Last year's Foresight report on mental capital and wellbeing has prompted much debate on the emergence of wellbeing as a key aim of public policy. For adult learning, obliged for so many years to justify its existence in economic terms, this should be good news, but it will be hard to shift ministers away from a narrow notion of…

Taxation of tobacco is a widely used strategy that promotes smoking cessation among adults and reduces cigarette consumption among continuing smokers. First Nations (FN) populations' tobacco use is estimated to be 2-3 times that of other Canadians and, in part, a reflection that tobacco products purchased on reserve by FN people are tax exempt.…

Traditionally, vaccines have been associated with childhood. Historically, many of the most-feared communicable diseases attacked infants and toddlers, and those who survived were generally protected from those diseases as adults. During the past century tremendous advances in vaccination spared millions the morbidity and mortality associated with…

Past, present, and future influences on worksite health promotion are discussed in this interview. Respectively, these influences are: the role that lifestyle modifications can play in disease prevention, the escalation of health care costs, and the recognition that physical and mental health are prerequisites for peak performance in today's…

Two major influences are identified as spurs to the proliferation of worksite health promotion programs: the emergence of a prevention science base, and the work of corporate pioneers who developed programs which capitalized on research findings. (IAH)

Health care cost inflation has been the most significant influence on worksite health promotion in the past. Perception of program impact on business-relevant variables currently has the greatest influence, and increased corporate attention to competitiveness and productivity will be the most influential factor in the 1990s. (IAH)

This article identifies several issues related to alcohol abuse among American Indians, issues which are unresolved because of lack of evaluation or investigation. These issues include genetic susceptibility, prohibition, gender differences, social drinking, and community therapy. Approaches to prevention and treatment are briefly outlined. (IAH)

The role of social supports throughout the lifecycle has dynamic implications for health and psychosocial wellness. Establishment of a stable supportive family life early in life seems to be a consistent support drawn upon throughout the lifecycle.(IAH)

This article discusses the onset and progression of AIDS, its importance as a public health issue, and reducing the risk of AIDS transmission among athletes and those who work with them, including team physicians and athletic trainers. (IAH)

Some basic assessment/evaluation issues which must be considered when beginning any health/fitness program are identified, and assessment's role in fitness program development is discussed. A description is included of the development of a total wellness program designed to meet criteria for law enforcement certification of the Greensboro (NC)…

For public recreation, park, and leisure services to prosper in the financially troubled 1990s, they will have to be recognized as a primary health provider. By today's standards, health, recreation, and leisure are practically synonymous. The article rethinks the concepts of health, illness, parks, and recreation. (SM)

Emphasizing cardiovascular fitness may be a barrier to mobilizing the sedentary individual. Instead, encouraging low-level physical activity may be an effective first step. Beliefs held toward cardiovascular fitness are presented, and ways in which these beliefs may present barriers to adoption of any level of physical activity are discussed. (IAH)

This article identifies several directions in which health education currently channels its energies, and suggests more appropriate alternatives. Topics include: individual behavior versus a broader environmental focus, questionable links between risk factors and health promotion efforts, and the relationship of education and morality to health…

Reviews possible mechanisms by which exercise lowers blood pressure and discusses research which indicates exercise is an effective therapy for hypertension. The article presents information to help physicians counsel hypertensive patients wanting to start an exercise program and examines the use of exercise testing to predict the onset of…

Exercise can help patients maintain lean body mass during weight loss. Although exercise is not extremely useful in shedding excess pounds, it helps keep off weight lost through calorie restriction. This article discusses the specifics of exercise prescription, types of exercise, motivation to exercise, and special problems such as diabetes. (SM)