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