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)

Children need to protect their eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection can help enhance the eye's ability to filter out damaging rays, but sunglasses without such protection may allow in more harmful rays. The article presents guidelines to help parents select safe, appropriate sunglasses for their children.…

Parents and children need to learn about bicycle maintenance and safety to keep bicycles fit and safe. The article presents a checklist of important bicycle equipment safety items and makes suggestions about how parents and children can learn more about bicycle safety and maintenance. (SM)

A project to improve health professionals' education focused on changing the academic/institutional context by resolving problems in developing clinical teaching and on changing the social context through university-community collaboration and collection of information about community health needs. (SK)

This last installment of articles addressing preparation of day hikers and backpackers discusses the importance of drinking plenty of purified water; how to keep food safe from animals; the necessity of carrying a flashlight, first aid kit, and compass; actions to take when someone is injured; and being prepared for any kind of weather. (LP)

Casa en Casa, a popular education project of an Oakland, California, community health clinic, has two key weaknesses: volunteers received little orientation to the role of health promoter, and promoters were given content knowledge without development of the skills needed to use it. (SK)

A case study of the use of ethnographic approaches in community organization and development demonstrates their utility in achieving health empowerment among communities of color. The importance of citizen participation in community-based health initiatives is stressed. (SK)

Snuff consumption is the only tobacco consumption on the rise in the United States. Doctors are most concerned about adolescent use. They recommend educational efforts begin with boys 8-10 years old. The article discusses a nationwide campaign, "Through with Chew Week," which urges young people to avoid all smokeless tobacco. (SM)

Presents stress management strategies for coaches, focusing on what stress is, how it affects the body, and what to do to minimize the effects of stress on health. The article explains on- and off-the-job stress factors so coaches can recognize potential stress situations and handle them as they occur. (SM)

Responds to previous articles on counseling psychology and health service by raising issues for consideration concerning involvement of health psychology in health care. Considers the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions, the impact of new services on health care costs, and the role of counseling psychologists in relation to other…

A control group of 86 frail elderly received standard personal care at home; a group of 81 received care and developed personal health plans with a nurse. After three years, the success rate (alive and still cared for at home) was 75 percent for the treatment group and 59 percent for the control group. (SK)

Fitness trails for senior adults are being developed in retirement communities and community parks nationwide to enhance total fitness through activities that build cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, strength, and balance. Recreation planners must create fitness trails that are interesting, enjoyable, safe, and appropriate for the senior…

A methodology is presented for estimating daily intake of dietary fat and fiber based on limited food frequency data. The procedure, which relies on National Food Consumption Survey data and daily consumption rates, can provide baseline estimates of dietary patterns for health promotion policymakers. (SLD)

Presents current information on exercise, immunity, and infection in athletes and active people, focusing on well-established immunologic changes and practical clinical aspects of common infections. The article also guides physicians on what to advise active and athletic patients. (SM)