significance in light of recent terrorism events. ⋯ Sustainability 10 years later in the post-911 world requires renewed commitment by all collaborators. In order to meet the numerous health challenges facing our nation, from terrorism to chronic disease, and for MPHI to be successful, medicine and public health must work in tandem.
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The U.S. Public Health Service clinical practice guideline calls for clinicians and healthcare organizations to identify and treat every tobacco user seen in a healthcare setting. There is little information on the extent of compliance with the guideline's treatment model described by the "5A's" (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange). ⋯ Results demonstrate substantial clinician compliance with the first two steps-Ask and Advise. Greater efforts are needed in providing the more effective tobacco treatments-Assist and Arrange. Compliance with the guideline is associated with greater patient satisfaction.
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Comparative Study
Parent attitudes toward immunizations and healthcare providers the role of information.
Lack of information has been associated with patient anxiety or concern in a number of healthcare areas. ⋯ While most parents agreed that they had access to enough immunization information, approximately a third did not. Perceived lack of information was associated with negative attitudes about immunizations and toward healthcare providers. Basic information about the benefits and risks of vaccines presented by a trusted provider could go a long way toward maintaining and/or improving confidence in the immunization process.