3. The centinuation proportional to of the envircnmental radiation risk monitoring involved and should oe information needed. 4. Once rapport has been established, additional education of the patient and family should be done both formally and informally in order to separate fact from superstititon and misinformation in order that daily life may return to “normal" with regards to the radiation exposure as soon and smoothly as possible. Also a general radiation educational program should be developed that would impact all levels of society. C. Communicable Diseases Communicable diseases are present in the Marshall Islands although less prevalent than in many developing nations because of the isolation factors of separate islands and atolls as well as other reasons. Tuberculosis and leprosy are present but not highly prevalent, while malaria and schistosomiasis are not present. Respiratory and influenza] illnesses primarily spread throughout an island after being introduced from outside by the periodic visits of the field ships. With the advent of air travel and more frequent communication with people from other islands, the protective effect of isolation from disease will be reduced. are very common and highly communicable. Parasitic infestations Their discussed in the section on environmental health. prevention has been The sexually transmitted diseases are becoming more of a problem especially in the crowded urban centers. Their prevention, detection and appropriate treatment must be given high priority in the health care plan. Polio is present as evidenced by a number of persons with residual paralysis. This problem along with that of measles, whooping cough, tetanus, diptheria, and tuberculosis can all be prevented or greatly reduced by an effective immunization program. D. Chronic Diseases The Marshallese people are currently in the transition from the typical communicable disease/malnutrition complexes of developing countries to the chronic disease complexes of developed countries. In particular, the Micronesian people as a whole seem to be prone to the development of diabetes and hypertension. and Both of these diseases impact on the cardiovascular system are undoubtedly responsible for the relatively high mortality rate. 13 cerebrovascular