They say that medical scrubs are a necessity for anyone working in the medical community because they are sanitary. They are. They say that scrubs are professional. Some of them are. They say that scrubs are comfortable and allow a wide range of movement. They do. They say that they are fashionable. That they usually are not. Scrubs today have come a long way from where they once were, and they are definitely better fitting, varying based on manufacturer, collection, and price range. Stylish, however, they usually are not. As much as medical scrub manufacturers try to take inspiration from current styles, they’re usually a tad off. Until now. Say hello to Dickies New Blue scrubs.

Until now, Dickies scrubs was like all the other scrub manufacturers, offering scrubs that were better fitting, with each line offering different fabric technology and qualities, but never quite getting the style concept just right. Now they are the first to really get it with their collection of New Blue scrubs. New Blue scrubs are made out of a revolutionary fabric – denim. Yup, you read that right. Real, authentic denim. No imitation or mock-up. Think your favorite jeans. That kind of denim.

I don’t know who clued the Dickies designers in, but they’ve definitely gotten it right with this collection. The New Blue scrubs are made out of a soft cotton fabric that is comfortable for long shifts, and still has the authentic look and feel of trendy denim fabric. Being fairly new, the collection offers three pant styles, and five styles in tops, including a set of unisex scrubs, for the minority of male nurses who also crave a sense of fashion.

Aside for the revolutionary change of pace with fabric, the styles are actually stylish! Choose from a selection that includes a well fitting square neck top that has an inset of shirring beneath the neck and front patch pockets, a classic mock wrap top, unisex style v-neck top, and round neck top that has pleats and tucks in the center front. For pants you have options of a unisex drawstring pant, smocked waistband pant, and my personal favorite, a straight leg missy fit pant that has a combination drawstring and elastic waist and a cargo pocket with pin tuck details.

For those who can’t bear to part with the dowdy nurse apparel, there are even prints that coordinate with the denim pants. The three New Blue prints are Zip A De Do Dot, Indigo Girl, and Blues Traveler.

Some naysayers are sure to point out that many offices won’t allow the new Dickies New Blue scrubs as they are not professional enough, but I’m sure the doctors and supervisors who ban it will change their minds soon enough when they see the improved attitude these new scrubs bring about. Which doctor wants unhappy nurses who do their work by rote?

Dickies New Blue scrubs are bringing winds of change to the medical community, in more ways than one.

Read Public Agenda ChairmanDaniel Yankelovich’s explanation of the Anxiety Indicator, or add the Anxiety Indicator to your web site. Anxious Public Sees Growing Dangers, Few Solutions

Americans are looking out on a world where they see growing dangers, few solutions and little in U.S. foreign policy that seems to be working. In this third edition of the Public Agenda Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy Index, produced in association with Foreign Affairs, we’re introducing our new “Anxiety Indicator,” which will track the public’s overall outlook on world affairs much as the Consumer Confidence Index follows its view of the economy. Our first indicator shows that public anxiety on international affairs is at high levels (a score of 130 on a 200-point scale), enough to show a deep dissatisfaction with current policies. Read Public Agenda Chairman Daniel Yankelovich’s explanation of the Anxiety Indicator.

Majorities believe the world is becoming a more dangerous place for Americans and that international relations are on the wrong track. Yet the best-known policy strategies, such as actively creating democracies or economic development in Islamic countries, face skepticism from the public. Majorities do believe reducing dependence on foreign energy sources would enhance national security, and even stronger majorities think the government can do something to achieve it–yet nearly half give the United States failing grades in this area.

A dangerous world is not as frightening if you have confidence in what the government is doing to cope with it. But increasing numbers of the public give the United States a “D” or “F” grade on accomplishing key foreign policy goals.

Traditionally, the American public focuses more on domestic concerns and gives leaders a lot more leeway in crafting foreign policy. But the threat of terrorism, the Iraq war and the seemingly endless series of crises in the Middle East have put foreign affairs front and center for the public. That’s reflected in the relatively high rating of our first Anxiety Indicator.

Latest Edition: Fall 2006

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Previous Edition: Winter 2006

The Tipping Points
by Daniel Yankelovich, Public Agenda Chairman and Co-Founder

Previous Edition: Summer 2005

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slam, Terrorism and the Middle East

There’s no mystery about why the public is in such an anxious mood about foreign policy. When asked an open-ended question about the most important foreign policy problem facing the country, 42 percent cited the Middle East, far ahead of any other concern and up from 36 percent in January.

The Good Options: Intelligence and Energy

The public does believe strongly in the importance of two strategies that could improve national security “a great deal”: improved intelligence gathering (62%) and reducing our dependence on foreign energy (57%). Energy independence is firmly established as a national security concern and a practical strategy for the public.

Does Helping Out Make Us Safer?

Advocates of foreign aid and global development have long billed it not only as a strategy for improving the lives of hundreds of millions, but also as a tactic for improving our image abroad. Americans like the idea of humanitarian work, but they don’t seem sold on it as a security strategy or a moral obligation for a wealthy nation.

Key Findings At A Glance  What grades would you give the U.S.when it comes to achieving certain foreign policy goals? What worries you about U.S. foreign policy? What are the best ways for strengthening the nation’s security?

What Would You Say?  Answer a selection of questions from the actual survey and see how your views match up with the national sample.