Background: In South Carolina (SC), 42% of youth are overweight or obese. Two sets of modifiable behaviors contributing to obesity are physical activity (PA) and dietary habits. School-based interventions have successfully improved these behaviors. The purpose of this study was to identify SC public school personnel perspectives on the most common…

Background: This study explores ways southeast Minnesota schools currently address asthma problems, identifies areas for improvement, and assesses the potential value of asthma action plans (AAPs) in schools. Methods: Focus groups were used to query stakeholder groups on asthma care in schools. Groups were held separately for elementary school…

In this article, the author discusses the important roles that students, school staff and teachers play in keeping the school safe particularly from weapons. The author believes that one way that they do this is by working together to reduce the problem of weapons in school. The role of school staff and teachers extends beyond prevention and…

The importance and unique responsibilities of school health personnel are stressed. (MM)

Findings suggest importance of consideration of child mental health in the learning experiences of school nurses both in prevention and treatment. Indicates need for opportunities to employ mental health in current practices in areas of promotion, prevention and rehabilitation. (Author/CJ)

An alarming trend in the United States is the use of performance-enhancing supplements by children and adolescents. These widely available over-the-counter products, often marketed as natural substances, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and are thus widely available. High school and even middle school students are using these…

After observing the operation of a resource program involving part-time consultants, the authors offer a number of advantages to this method. They also suggest ways to make such an arrangement most effective. (BY)

An overview of the articles appearing in this issue of "The Journal of School Health" is presented. (JD)

The school nurse plays a significant role in the education of the handicapped as a result of Public Law 94-142. (MM)

It is suggested here that the identity crisis associated with school psychologists does not constitute a problem or weakness in the profession, but rather promotes a health interchange of ideas. (MM)

The study provided a composite picture of health-related tasks performed in one school district. Nurses were able to evaluate their current practices and recommend specific improvements in nursing actions. Other school districts seeking a profile of their involvement in health-related tasks may request copies of the questionnaire or the entire…

School administrators should develop a set of written policies and procedures to handle in-school medical emergencies until such time as a nurse or physician can be contacted or physically present. If medications are to be given during school hours, the school board should provide a clearly defined policy in this area. (MM)

The results of this study support the hypotheses that: 1. There is a behavioral difference between children with reading disabilities and children without reading disabilities; 2. A high risk population can be identified and helped so that both deviant behavior and reading disability can be averted; 3. Multidisciplinary resources are necessary to…

The school nurse should be able to identify the health needs of students and to facilitate remediation of health or handicapping conditions or to assist in adapting the school setting to students' needs. Requirements and activities expected of school nurses in the care of handicapped students are listed. (CJ)

A broader utilization of school nurse practitioners by school districts represents a cost-effective approach in meeting educational goals. School nurse practitioners provide extended nursing services to high risk children, assist in coordinating health services between the school and the child's parents, participate in classroom presentations on…