Shalala Extols Virtues of Preventive Health Care for Young

By Sara Sklaroff

WASHINGTON--In a hearing that saw her fielding some sharp questions from members of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala last week offered a few additional details about some children's services emphasized in the Clinton Administration's health-care-reform proposal.

The hearing focused on disease prevention, which Ms. Shalala said was central to the Administration's plan.

"The point is to start early'' and encourage children to adopt good health habits, Ms. Shalala said. She also told panel members who questioned the financial viability of the plan that preventive...