Realist evaluation (RE) is increasingly adopted to assess the effectiveness of social programs. RE goes beyond measurement of outcomes, providing insight into how and why programs work by focusing on how participants experience and respond to programs within certain contexts. A RE was conducted on Healthy Start-Départ Santé (HSDS), an early…

Although there is a national emphasis on health promotion and preventive practices, questions remain regarding the equity of access to these services by low income and minority groups, and the implications of inequities for elder health. Data from a systematic survey of 500 public and private providers of health promotion services in northern…

Four strategies for reducing health insurance rates are described: negotiate competitive prices, improve cash flow management, reduce claims frequency, and shift cost liability to individuals. (MD)

A cookbook approach is taken to health education programs. The ingredients for an effective health and safety fair include a slice of color, one barrel of laughs, a bunch of hard work, and a measure of knowledge. (JN)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a key part of emergency cardiac care. It is a basic life support procedure that can be taught in the schools with the assistance of the American Heart Association. (JMF)

The Massachusetts Health Council's School Health Task Force guidelines to assist adults and parents in assessing the school health education activities are summarized. (JMF)

Several of the American Heart Association's education programs are described. The newest program is Heart Health Education in the Young, designed to stress the importance of early risk factor education. (JMF)

This paper reviews recent literature on health issues for adults with developmental disabilities, reflecting on how it informs service provision, future research, and social and health policy. Results suggest future research should focus on interactions among biology, pathology, and behavioral and environmental determinants. More use of…

Identifies stress as a definite health hazard and risk factor involved in a variety of health situations. Proposes that stress identification efforts be considered in environmental analysis so that a more complete approach to risk assessment and management and health hazard prevention can occur. (ML)

People with alcohol or other drug disease face public and private policies that restrict their access to appropriate health care, employment, and public benefits, discouraging them from seeking treatment, robbing them of hope for recovery, and costing society millions of dollars. Join Together, a project of Boston University School of Public…

A description is given of an exercise program designed to improve the physical condition and health of older adults. (JD)

Screening for spine deformities, particularly idiopathic adolescent scoliosis among children aged 10-13 in the Kansas schools, is outlined. (JMF)

This study was designed to determine how effective an instructional program about cancer prevention might be in changing the knowledge and behavior of teenage females. (MM)

Describes Bellevue (Washington) School District's employee wellness program's successful efforts to (1) save lives by promoting healthy lifestyles, (2) boost morale by taking health services to the workplace, (3) improve on-the-job performance by providing inexpensive, convenient opportunities for exercise and weight loss, and (4) reduce staff…

Employee health promotion through wellness programs can be set up at schools using existing facilities. Describes how Greenwood Area Schools in Millertown, Pennsylvania, set up a program and lists who does what in the program. (MLF)