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…

The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance to interested Maine communities, school officials, parents, students and health care providers in the development of School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs). The manual outlines the mission and goals of an SBHC and makes detailed suggestions on the structure of a community-based advisory council to…

The duties and responsibilities of education authorities and schools in Scotland with regard to pupils who are absent for health reasons are unclear in comparison to other UK countries. This study examined in-school and out-of-school learning contexts for Scottish pupils, ages 5 through 18 years, with medical conditions of sufficient severity and…

A study involving low-income mothers in Los Angeles showed that barriers to the utilization of preventive services were reinforced by alienation. (DM)

Analyzes the deficiencies in the provision of medical services in the United States, and proposes an ideal system of health care stressing regional health centers and hospitals, supported from general tax revenues and administered on a decentralized basis with central monitoring. (JM)

Analysis of the crisis in our nation's health care delivery system, and efforts being made for prompt correction. (IR)

This Children's Defense Fund report summarizes findings of a national survey, which indicate detrimental effects of Federal budget cuts in health care funds on economically disadvantaged mothers and children. Suggests that health funds for mothers and children are more important than defense expenditures and tax cuts for the non-needy. (MJL)

Since children as young as seven years old can suffer from hypertension, all children should have blood pressure checked during physical examinations. Guidelines for testing children's blood pressure are presented along with suggestions about what schools and parents can do to help deal with the problem. (PP)

Concepts, such as nutrition density, that teachers need to understand to teach children good nutrition are explained. Teachers can use food diaries, protein picture charts, and class discussions about health problems related to excessive sugar and fats to instill healthy eating habits in their students. (PP)

In European countries, schools are spending increasing amounts of time on academic subjects, while less time is devoted to social and health education. School health services, strategies for curriculum change, and professional preparation of teachers are discussed in light of this situation. (CJ)

A junior college nursing student surveyed fellow students on their past exposure to health education and their interest in having such a course on campus. Results indicated both a need for and interest in a course. The course "Health Maintenance through the Life Cycle" was developed as a result of the survey. (PP)