By promoting physical activities and incorporating them into their community-based programs, Extension professionals are improving the health of individuals, particularly those with limited resources. This article is the second in a three-part series describing the benefits of physical activity for human health: (1) biological health benefits of…

Is there anything more important than the health, well-being and education of a nation's children? This paper takes the position that school is the most important place to educate children about health and to develop lifelong health promoting skills. We believe that health promotion programs and activities are integral to the school's…

This article is part of The Weekly Qualitative Report's occasional series on "How-To Collect Qualitative Data." The qualitative data collection method described is that of focused discussion groups (FDG's). This method involves the moderator, or scripter as is the preferred term in focused discussion groups, to move beyond that of a…

World Diabetes Day (November 14) offers a wonderful opportunity to educate elementary children about the power they have to control their health. First lady Michelle Obama has urged Americans to educate themselves about childhood obesity, which is often associated with the onset of type II diabetes (Rabin 2010). The authors developed activities to…

Unhealthy coping mechanisms become more widely available to young people during their teenage years. Students frequently choose these unhealthy activities as avenues for dealing with the stress of physical and social changes that confront them during adolescence. For these reasons, a need exists for intervention programs that teach adolescents to…

Presents several case studies that demonstrate the various types of wellness programs at various companies. These include health and fitness assessments for high stress level executives, lectures on health care topics, health improvement clinics, exercise facilities, economic incentives, and mental health programs. The impact of these programs is…

Several of the American Heart Association's education programs are described. The newest program is Heart Health Education in the Young, designed to stress the importance of early risk factor education. (JMF)

An overview is provided of the ways in which psychosocial group work is being used in health care settings as an adjunct to medical treatment. (Author)

The current status of research in cardiovascular disease education is reported for asymptomatic youth, symptomatic adults, and ongoing efforts. (JMF)

The CHILD-to-Child program is based on the recognition that older siblings often influence their younger family members. Activities of the CHILD-to-Child Program in Ajoya, Sinaloa, Mexico, relating to teaching about diarrhea and breast-feeding, are described. (CJ)

School health screening programs, which include screening, education of children and parents, and follow-up in the form of appropriate treatment, are described. A scoliosis screening program is described as an example of the model presented. Suggestions for planners, participants, and evaluators of any school health screening are summarized. (JMF)

A new approach is presented to the organization and supervision of health fairs. The "Health Education Carnival" differs from the health fair in two ways: (1) It does not include health screening tests; and (2) Allied health professionals attend the fair in costume. Evaluation techniques and follow-up methods for the health carnival are…

Rising health care costs can be minimized if public health education can induce individuals to adopt a wellness-oriented behavior pattern. (LH)

The Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy are inaugurating many health education and physical recreation programs based on the concept of wellness. Program philosophies and various activities now available to members of the armed services and their families are discussed. (PP)

Health-promotion programs provided for higher education staff are increasing. They draw on the expertise of physical education and athletic staff, counseling services, and medical centers to encourage employees to adopt lifetime regimens of healthy living. (MSE)