The number of poor elderly Blacks and the cost of health care are increasing. Even with Medicare there are out of pocket expenses for those who are least able to pay. Since racial bias may be a factor in triage, the best approach to reducing medical costs is prevention. (VM)

"In Control: A Home Video Freedom from Smoking Program" was sent to 101 participants. Of 53 completing self-treatment, 31 were verified as abstinent one month after completion. Of those completing treatment, 40 percent had not smoked three months prior to 12-month follow-up, and 30 percent had been abstinent during the past 11 months.…

Examined health concerns of 278 urban junior high school students. Highest levels of concerns pertained to dental health, friendships, nutrition, and sex; lowest levels pertained to smoking, birth control, pregnancy, and homosexuality. Younger, female, and less healthy students expressed greater health concerns. (Author/NB)

Based on premise that people are more receptive to nursing care that is in harmony with their own cultural outlook on health. Identifies cultural needs and beliefs of 191 pregnant Navajo women. Finds key indicators separating transitional from traditional Navajo are not same as indicators separating transitional from modern Navajos. (NEC)

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…