Medical responsibility and global environmental change

Article Abstract:

Environmental issues are of great concern to many people these days, but physicians share a greater responsibility for action. Environmental problems will become health problems, and global environmental change will result in illness on a massive scale. Increases in the Earth's temperature will have many effects; one will be an increase in the number of days of excessive heat each summer. This will raise the rates of illness and death due to heat stress. For example, Washington D.C. has traditionally experienced one day per year over 38 degrees centigrade (100 degrees Fahrenheit), but by the year 2050 the temperature will be over 38 degrees 12 days per year. These same climatic changes will also alter the distribution of many pathogens, as well as their vectors. Malaria is transmitted by anopheline mosquitos, which prefer warm climates. Increases in temperature may bring these vectors into higher latitudes. Skin cancer and melanoma are expected to increase as depletion of the ozone layer permits more damaging ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth. These same ultraviolet rays may contribute to decreased immunity among those excessively exposed. The effects of climatic changes on agriculture will result in increased malnutrition and starvation in many areas of the world if preventative action is not taken. Furthermore, ecological disasters will produce a class of 'eco-refugees', among whom medical problems will no doubt be common. Prevention is the only way to reduce illness when treatment is ineffective. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Global warming, Ecology, Ozone layer depletion, Ozone layer, editorial

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Internists' and surgeons' attitudes toward guns and firearm injury prevention

Article Abstract:

Many physicians believe that firearm injuries are a major public health issue but many do not counsel their patients accordingly. A survey of 457 internists and 458 surgeons found that the majority of both groups believed that the prevention of firearm injuries is important. They supported gun control laws and believe that physicians should do more to prevent firearm injuries. However, less than 20% provided advice on preventing firearm injury to their patients.

Surveys, Firearms, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Surgeons, Internists

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Poverty and Ill Health: Physicians Can, and Should, Make a Difference

Article Abstract:

Social and health care policies which reduce large socioeconomic differences could improve the health of lower-class people. Poverty is closely associated with poorer health, and people live longer in states with less income disparity. The public health would benefit from ensuring that the basic needs of shelter, food, water, and a clean environment are met.

Social aspects, Health, Social status

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