Violence in America: a public health emergency
Article Abstract:
Many health professionals believe that violence in the US has become a public health problem. When the editors of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, solicited papers describing the public health consequences of violence, they received 131 manuscripts. Twelve appear in the June 10th issue. They detail the increase in deaths involving firearms, especially among black, urban teenagers. Another paper documents the large percentage of handgun owners who keep a loaded gun in their home. Seattle researchers found that six percent of high school students owned a handgun. In Texas, deaths from firearms are now the leading cause of death. Automobile owners must meet specific criteria in order to operate the vehicle; gun owners should be forced to do the same.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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New winds blowing for American drug policies
Article Abstract:
In July, 1997, a group of American physicians met to propose a new tactic for eliminating illicit drug use. Using the name Physician Leadership on National Drug Policy, the group believes the current war on drugs has failed. Instead of relying on drug interdiction and the criminal prosecution of users, more emphasis should be placed on preventing and treating drug abuse. Substance abuse should be de-stigmatized and considered to be just another chronic disease. The group will meet again in the summer of 1998 to issue specific recommendations. The American Medical Association has also issued recommendations, which include legalizing needle exchange programs.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Reinventing American tobacco policy: sounding the medical community's voice
Article Abstract:
Physicians should lobby Congress for strong legislation regulating the sale of tobacco that gives no concessions to the tobacco industry. The industry has agreed to a substantial financial settlement that would exempt the industry from any future liability. This may be because the industry fears the disclosure of evidence that could damage its credibility. Such evidence has already surfaced showing that the industry knew nicotine was addictive and lied about the health aspects of smoking. One out of every five deaths in the US is caused by tobacco use.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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