Another kind of role model

During his Presidency, it might be argued that, at least in some respects, Bill Clinton did not consistently serve as a good role model.

Now, Bill Clinton's recent heart surgery may have a significant influence on the behavior of many people who might otherwise go with undiagnosed heart problems. The former President, before the surgery, actually encouraged others to be checked, and because of the attention given to his case, will be more likely to be examined themselves. Apparently, when Fonzie obtained a library card in one episode of Happy Days, libraries experienced a dramatic increase in applications. It is less clear, however, how long the effects of Clinton's role modeling will last. The effect on people actually experiencing symptoms will probably last longer than it will for those who are "merely" in a high risk category.