Advocates a wellness paradigm, maximizing of human potential through positive lifestyle choices, as a philosophical base for counseling and development. Examines six premises that suggest counseling and development professionals already are engaging in wellness interventions. Suggests action steps to affirm a commitment to the wellness philosophy.…

Results from a study of 82 males provide no statistical support and limited encouragement that genetic risk information may motivate persons to make positive changes in preventive health behaviors. Health risk assessments were used to identify subjects at risk for coronary heart disease or lung cancer because of genetic factors. (IAH)

Recreational watercraft paddlers are susceptible to problems ranging from simple contusions and blisters to drowning. Most of these problems can be prevented by simple precautions, such as proper technique, good warmup, carrying first-aid kits, wearing personal flotation devices, and respecting the environment. (Author/SM)

Patients with chronic conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity might benefit from prescribed exercise. Although exercise does not reverse pathologic changes, it may play a role in disease management. (JD)

Notes that counseling profession has adopted wellness concept. Sees concepts of wellness and holism affiliating to create holistic health. Identifies five major tenets of wellness and holistic health: the system of interrelated systems; optimal functioning; preventative approach; personal responsibility; and a healthy lifestyle. Discusses each…

A researcher observed older adults participating in planning meetings and a Search Conference to identify community needs. Participants were successfully engaged in addressing important health and social needs. Participant observation was validated as a flexible, effective means of collecting data on older persons whose circumstances might make…

Skin cancer is the fastest increasing cancer, and children receive 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18. Campers should apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 daily, 20 minutes before going outdoors and again every 2 hours. Seven strategies for preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of developing skin cancer are…

The effectiveness of a sexual-education and health-promotion program for 252 women with mental retardation was analyzed using an evaluation model. Three factors (hygiene, social interaction, and sexual experience) affected sexual knowledge directly. An increase in sexual knowledge was associated with a greater number of instructional contacts.…

Over 1 million new cases of skin cancer are expected in the U.S. this year. Education about and adherence to sun safety practices can help prevent skin cancer. This paper describes types of skin cancer, what the ultraviolet (UV) radiation index is, who is at risk, sun safety practices, tips for children, and strategies for parks and recreation…

Recommends that art therapists inform themselves about the many art-and-healing activities available throughout the country and interact in useful ways for the profession. Urges therapists to claim their role as artists by entering the art world more actively through writing in art journals, speaking at art forums, and increasing the number of…

Focus group discussions with Native-American adolescents aged 11 to 17 in Oklahoma examined why teen smokers started smoking, family and peer influences on smoking, reasons for continuing to smoke, reasons not to smoke, effectiveness of strategies to prevent adolescents from smoking, and awareness of the health risks of smoking. (SV)

Health education, health promotion, and prevention are defined. The use of planning models in health education, meta-analysis, the quality of the intervention as a determinant of effectiveness, and the relevance of systematic implementation to the target population are discussed. Recommendations to increase the effectiveness of interventions are…

The measurement of "consumer awareness" in health promotion campaigns is discussed. Seven effectiveness evaluations are reviewed. Problem areas, including interpretation of differently phrased awareness questions and response bias, are discussed. Recommendations for overcoming common problems are made, and an open discussion based on…

Focus groups with 128 mothers in 14 Appalachian counties in 10 states examined the women's attitudes toward their own and their children's smoking and use of smokeless tobacco, their willingness to act to protect their children's health, their ability to influence their children's behavior, and their reactions to various tobacco prevention…

Investigated three models of relationships between African self-consciousness, health consciousness, and health-promoting behaviors among African American college students. The models included the mediator model, moderator model, and independent model. Surveys of 80 students supported the independent model, suggesting that African…