Gun violence
The Johns Hopkins University Press in January published “Reducing Gun Violence in America: Informing Policy with Evidence and Analysis.” Edited by Daniel Webster, ScD, MPH, and Jon Vernick, MPH, JD, co-directors of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, the book addresses federal gun policy, availability of firearms and necessary reforms to reduce violence. For more information, visit www.press.jhu.edu.
Medicine ethics
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press in October published “Thieves of Virtue.” Authored by Tom Koch, PhD, a bioethicist and gerontology consultant, the book addresses would needs to be changed in the field of bioethics, the research of ethics relating to health care policy and medical care. For more information, visit http://mitpress.mit.edu.
Alcohol use
Omnigraphics in February published “Alcohol Information for Teens, Third Edition.” The book covers the mental and physical health risks of alcohol use, as well as guidance on substance abuse treatment. For more information, visit www.omnigraphics.com
Heart disease
The Million Hearts campaign in February released Spanish language versions of its website and educational materials. Million Hearts is a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. The “Four Steps for Heart Health” fact sheet and the booklet, “How to Control Your Hypertension/Learning to Control Your Sodium Intake” are available in Spanish. The fact sheet will be given to Spanish speaking residents who visit clinics partnered with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. For more information, visit http://espanol.millionhearts.hhs.gov.
Oral health
The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center in December released “Oral Health Resource Bulletin: Volume XXVII.” The bulletin lists links to websites and webinars on professional development and policy relating to oral health care. For more information, visit www.mchoralhealth.org/materials/ResBulletins.html.
Emergency preparedness
The American College of Emergency Physicians in January released “Disaster Hero,” a Web video game that teaches players how to prepare for a disaster through virtual scenarios. Players learn about natural disasters such as earthquakes and complete challenges such as choosing the correct items to go into an emergency preparedness kit. For more information visit www.acep.org.
Vision health
The National Eye Health Education Program in February released “Living with Low Vision: What You Should Know.” The booklet explains addresses the signs of low vision, how to adapt and questions to ask an ophthalmologist. The program also released a series of videos in February about dealing with vision loss. The program is part of the National Eye Institute under the National Institutes of Health. For more information, visit www.nei.nih.gov/lowvision.
Preventive care
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in February released the “2012 Guide to Clinical Preventive Services.” The guide draws on research from 2002 through March 2012 to give doctors and patients the best advice on necessary preventive care. For more information, visit http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/clinicians-providers/guidelines-recommendations/guide/.
Vaccinations
The Joint Commission in October began offering “Strategies for Improving Rapid Influenza Testing in Ambulatory Settings” a continuing education course. The free course teaches physicians and nurses the best practices when it comes to influenza diagnosis and vaccinations. The course is a result of a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Joint Commission. For more information, visit www.jointcommission.org/siras.aspx.
Nutrition
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in December published “Nutrition and Wellness Tips for Young Children: Provider Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program.” The handbook, geared toward child care providers, offers advice on boosting youth physical activity and promoting healthy meals. For more information, visit www.teamnutrition.usda.gov.
Substance abuse
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in January published the “National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services: 2011.” The survey analyzes the quality of alcohol and drug abuse treatment facilities nationwide. For more information, visit http://store.samhsa.gov.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association
