3.
The
centinuation
proportional
to
of
the
environmental
radiation
risk
monitoring]
involved
andl
should
be
information
needed.
4.
Once rapport has been established, additional edudation 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 rdgards to the
radiation exposure as soon and smoothly as possitile.
Also a
general radiation educational program should be da@veloped that
would impact all levels of society.
C.
Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases are present jin the Marshall
Islands although
less prevalent than in many developing nations because of
factors
of
separate
islands
and
atolls
as
well
as
the isolation
other
Tuberculosis and leprosy are present but not highly prevalent,
and schistosomiasis are not present.
reasons.
While malaria
Respiratory and influengaal illnesses
primarily spread throughout an island after being introduced frém
outside by
the periodic visits of the field ships.
With the advent of af
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 finfestations
Their
discussed in the section on environmental health.
preventipn
The sexually
has
been
transmitted
diseases are becoming more of a problem especially in the cfrowded urban
centers.
Their
prevention, detection and appropriate treatment must be
given high priority in the health care plan.
Polio is present
by a number of persons with residual paralysis.
This problefl
fas evidenced
along with
that of measles, whooping cough, tetanus, diptheria, and tubefculosis can
all be prevented or greatly reduced by an effective immunizatipn program.
D.
Chronic Diseases
The Marshallese people are currently in the transition fram
the typical
communicable disease/malnutrition complexes of developing cougtries to the
chronic
disease
complexes
of
developed
countries.
In
payticular,
Micronesian people as a whole seem to be prone to the development
and hypertension.
the
of diabetes
Both of these diseases impact on the cardiovascular system
and are undoubtedly responsible for the relatively high c
mortality rate.
13
ebrovascular