People with developmental disabilities sleep less and experience higher incidence of clinical sleep disorders than the general population. Exploring the neurophysiology linking sleep with daytime performance in patients with developmental disabilities is now possible using minimally sufficient sleep and sleep-sensitive behavioral assays. Although…

Older persons are more likely to get physical checkups and overutilize the health care system for minor complaints, but are little different from the younger in underutilization for conditions which should receive a doctor's attention. There is a need to help the elderly sort out symptoms requiring attention. (Author)

Americans must learn to consider good health as a total life-style concept that demands continuous and active participation of all individuals. (LH)

Examined correlates and predictors of risk-taking behavior in a sample of 278 African American women to explore risk-taking related to HIV infection. Women in this sample engaged in risky behavior for HIV and other health risks, such as smoking and substance use, and risk was predicted by individual and peer-related factors. (SLD)

Describes the Manitoba Longitudinal Study on Aging 1970-77 and discusses its relative potential in investigating the health and health care use behaviors of older persons. Data indicate that a person's utilization behaviors appear to remain consistent over time. (Author/RC)

Migrant and refugee communities must be considered as high-risk groups for poor general and oral health. Limited access to basic necessities, risky behavior, and a mismatch between services and health belief systems of migrants and refugees are contributing factors. (SLD)

Research on women's dental health and on differences between men's and women's dental health issues is reviewed. Factors specifically influencing women's health, including medical, economic, social, psychological, and behavioral factors, are also examined. It is argued that the clustering of risk factors for women indicates a need for more…

Describes a one-day workshop developed to deliver practical information on the relationship of diet and health to senior citizens in rural communities. Clinical information was provided as a stimulus to examine current eating patterns. Tools and techniques were presented to make dietary modifications selected by participants. (Author)

Chronic stress can affect the health of children and adolescents when their resources are insufficient for coping with demands placed upon them. Harmful behavior patterns can lead to poor health. Students should be taught to mobilize their physiological, cognitive, and social resources in ways that promote good health. (PP)

Despite the traditional view of adolescence as a healthy period, there are increasing concerns about the health status of youth. Many adolescent health needs are unmet due to misconceptions and to the organization of health care services. Behavioral science can contribute research, interventions, and health policy to benefit adolescent health. (AF)