This study examined the extent of implementation of school health education curricula (smoking prevention) in 21 school districts, identifying factors that affected implementation. Middle school teachers received training on curriculum use. Results indicated that larger organizational size, teacher training, and a favorable organizational climate…

Describes development and implementation of a school-based substance abuse preventive intervention "systems approach" strategy. Interventions are selected and linked to existing school program/personnel components for reinforcement based on local needs assessment survey data. Modifications are ongoing corresponding to the results of a substance…

The University of California at Santa Barbara Reader's Theater program educates students about the prevention of alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and HIV through a live, dramatic script reading. Peer educators serve as both actors and follow-up workshop discussion facilitators. (SM)

This study evaluated the impact of a school-based nutrition teaching program on students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Modest use of the program "Nutrition for Life" related to modest attitude, behavior, and knowledge differences. Interactions among teacher assignment, nutrition teaching, and program use explained variations in…

Twenty-five articles on medical school curricula and physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutritional care, especially concerning heart disease and cholesterol control, were reviewed. It is concluded that nutrition education should occur in undergraduate clinical training and residency periods and that realistic nutrition…

Describes California's Moving Children Project which provides elementary teachers a structure to incorporate positive physical, mental, and social concepts about wellness into a physical education program. The project focuses on body movement, object control, implement control, and game structure, and children learn to apply its concepts to…

Childrens' psychological well-being is threatened by many of today's social ills. It is important to protect childrens' minds and let them consider schools a safe haven where they are supported, nurtured, and welcomed. Because many parents cannot foster self-esteem, teachers and schools must help students feel important. (SM)

Discusses who school health nurses are and what they can offer, noting that policymakers and administrators are looking to expand the roles of schools and the professionals within them to enhance child health. The article discusses new models for school health, examining inside nursing issues and policy and administrative contexts. (SM)

Current challenges in women's health in the United States are examined, and Public Health Service initiatives to address them are discussed. Regarding women's oral health, special attention in two areas is advised: (1) recruitment, retention, and career development of women in dental research and education; and (2) research on women's dental…

Resiliency research helps identify preventive measures for avoiding negative outcomes associated with stress. The article discusses what separates those who cope successfully with life's stressors from those who cope poorly. Health promotion programs must develop early preventions to avoid negative spirals in children before stressors permanently…

This position statement of the Association of Teacher Educators and the National Association for the Education of Young Children offers teacher educators and policymakers guidelines for ensuring that all children from birth through eight years of age and their families have access to qualified early childhood teachers. (BB)

The health care crisis faced by African Americans must be addressed by the nation as a whole with the same energy that erupts when a natural disaster occurs. On an individual basis, blacks can improve their own health with attention to child nurturing and personal nutrition. (SLD)

A review of statistics on the health status of young children in poverty and the conditions in which they live illustrates that the potential of a large portion of the next generation is being wasted. Some policies and programs are presented as incremental steps to protect poor children's health. (SLD)

The relationships between education and nutrition are addressed, with emphasis on the following: (1) research needed to help at-risk children; (2) policy recommendations to address the needs of at-risk children; and (3) innovative programs that address children's needs. Findings of a seminar on comprehensive social services for disadvantaged youth…

Describes the development and implementation of the Surgeon General's "Healthy Children Ready to Learn" initiative, which encourages parents to be their children's first teachers, requires nutrition and health care for all children, and emphasizes access to high quality preschool programs for disadvantaged and disabled children. (SM)