Descriptive data from 309 South Africans aged 60 and older showed that self-care skills and health practices are a mixture of Western and traditional thinking. A health education and screening project was designed to empower older adults in self-care. (SK)

Health and medical researchers have conclusively proven that smoking and secondhand smoke constitute a major health danger. Students get mixed messages when school staff smoke or use other tobacco products on campus. This article advocates a total ban on tobacco use in school settings, offers policymaking guidelines, summarizes state legislation,…

Telephone surveys queried frequency of fruit and vegetable intake as well as attitudes about and knowledge of fruits and vegetables among adults. Fruit and vegetable intake was lower than the recommended minimum of five daily servings. Intake was higher among women, nonsmokers, and those with higher education and income. (SM)

The Health Promotion and Education Council of Virginia became an effective advocate by incorporating elements of the theory of innovation diffusion, such as working through opinion leaders, creating information exchange relationships, tailoring attributes of the innovation to achieve objectives, and communicating the innovation to legislators. (SK)

At 16 senior centers, studied effectiveness of exercise and cognitive-behavioral programs, compared to discussion control program, in reducing falls and injuries among 230 older adults. After one year of programs, observed no significant difference in time to first fall among groups. Secondary outcome measures such as strength, balance, fear of…

Presents a series of exercises to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful hand disorder caused by stressful and repetitive motions. (SM)

Describes Lyme disease, which is spread most commonly by the deer tick; indicates symptoms, preventive measures, diagnosis, and treatment. (SM)

Because schools are large employers, they are appropriate locations for worksite health promotion. The article describes how cholesterol screening introduced such a program into one school system with the assistance of key community systems. Of 1,639 employees, 74 percent underwent cholesterol screening. (SM)

Evaluated innovative corporate-sponsored health care program for retired employees and their dependents. Program included multidisciplinary heath care team, care coordination and referral, and health promotion workshops. Of 111 participants, 95% reported that participation helped them maintain or improve their health through increased knowledge…

A review of 19 studies on Native Americans examined 12 focused on chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, substance abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome) and 7 on prevention (dental disease, prenatal/infant health, nutrition, HIV prevention, health promotion). Results showed Native Americans particularly at risk for diabetes and alcohol abuse and…

Explored differences in wellness behavior between students who were selected as resident assistants and those who were not selected, after accounting for influence of self-esteem, grade point average, and leadership ability. Results from 117 resident assistant applicants revealed differences in wellness behavior, as measured by Lifestyle…

Describes five types of acne and stresses the importance of appropriate treatment. Some dermatologists believe diet is critical in improving acne. Other treatments include the use of drying lotions and soaps, astringents, abrasive cleansers, prescription drugs, face peels, and dermabrasion. (SM)

Researchers assessed the health education and promotion backgrounds, classroom practices, and attitudes about health education of 286 elementary educators. Survey results indicated teachers performed some health instruction and understood student health needs, but most had little formal training in the area and did not attend inservice workshops…

As personal fitness trainers move into the mainstream, physicians are increasingly recommending them to patients as part of ongoing health programs. Personal trainers provide personalized fitness programs, including exercise prescriptions and guidelines and nutrition information. The article explains how physicians can find qualified trainers for…

Environmental or second-hand smoke can have serious effects on children. Many smokers are more likely to consider quitting if they know they are causing harm to their children and families. Physicians must take the time to point out the dangers of passive smoking to parents who smoke. (SM)