This article describes the Preconceptional Intervention Program, a model used among women in 12 Florida counties who are at high risk for low birth-weight delivery. Preconceptional intervention identifies high risk women, provides educational programs, and provides adequate preconceptional and prenatal medical care. (IAH)

Perceived exertion scales, based on subjective perception of energy output, are gaining respect as prescribing and monitoring tools for individual exercise programs. A review of recent literature indicates growing research interest in applications for individuals who are elderly, inactive, or subject to medical conditions such as angina. (IAH)

Administered the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to measure level of anxiety and health behavior among adolescents (n=238) in Northern Ireland. Analysis of the findings showed that these teenagers had no higher anxiety than a sample of North American teenagers. Anxiety was correlated with a variety of health complaints and with the use of the health…

Objectives and activities of the cardiovascular (CV) fitness program Super Kids--Superfit are related in this article. This exercise program is one component of the Heart Smart Program, a CV health intervention model for elementary school students. Program evaluation, parent education, and school and community intervention strategies are…

This article describes "Physical Best," a physical fitness educational plan that provides teachers with a plan designed to educate children to be physically fit for the rest of their lives. (IAH)

Findings from a study based on interviews with 141 first-grade, third-grade, and kindergarten students indicate that the primary stressors perceived by these students are school work and peer relationships. The coping strategies most often mentioned by these children were social support and acceptance, direct action, and distraction. (IAH)

This article describes Wellness Weekend workshops, a collaborative effort between Texas A & M University and 13 Texas school districts. Eighty participants, including principals, teachers, support staff, and central office administrators received a literal and physical immersion into the concepts of health promotion. (IAH)

Describes a peer helping program that targets prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among incarcerated youth within the context of the National Peer Helper Association's Standards for Peer Programs. The program emphasizes the relative and reciprocal influences among behavioral, personal, and environmental variables hypothesized to…

The process of a 1992 consensus conference that examined relationships among physical activity, fitness, and health variables is described. The conference involved internationally known scientists with relevant expertise. The paper discusses potential sources of physical activity, the benefits of physical activity, the possible harmful effects of…

Data on the dose-response gradient for the relation of physical activity or physical fitness to health and function are reviewed, refuting the idea that physical activity programs are either exercise for health or for fitness and suggesting that the key factor is the total energy expenditure of the activity. (SM)

Introduces the Communication Enhancement Model, which promotes health in old age by stressing recognition of individualized cues, modification of communication to suit individual needs and situations, appropriate assessment of problems, and empowerment of both elders and providers. Discusses application of the model for two high-risk groups,…

Recent federal and state initiatives have analyzed American health needs and highlighted strategies for improvement. This article describes a collaborative partnership model that links academia with health practitioners in preparing health educators. The Baylor University health education model continues pragmatic traditions of American higher…

The union of sports and tobacco represents a multimillion dollar enterprise. Recent litigation, the Federal Trade Commission v. Pinkerton Tobacco Company, jeopardizes sport sponsorship agreements. Tobacco advertising may no longer be displayed anywhere during televised sporting events. (SM)

Study tested the effect of exercise programs on bone mineral content (BMC) and BMC/bone width in 31 postmenopausal women. Subjects were placed in groups with aerobic exercise, aerobics plus upper-body weight training, or no exercise. Results indicate that regular exercise programs positively affect bone mineral maintenance in postmenopausal women.…

Interviews with 20 physicians caring for coronary high-risk male patients highlighted the importance of family involvement and support systems to health promotion. Physicians' behavior must consider the complex interaction of the personal, professional, and social cultures of practitioners, patients, and the health care environment. (SK)