rofessional dancers exhibit high levels of spatial skills as demonstrated by their ability to orient and position themselves correctly in space. Spatial skills along with years of training, flexibility, and strength contribute to a dancer's exceptional balance abilities (3). The dancer's capability to maintain relationships between specific body parts and the whole body in space is dependent in part on the ability to use kinesthetic signals. Although balance responses rely on the interaction among the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems, it is not known if dancers are more proficient than the general population in using one or all of these sensory systems to maintain their balance.The systems model theory of balance control suggests that sensory, motor, and cognitive elements must be integrated to maintain erect stance. The integrative sensory input results in nonstereotypic motor behavior that is specific to prior experience as well as the initial conditions of the task, individual, and environment. Combining sensory information in the central nervous system is termed "sensory organization" (10). Although sensory systems provide somewhat similar information about the conditions of the internal and external environment, each system has a specific function. The central

We documented marked deficiencies in glove and handwashing, demonstrated the possible impact of these deficiencies, and identified factors associated with inadequate handwashing and glove use. This information can be used in future educational and research efforts to improve infection control practices.

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OBJECTIVES: This study examined trends in perceived cost as a barrier to medical care. METHODS: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was used to analyze monthly telephone survey data from 45 states. RESULTS: Overall, the percentage of persons perceiving cost as a barrier to medical care increased from 1991 until early 1993 and then declined to baseline values in late 1996. Perceived cost was a greater barrier in 1996 than in 1991 for persons with low incomes and for those who were unemployed and uninsured. For self-employed persons, percentages increased until mid-1993 and then remained constant. CONCLUSIONS: Further efforts are needed to improve access to medical care for socially disadvantaged populations.