Joe Zenel, MD, FAAP

Summer is coming and as the days are lengthening, our attention span is shortening as we anticipate vacation (or should I say my attention span?). So I promise to keep this column short.

Pediatrics and the environment go hand-in-hand. After all, for our children to succeed as adults in the world, we health care providers need to understand the effects natural, social and economic environments have on children. Today's issue highlights NCE events that will discuss the importance of nature in children's lives, the need for children to participate in a community's welfare and how primary care must adapt to survive. If you plan to attend the 2010 AAP NCE, these sessions are sure to convince you that the practice of Pediatrics involves both caring for the individual and the community.

Of note, in my last NCE commentary I used science fiction as a theme, speaking of "Things to come", in part highlighting the need to prepare for environmental disasters. Since then a meteor has crashed into the Midwest, a volcano in Iceland is disrupting international travel and a man-made "pinhole-in-the-earth" oil leak threatens the Gulf Coast. If I had known these events were going to happen after writing about disaster preparedness, I would have discussed universal immunization acceptance, a cure for malaria and world peace one month ago.

By the way, if you like what you see about this year's NCE, register now and avoid the rush August 20 when advance registration closes! Otherwise your next opportunity to register after August will be on site at the Moscone Center, October 1-5. And if you have comments on our online articles, let us know (nce@aap.org).

Have a great summer!