A cost-effectiveness evaluation of an Arthritis Self-Management Program assessed direct and indirect costs through self-reporting of health services use. Diminished productivity and effectiveness were measured through a visual analog scale and the health status dimensions of the Canadian Medical Outcomes Study short form. (JOW)

Strength training is an effective method of developing musculoskeletal strength and is often prescribed for fitness, health, and for prevention and rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries. This paper describes and presents a rationale for the population-specific strength training guidelines established by major health organizations. (SM)

Highlights one strategy to improve health promotion delivery and generate better outcomes by creating "Microcultures of Meaning" (MOMs), which are intended to provide a context to help people learn and take action. The issue introduces key theoretical concepts associated with the MOM methodology, describes the scientific rationale, discusses…

Evaluated outcomes in selected Australian schools of an intervention project, Health Promoting Schools (promoted by the World Health Organization). Found that studied schools moved beyond oppositional constructions of health and education towards approaching health as an element of effective schooling. (EV)

Notes the rise of the harm-reduction model in the provision of substance abuse services and the history and success of syringe exchange programs. Describes the Xchange Point, a nonprofit community-based AIDS services organization founded in 1996 as a street-based outreach and syringe exchange program. (Contains 15 references.) (GCP)

Explored the relationship between the 1998 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) weight guidelines and concurrent medical costs among 177,971 employees, retirees, and adult dependents from a nationwide manufacturing corporation. Results indicated that the six weight groups defined by the NHLBI guidelines were consistent with concurrent…

Four lay health workers on two American Indian reservations were trained to present a diabetes curriculum while coordinating and guiding group discussion in "talking circles"--a culturally appropriate intervention. Facilitator interviews discussed their "calling" and commitment to the work and to Indian people, their journey of…

Describes use of Environmental Protection Agency's Tools for Schools tool kit to improve indoor air quality aimed specifically at eliminating asthma triggers such as dust mites and mold. Includes several examples of school district efforts to reduce or eliminate student health problems associated with poor indoor air quality. (PKP)

Students of child health nursing conducted weekly preschool health promotion activities for children in homeless shelters. They also organized a health fair and interviewed family members to learn about their coping strategies and help they develop healthy strategies. (SK)

Nursing students planned and implemented a project to ascertain the HIV risk knowledge of homeless people and increase participation in testing. The intervention included getting acquainted with clients, learning about their knowledge level through conversation, and reinforcing information with environmental cues. (SK)

A national survey found that 46 of 91 responding university home economics units offered 104 wellness and health promotion courses. Although most respondents felt that wellness and health promotion are part of home economics' mission, surprisingly few offer related programs. (SK)

Outlines models for health education and community interventions targeted at reducing human immunodeficiency virus-Type 1 transmission. Notes significant gains made with regard to sexual practices among homosexual and bisexual men in some acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epicenters. Stresses need for more programs to address other high-risk…

Employees of four manufacturing plants who were at risk because of high blood pressure, obesity, or smoking were periodically contacted by wellness counselors. Over a three-year period, seven strategies for behavior change were used. High blood pressure clients were most likely to begin risk reduction actions. Frequency of followup showed positive…

Reviews the role of college health within a broad context and urges a fresh approach to meet the diverse health challenges at colleges and universities today. Identifies various program implications related to the future of college health practice. (Author/TE)

Although much more research is needed to determine the exact nature of health benefits derived from child physical activity, it is clear that physical education professionals must motivate students to incorporate physical activity in their daily lives to reduce their risk of developing inactivity-related health problems in adulthood. (Author/CB)