The primary aim of this book is to integrate findings on health and illness in adolescence. The book is geared towards those in the health psychology field as well as others concerned with the issues of adolescent health. It argues the value of following a developmental approach to the study of health or illness in general, and especially for…

A 1999 Core Alcohol and Drug Survey on a Midwest campus of a four-year institution found that 25 percent of students met the criteria for alcohol dependence at some point in their lives. These data were based on a 1998 report by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which estimated that 24.5 percent of young people who begin…

The Aberdeen (South Dakota) Area Indian Health Service has sponsored educational projects to reduce risk of HIV transmission via skin piercing and flesh offerings during traditional Sun Dance ceremonies. Projects emphasized universal precautions, provided medical supplies, and respected the sacredness of the ceremony. Evaluation indicates that…

Reviews changing patterns of health and illness that have led to increased interest in the role of patient and provider behaviors, discussing the advantages of using health care settings as prevention sites. Presents examples of successful behaviorally-based prevention programs, offering evidence supporting their cost-effectiveness. Describes…

Two community-based projects employed social marketing to design and implement interventions to promote health. The Arkansas project involved key informant interviews, actuarial analysis, citizen and student surveys, and participant observation. The Florida approach included focus groups and provider, worker, and employer surveys. (Contains 25…

Examined the purchase patterns of seven targeted foods under conditions in which prices of three high-fat foods were raised and prices of four low-fat foods were lowered in a high school cafeteria over 1 school year. Data collected on food sales and revenues supported the feasibility of a pricing strategy that offered low-fat foods at lower prices…

Describes the implementation of an in-home therapeutic recreation (TR) program with an elderly woman living in a naturally occurring retirement community (NORC) by a fourth-year TR student. The program helped meet her physical, social, and cognitive needs and re-stimulate her interests. Results suggest that in-home TR can be beneficial, and TR…

In Italy, adults aged 50-76 were trained to transmit medical information to other elders. Results were compared with a group who received information from physicians. Quality of life, health promotion, and social life issues were investigated. (SK)

Describes Idaho cooperative extension projects funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Decisions for Health Initiatives, focusing on community development and health. Explains how the projects succeed with limited funding and resources. (SK)

The development of a women's literacy and health project in Canada was based on research linking literacy, health, and income; the relationship between literacy and health promotion; and the value of participatory education for health promotion. (SK)

Discusses body image among adolescents, explaining that today's adolescents are more prone to body image distortions and dissatisfaction than ever and examining the historical context; how self-image develops; normative discontent; body image distortions; body dysmorphic disorder (BDD); vulnerability of boys (muscle dysmorphia); who is at risk;…

Examined personal characteristics and expanded health belief model (EHBM) constructs associated with osteoporosis- protective behaviors among college women. Survey results indicated that the EHBM was useful in evaluating osteoporosis- protective behavior. High numbers of women did not meet current exercise and calcium guidelines. Exercise…

Capacity, defined as knowledge, skills, commitment, and resources of individuals and organizations to plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion, was measured through surveys of 27 health-care practitioners and organizations in Saskatchewan. Results were used to develop checklists of organizational capacity for health promotion. (Contains 18…

Presents a framework for teaching epidemiology to middle school students. The curriculum, "Detectives in the Classroom," addresses five essential questions: 'Why Are Some People Getting Sick While Others Remain Healthy?;''Is There an Association between the Hypothesized Cause and the Disease?;''Is This Association Causal?;''What Should Be Done…

Nursing faculty initiated a partnership with a homeless shelter through which nursing students experienced community nursing and health promotion. Lessons learned from partnership development included the importance of ongoing dialogue and negotiation and clarification of expectations and responsibilities. (SK)