Results of three national surveys suggest that the prevalence of drinking was lower in nonmetropolitan areas than in metropolitan areas. However, nonmetro and metro areas were similar in the presence of risk for heavy, dependent, and problem drinking. Therefore, they probably share similar risks for health consequences of such levels of…

The results of an HEW study of athletic injuries and deaths in high schools and colleges and related data on collegiate athletics-related injuries and care are examined. Data-reporting problems and recommendations regarding the role of government in sports are discussed. (JMD)

Examined relations between children's temperament, ability overestimation, and accidental injuries. Found that watching peer failure on physical tasks was related to conservative ability judgments for same task. Surgency/Undercontrol was related to 6-year-olds' judgment accuracy and to 8-year-olds' decision times. Ability overestimation was…

This study examined the impact on 44 families of children who had suffered severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) within the past month. It found that families experienced significantly more injury-related stress and higher levels of psychological symptoms than 52 families of children with moderate TBI and 69 families of children with orthopedic…

A sample of 15,686 students in grades 6 through 10 in public and private schools completed a self-report survey in 1998 of weapon carrying, weapon carrying in school, physical fighting, and being injured in a physical fight. Involvement ranged from 13 percent to 23 percent of boys and 4 percent to 11 percent of girls. Concludes bullying is a…

Discusses the origins of biological risks and their potential consequences for prepregnancy, prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal periods. Presents epidemiological data. Addresses issues of assessment of infant development and interventions provided for infants whose development is at risk. Highlights goals for prevention. A nationally derived data…

The National Head Injury Foundation was established to address financial and personal issues involved with brain injury. The Foundation's action agenda emphasizes prevention, public awareness, public policy, public attitudes, social-political action, professional growth, information/referral, guidance on research needs, and a forum for diverse…

A case study is used to demonstrate the effects of mild traumatic brain injury on educational efforts. Discussion covers factors complicating school reintegration, ways to facilitate school reintegration, identification of cognitive and behavioral consequences, minimization of educators' discomfort, reintegration program design, and family…

This New Zealand study examined attitudes toward persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) via a survey of 35 people with SCI, 27 SCI rehabilitation workers, 16 outpatient hospital rehabilitation workers, and 37 people from the general population. Results were analyzed in terms of age, ethnic identity, gender, professional training, and amount of…

The Conners Rating Scale was used to identify psychoeducational, neuropsychological, and sociobehavioral variables in attempting to define subtypes within a population of 95 children (mean age 10.6 years) with learning disabilities (LD) or documented brain damage. Results supported the sociobehavioral component in LD subtyping and parallels…

Lists several common physical fitness exercises that may cause more harm than good (both physically and emotionally). Physical educators must be aware of the dangers of certain exercises and activities. The article examines problems with inappropriate warmups, peer team selection, exercise as punishment, elimination games, and standing in line.…

Demographic impacts of meeting the National Health Objectives for 2000 were studied using life-table methods. Meeting the targets would increase life expectancy at birth by 1.5-2.1 years to 76.6-77.2 years. Modifying the coronary heart disease and unintentional injury targets to be more optimistic would further increase life expectancy. (SLD)

A study of fatal and nonfatal interpersonal violence-related injuries over one year in a poor African-American community in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) reveals that violence-related injury is the most common injury type for persons aged 15-49 years. Results yield dramatic evidence of the extent of urban violence for adults and children. (SLD)

A survey of 100 medical schools concerning training and preventive measures used to protect student health and safety found 60 percent felt students were adequately prepared to work safely; 11 percent did not. Over one-third planned to revise health and safety training. School adoption of policies, procedures, and uniform curriculum is…

This article considers the visual rehabilitation of patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries. Characteristics, symptoms, and associated neuromotor difficulties of posttrauma vision syndrome are listed, as are common posture and gait adaptations. A neuro-optometric rehabilitative and orientation/mobility evaluation is recommended, as is…