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Features Departments Information |
 Stanford T. Shulman, MD, |
STAMPS: INFANT CARE, ADOLESCENT ISSUES STANFORD T. SHULMAN, MD aWinter 2003 For this stamp feature in The Child’s Doctor, I have chosen a medley of stamps that emphasize 2 discrete themes. The first theme highlights 4 basic elements of infant care that need emphasis, particularly in the less developed areas of the world. These are portrayed on the 4-stamp 1987 set from St. Vincent, one of many countries that have issued stamps with this theme. These stamps highlight the importance of monitoring infant growth parameters (baby on scale, growth chart behind); oral rehydration for home management of acute gastroenteritis and dehydration (mother mixing water, salt, and sugar); benefits of breast-feeding (an X’d out milk bottle); and the value of immunizations, with specific mention of pertussis, tetanus, tuberculosis, polio, measles, and diphtheria (note the misspelling on the stamp). 
The second theme focuses upon issues related to serious adolescent behavioral problems. The eye-catching skeleton behind the wheel from Bophuthatswana, a former South African homeland, graphically emphasizes the connection between drunk driving and fatal accidents. The colorful Mozambique stamp shows how drugs and cigarettes act as a ball and chain (lower left corner) on an adolescent. The other 3 stamps from my HIV/AIDS collection highlight biologic and epidemiologic aspects relevant to adolescent transmission of HIV. The Bahamian stamp shows HIV virions budding from the surface of a cell. The Argentinean stamp, entitled “I am one defense” shows a dancing condom with sword and shield. Lastly, the Bangladesh “Stop Aids” stamp amazingly portrays modes of HIV transmission, including homosexual and heterosexual sex, intravenous drugs, blood transfusion, and pregnancy, and states “I care… do you?” 
 
Those of you interested in the stamps I have displayed in The Child’s Doctor for over a decade will be able to see more in the pages of Pediatric Annals each month. |