The success of public health efforts to improve the health status of all Americans depends substantially on the success of health education that promotes positive lifestyles and develops effective decision-making skills among children and adolescents. Health problems confronting American youth are identified, and private sector and federal…

Three guiding principles provide the planner of aquatic exercise programs with a model that helps to ensure an effective program: principles of resource availability and allocation; the principle of fit, which involves matching instructor leadership style with program objectives; and the principle of attitude and perception modification. (IAH)

Findings from 526 men who patronized gay bars revealed that perceived peer norms concerning acceptability of safer sex practices, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome health locus of control scores, risk behavior knowledge, age, and accuracy of personal risk estimation, but not personal human immunodeficiency virus serostatus knowledge, were…

Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays to detect chlamydial cervicitis were performed on samples from 1,320 sexually active university women. Seventy-five had positive tests. Demographic, history, symptom, and physical examination variables were insufficient to predict infection accurately. Concludes that screening during routine visits with this…

A school-based cholesterol-reduction intervention for primary grade students in New York City public schools offered a workshop to teach those with high total serum cholesterol values to identify negative health consequences of high-fat diets. Results indicate that school-site cholesterol reduction interventions for high-risk individuals are…

The role of teachers in helping fight against drug abuse is discussed stressing the teacher's ability to see changes in the students and the potential for positive influence. A vital school role involves teaching life skills and wellness principles. Information on commonly abused drugs and their effects is presented. (SM)

Factors that contribute to the existing gap between Black and White health status are presented. Background information on the Black family, professional preparation of Blacks in the health professions, health service delivery to Blacks, and implications of existing conditions for health education are discussed. IAH)

A study of 56 fifth graders found the traditional physical education approach (game techniques and fundamentals) was ineffective in improving scores on a health-related physical fitness test. Modification of the same sport (basketball) with conditioning exercises to improve cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal function, produced improvement in…

This article describes a health promotion demonstration project which addressed the health problem of hypertension, as related to variables of excercise, weight, blood pressure measurement and reduction, medication compliance, and nutritional practices. Participants (N=18) were senior citizens who were associated with a small, rural, predominantly…

Examines the ways in which personal social education and health education serve as integral components of health promotion in all its various dimensions. Offers a conceptual map for understanding the role of these two areas of education in determining health policy. Critiques governmental policy relative to this issue. (KO)

An effective implementation program to achieve drug-free schools and communities meets the needs of students at various stages of drug use and abuse. Prevention, early intervention, and referral strategies are components of the five-phase research based comprehensive planning approach for K-12 students described in this article. (IAH)

The article examines cultural pressure for extreme thinness in the United States and its impact as a possible predisposing factor for developing eating disorders among adolescent females. Preventive strategies are recommended to help adolescents balance this pressure and their own desire for attractiveness within the larger context of good health.…

This article contains three sections: (1) a literature review demonstrating that powerlessness is linked to disease and empowerment to health; (2) an exposition of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire's empowering education theory with a comparison to traditional health education; and (3) a case study of an empowering education substance abuse…

Surveys of adolescent alcohol abuse prevention task force members found that members who were more satisfied with the task force and lived in the community less time spent more time on task force work. Satisfaction was greater for those who perceived more personal and community influence on the task force. (SM)

Describes an initiative that offered smokers nicotine replacement along with smoking cessation and overall wellness interventions. The intervention included weekly smoking education sessions and round table discussions, dietary fat restriction, and nicotine replacement. Participant questionnaires indicated the program helped, but the decision to…