Milwaukee Health Department Research Articles

Effecting legislation: Arnold M. Malmon, The Milwaukee Blood Pressure Program, The City of Milwaukee Health Department, 7630 West Mill Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218; Norman E. Kosloske; Constantine Panagis

Understanding mechanisms linking neighborhood context to health behaviors may provide targets for increasing lifestyle intervention effectiveness. Although associations between home neighborhood and obesogenic behaviors have been studied, less is known about the role of worksite neighborhood.To evaluate associations between worksite neighborhood context at baseline (2006) and change in obesogenic behaviors of adult employees at follow-up (2007–2009) in a worksite randomized trial to prevent weight gain.Worksite property values were used as an indicator of worksite neighborhood SES (NSES). Worksite neighborhood built environment attributes associated with walkability were evaluated as explanatory factors in relationships among worksite NSES, diet, and physical activity behaviors of employees. Behavioral data were collected at baseline (2005–2007) and follow-up (2007–2009). Multilevel linear and logistic models were constructed adjusting for covariates and accounting for clustering within worksites. Product-of-coefficients methods were used to assess mediation. Analyses were performed after study completion (2011–2012).Higher worksite NSES was associated with more walking (OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.03, 1.30, p=0.01). Higher density of residential units surrounding worksites was associated with more walking and eating five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables, independent of worksite NSES. Residential density partially explained relationships among worksite NSES, fruit and vegetable consumption, and walking.Worksite neighborhood context may influence employees’ obesogenic behaviors. Furthermore, residential density around worksites could be an indicator of access to dietary and physical activity–related infrastructure in urban areas. This may be important given the popularity of worksites as venues for obesity prevention efforts.

Resource allocation model utilizing priority setting and program data: Patricia N. Haeuser, University of Wisconsin Political Science Department, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Gary A. Christopherson, Milwaukee Health Department

Resource allocation model utilizing priority setting and program data: Patricia N. Haeuser, University of Wisconsin Political Science Department, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Gary A. Christopherson, Milwaukee Health Department

PLAQUE ASSAY FOR PSITTACOSIS VIRUS IN MONOLAYERS OF CHICK EMBRYO FIBROBLASTS.

Piraino, F. (City of Milwaukee Health Department, Milwaukee, Wis.), and C. Abel. Plaque assay for psittacosis virus in monolayers of chick embryo fibroblasts. J. Bacteriol. 87:1503-1511. 1964.-A tissue culture system for the assay of 6BC psittacosis virus by plaque production on chick embryo fibroblast cells is described. Experiments are given which characterize the specificity of the reaction and identify factors found to cause variations in plaque counts. The statistical data obtained indicate this assay to be a precise and highly reliable procedure for the detection of 6BC virus and antibody.

FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON POLIOMYELITIS IN PREGNANCY

South View Isolation Hospital of the Milwaukee Health Department and the Department of Internal Medicine, Marquette University School of Medicine

Scarlet Fever Control

TO determine what assurance of clinical protection the 5 standard injections of scarlet fever toxin offer a person if originally Dick positive, the attack rate among immunized persons should be compared with the attack rate among persons known to be Dick positive but unimmunized, and both groups should be studied over an identical time. On March 12, 1934, the Milwaukee Health Department adopted the procedure of the Scarlet Fever Committee for Dick testing persons over 18 months of age, and the subsequent immunization of those showing a positive reaction. Opportunity has been afforded to observe the result of this work covering a time during which the incidence of scarlet fever has been exceptionally high, reaching epidemic proportions in 1934 and 1935. In 1934 there were given and read 15,642 Dick tests, of which 10,500, or 66 per cent, were positive. Among these Dick positive reactors 1,769 received no toxin for immunization, while 6,497 received in 1934 either a standard 5 dose course or as many doses as they elected to receive. None of these subsequently received any artificial immunization. The 5th dose of toxin was received by

Activities of the dental department of the Milwaukee health department

Activities of the dental department of the Milwaukee health department

Activities of the Dental Division of the Milwaukee Health Department

Activities of the Dental Division of the Milwaukee Health Department

PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

Milwaukee Health Department Organization-Dr. John F. Koehler, Commissioner of Health of Milwaukee, has published an outline giving the general organization of his health department. This publication is unique in that it portrays in simple language the organization of the various divisions and bureaus of the department, and states in simple language the purpose of each activity. There is an increasing tendency for health commissioners to abandon the voluminous annual report, crowded with tables giving details which are seldom needed, and substitute in its place a story giving the high points of the current year, such statistical data as is indispensable to the administrator, and a readable outline of the department's organization and activities. The Milwaukee department is organized into 4 bureaus and 5 divisions. The Bureau of Child Hygiene is subdivided into the Division of Child Welfare and the Division of School Hygiene. The Bureau of Communicable Disease consists of 3 divisions, Epidemiology, Quarantine, and the communicable disease hospital. The third bureau is the Bureau of Inspection consisting of the Division of Food Inspection, the Division of Milk Inspection, and the Division.of Sanitary Inspection. The last bureau is the Bureau of Laboratory, divided into the Division of Bacteriological Laboratory and the Division of Chemical Laboratory. In addition to these 4 bureaus there are 5 other divisions. The Division of Nurses supplies all of the nurses employed fiy the Health Department that are engaged in assisting the various other divisions in their work. This division is conducted on the community or generalized plan. Previous to the fall of 1918 the health department nurses specialized in but one activity. There is a Division of Tuberculosis charged with the supervision and care of tuberculous patients, and a Division of Venereal Disease which conducts clinics. The Division of Vital Statistics has charge of the records of births, deaths, and marriages. The Johnston Emergency Hospital cares for emergency cases arising within the city of Milwaukee. Following a suitable introduction Dr. Koehler proceeds to discuss in detail the organization and purpose of each of his bureaus and divisions. His example may well be followed by other administrators. The pamphlet will answer many of the questionnaires which so frequently confront the health officer. The Milwaukee Health Department has also prepared A Guide for Principals and Teachers in Health Supervision in Schools which describes the routine of morning inspection and gives in detail the manner in which the physical examination of the school children is conducted. The department aims to give physical examinations in the following order: kindergarten children, special cases, grades 1, 3, 5, and 8.