Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a centralised referral mechanism (CRM) upon the number and type of "inappropriate referrals" made to a countywide physical activity referral scheme. Design: Case study. Method: Phase 1: Hierarchical Content Analysis of 458 "inappropriate referrals" made to a countywide scheme over a…

Background: Obesity and the health problems associated with it have substantial economic consequences for health care systems. Little information is available concerning obesity-related problems among people with intellectual disabilities. The aims of this study were to analyse patterns of obesity among children and adolescents with intellectual…

Studies show that childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Today, more than 23 million American children--or nearly one in every three--are overweight or obese. If childhood obesity is left unaddressed, a generation of individuals could face health, social, and economic challenges that promise to stress government…

Given the unprecedented global incidence of overweight in children, the issues that potentially create and sustain a circumstance of epidemic childhood overweight, and the efforts that are underway to prevent and remediate childhood overweight need to be examined. The article explores potentially interrelated causes of obesity/overweight in…

Adolescent obesity is positively associated with soft drink consumption. We investigated the association of social-environmental and individual-level factors with soft drink consumption in a Dutch adolescent sample. Data were gathered in a longitudinal Dutch adolescent sample (n = 208, 62% girls). Soft drink consumption, social cognitions from the…

This training guide is intended to increase the understanding and skills of Head Start managers and directors to: (1) identify the ways in which employee health affects the organization's effectiveness; (2) design training programs that encourage employees to improve their own health; (3) understand how the organization contributes to the overall…

Behavioral strategies were used to teach exercise and weight control habits, and were combined with diet planning, nutrition education, and a strenuous physical education program in a residential summer camp, to successfully bring about a significant reduction in body fat and heart disease risk of obese boys, 8-18 years old. (Author/JDD)

This report summarizes expert panel presentations and large and small group discussions focused on identifying educational opportunities as part of a public education effort to prevent obesity. Panel 1 reported on the epidemiology of obesity and cardiovascular disease, including obesity in both children and adults. Panel 2 reported on…

This sixth annual report card is produced to heighten awareness of the health of the children of North Carolina by summarizing important child health indicators. The report is intended to assist health administrators, legislators, and family advocates in their efforts to improve the health and safety of children statewide. Data are presented for…

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and threatens to impact the health and wellbeing of numerous children and adolescents. The number of overweight youth has more than doubled since the early 1970s. Today, approximately 13 percent of children and adolescents, nearly 5.3 million youth, are seriously overweight. Since most…

Diabetes among American Indians has become epidemic since World War II, due to dietary changes and a possible genetic predisposition. Innovative community-based programs teach prevention and management of diabetes through exercise, diet, and blood sugar monitoring. Traditional American Indian lifestyles and diets prevented diabetes. Sidebars…

Discusses the critical role of the early interventionist in working with young children with Down syndrome and their families. Reviews physical problems that the children may have, including growth and dental problems, medical disorders, and medical problems that need monitoring. (CR)

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Growth and Health Study Research Group's 5-year cohort study provides basic information on the baseline cohort of 1,166 white and 1,213 African-American girls aged 9 through 10 years. Factors associated with development of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors are assessed. (SLD)

Studied the extent to which friends influenced the prejudices and stereotypes of white adolescents by evaluating race, homosexuality, HIV/AIDS, fat prejudice, and sex-role stereotyping. Found friends' prejudices and stereotypes were not associated. Examined possible explanations including discussion among friends, lack of questioning of apparent…

Youth today face many health, educational, and social challenges not experienced at such epidemic levels by previous generations of young people. By providing collaborative, comprehensive services that address student needs and promote learning and healthy development, a coordinated school health team can help students succeed in school, as well…