Finland gives a high priority to the importance of physical activity as a means to health and fitness. The curriculum in elementary and secondary schools is outlined, and the preparation of physical education teachers, coaches, and sports instructors is described. (MT)

This article describes the need for research on the health status of college students. It reviews selected research that focuses on health instruction and university students and provides suggestions for the design of future research. (Author/JAZ)

Lack of data on mental health status of Blacks precludes effective prevention programing. Any prevention program must reflect the social, psychological, and physical milieu of the individual, but ideological biases toward preventive health often deny the importance of political factors that create an environment in the Black community that is…

Addresses the following issues confronting health and safety in child care: minimizing injuries, controlling diseases, managing classroom environment, and promoting health. (HOD)

This article discusses health issues and problems involving school-age children. Defines the population of concern, discusses societal changes and their factors influencing childrens' health, describes the scope and resources of health services, defines system organization and interrelationships, and suggests priorities for future action. (DF)

The effects of health status on schooling attainment and earnings of young males are considered. Findings revealed that those with the most severe health problems obtain 20 percent less schooling than their healthy counterparts, and hourly earnings are reduced 17 percent directly and indirectly by health problems. (TE)

To be truly common, schools must recognize health and health education as major responsibilities. A three-stage health program model looks promising: (1) data collection at the local school district level; (2) data analysis and the development of goals for dealing with identified problems; and (3) health services, in school or through referrals.…

Article considers the mental health needs of ethnic groups--especially those that comprise the largest segment of Middle America--and the factors to be aware of in fulfilling those needs. (Author/RK)

Argues that the greatest impediment to improving the lives of America's children is the myth of a child-oriented society, already doing all that needs to be done. Unmet needs are described in the areas of prenatal care, nutrition, child abuse, juvenile justice, and foster care. Recommendations for ameliorative action are made. (MS)

This report summarizes the association of welfare sanctions--benefits terminated or reduced for failure to comply with behavioral requirements--with the health and food security of children younger than 3 years of age in 6 large U.S. cities (Baltimore, Boston, Little Rock, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.). Information for the report…

Recent research points to public schools as the major providers of mental health services for school-aged children. The current study, "School Mental Health Services in the United States, 2002-2003," provides the first national survey of mental health services in a representative sample of the approximately 83,000 public elementary, middle, and…

This book examines the relationship between adolescent risk-taking behaviors and health. The health-related problems of adolescents frequently are manifestations of social, economic, or behavioral factors. Following an overview (Siegal), the chapters in the first section of the book explore general and conceptual issues: (1) "Epidemiology of…

This report discusses the health care needs of and benefits for women, children, and adolescents in light of national health care reform proposals put forth in 1994, and is based on presentations and discussions at an invitational workshop on maternal and child health. The report asserts that since women and children are disproportionately…

Noting that children with special health care needs (CSHCN) make up one of every six children eligible for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), this study examined how SCHIP responded to the needs of children with chronic illnesses and disabilities. This qualitative study was based on the implementation experiences in 18 states.…

This report examines data on differences between 1997 and 1999 recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Data came from two rounds of the National Survey of America's Families. The number of single parents on welfare who reported living with a partner doubled between 1997 and 1999. There was no change in the proportion of…