A report in 1984 on the success of zinc gluconate against common cold symptoms could not be confirmed in three subsequent studies, which are now known to have used formulations that inactivated zinc. A non-chelating formulation including glycine, which releases 93% of contained zinc into saliva, was tested in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in 73 young adults. Efficacy was recorded in symptom diaries using a symptom severity rating. Patients' symptoms first appeared 1.34 days prior to entry to the study in both groups. Disappearance of symptoms occurred after an additional 4.9 days for zinc-treated patients versus 6.1 days for placebo-treated patients. A difference was noted in the efficacy of treatment if it was started 1 day after symptom onset: cold duration was an additional 4.3 days in zinc-treated patients compared with 9.2 days for placebo-treated patients. Cough, nasal drainage and congestion were the symptoms most affected, and only mild side-effects were noted.

Peer education on college and university campuses has grown from self-educated students responding to campus health issues to state-of-the-art health education and motivational models designed to empower students to help each other promote positive health beliefs and behaviors. Peer education models come in many paradigms and often represent the best use of campus resources for specific needs. Model peer education efforts are based on carefully trained and closely supervised programs that ensure continuing quality improvement. Health educators are now exploring more comprehensive training and delivery models that encompass the complex nature and relationship, among risk behaviors, life skills, and the social pressures that have an impact on students' lives. Future peer education possibilities will involve many facets of college life created by people who care and believe that prevention is the essential component for empowering future leaders on both a personal and professional level.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract