This guide to developing a physical fitness and wellness program for preschool children with disabilities stresses a holistic approach to wellness, the importance of play choices and food preferences, play experiences which develop spiritual values and ethics, emotional health, social development, and intellectual aspects of development. (DB)

Presents data on the effect of peer education in promoting healthy behaviors, particularly related to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, discussing how high-risk behavior decreases life chances, how peer education reduces high-risk behaviors, how teens find peer educators more credible than adult educators, how peer education is a…

Latinas are nearly three times more likely to acquire AIDS than other women in the U.S. Structural equation models were used to test predictor and mediator variables, sex-related outcomes, and behavior. Interview data were used. Acculturation, age, and marriage were associated with risks. Theoretical models and strategies are needed. (Author/EMK)

The Kennedy Center at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University is one of 12 Mental Retardation Research Centers (MRRCs) constructed by the federal government. Several major discoveries in mental retardation have come from MRCCs. The Kennedy Center is unique in its focus on education integrated with a university and medical school environment,…

Evaluation of professional performance in health promotion as well as the patient encounter itself should be placed in the broader context of the health care system as it occurs in the world. Integrating medical and non-medical aspects of care is a prerequisite to a good relationship with the patient. (Author/EMK)

This letter comments on other articles in this issue regarding clinical health promotion as the link between health promotion and patient education. Three criticisms are discussed: (1) the health illness continuum and the power of professional groups; (2) the theory practice gap; (3) the victim-blaming trap. (EMK)

Health-care practitioners generally lack counseling skills. Article introduces general principles of counseling, emphasizing client-centeredness, cooperative role relations, unconstrained interaction, and goal-oriented proceeding are emphasized. Methods to be used in health care to promote physical activity are related to counselor skill and…

Too many U.S. children are out of shape. Parents must help them learn to improve their fitness by exercising with them. The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently made physical fitness of the nation's children a primary emphasis. A sidebar presents information on how to contact local mayors to start up programs to help children improve their fitness.…

Reviews the detrimental effects of adolescent tobacco use and stresses the importance of prevention efforts targeting youth at school, discussing characteristics of effective school-based approaches and the unique aspects of peer teaching and peer leadership programs. Research suggests that peer-led tobacco prevention programs can foster desirable…

Describes Students Teaching AIDS to Students (STATS), a program that involved medical students teaching middle and high school students about AIDS and HIV, focusing on its implementation in one New Jersey school district. STATS required one classroom period to address HIV/AIDS prevalence, prevention, and common questions and misconceptions, and it…

Discusses the development of American pediatric medicine and its relationship to children's health and public health movements in the early 20th century, describing living conditions during that time and examining developments that impacted child health: dispensaries and milk stations for impoverished children, campaigns to educate parents about…

Outlines four steps to improve social skills interventions that take advantage of the unique environments of schools and increase the likelihood that social skills interventions can achieve individualization and generalization. The four steps are: identifying key skills; teaching the skill in isolation; practicing in controlled settings; and…

TAR WARS is an interactive, anti-tobacco program for fifth graders designed to promote positive health choices by increasing students' awareness of attitudes regarding tobacco use and the effects of tobacco on the body. The program encourages health care provider involvement in community health activities and mobilizes community support against…

Evaluated the effectiveness of a prenatal-education program in increasing prenatal care utilization, improving maternal weight gain, and reducing low-birthweight births among adolescents. Data from weekly program reports and state vital statistics and health services information indicated that program participants were less likely to have…

The children's crisis in the U.S., along with the looming crisis in physical education, suggests that it is time to mobilize, plan, and act collaboratively and strategically. This paper raises critical questions that teachers, teacher educators, and researchers must consider and answer responsibly if physical education is to fulfill its social…