Guidelines for public health management of meningococcal disease in the UK

Following changes in the epidemiology of meningococcal disease, the advent of new vaccines, and with new evidence on risk and control measures, the Public Health Laboratory Service Meningococcus Forum set up a Working Group to review the guidance for control measures in the UK. This review is based on available evidence, and recommendations are graded according to the level of evidence on which they are based. These guidelines cover pre-admission management, investigation of suspected cases, the role of public health, public health action after a single case, prophylaxis in healthcare settings, and management of clusters. Detailed revised recommendations are presented on the use of antibiotics before admission to hospital, the rationale and indications for chemoprophylaxis, and the use of new vaccines. Links to relevant websites are included.     

American Academy of Pediatrics: Children, adolescents, and television

This statement describes the possible negative health effects of television viewing on children and adolescents, such as violent or aggressive behavior, substance use, sexual activity, obesity, poor body image, and decreased school performance. In addition to the television ratings system and the v-chip (electronic device to block programming), media education is an effective approach to mitigating these potential problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a list of recommendations on this issue for pediatricians and for parents, the federal government, and the entertainment industry.     

Report from the CDC. The National Public Health Initiative on Diabetes and Women's Health: leading the way for women with and at risk for diabetes

Diabetes is a serious public health problem in the United States. The burden of the disease has had a significant impact on individuals, communities, and society at large, and the number of people with diabetes is expected to double by the year 2025. In response to the growing burden of the disease and the profound health consequences for women and their offspring, the National Public Health Initiative on Diabetes and Women's Health convened a call-to-action conference to form a collective effort to address diabetes and women's health issues. This paper documents the process of developing a call-to-action conference and identifying potential stakeholders and presents results from the conference and the accomplishments of the National Public Health Initiative on Diabetes and Women's Health.