Reducing the exposure of children to environmental tobacco smoke. An office-based intervention program

It is important for the family physician to consider a spectrum of screening tests, counseling topics, and childhood immunizations when providing acute and chronic care, in addition to well-child care. The effectiveness of specific clinical preventive services in eliciting positive health outcomes and age-related guidelines to prioritize health promotion activity have recently been reviewed by the US Preventive Services Task Force. Given recent studies identifying environmental tobacco smoke as a risk factor for children by being associated with an increase in the incidence and severity of respiratory tract and ear infections, family physicians should be routinely screening parents, especially during visits that provide teachable moments for counseling and intervention. Family physicians need to be aware of possible responses parents may have to their counseling and provide nonjudgmental information and guidance throughout a child's early years of development.