Over 1 million new cases of skin cancer are expected in the U.S. this year. Education about and adherence to sun safety practices can help prevent skin cancer. This paper describes types of skin cancer, what the ultraviolet (UV) radiation index is, who is at risk, sun safety practices, tips for children, and strategies for parks and recreation…

Provides a brief overview of the gerontology movement and looks at health, physical education, recreation, and dance (HPERD) curriculum development and professional preparation focusing on the implications for serving the growing older population, educating younger people for successful aging, and improving HPERD status within the field of…

This report compiles scientific evidence and statistics on the health risks of weight loss interventions and is intended to help both professionals and consumers cope in healthful ways with the complex dilemmas of weight. The publication is organized into six chapters: (1) "Risks of Losing Weight"; (2) "Effectiveness of…

College peer education is growing, often representing the best use of campus resources for specific needs. Model peer education requires carefully trained and supervised programs that ensure continuous quality improvement. Health educators are exploring more comprehensive training and delivery models, as peer education works to change health…

This paper describes five key trends in the ways the rules for education are changing, the potential implications of the changes, and challenges for those promoting school health education. (SM)

This article describes Generation X young adults as they are described by the popular press and in health education literature, focusing on sociodemographic characteristics, health characteristics and risks, learning characteristics, the conflict between Generation X and baby boomers, and ways to conduct more effective health education for them.…

The article makes health educators aware of issues raised by a move from anonymous to confidential HIV testing. It examines implications of contact tracing and notification and of reporting requirements that identify HIV-positive persons to public health departments. Implications for health education professionals responsible for HIV test…

Since Magic Johnson's retirement, athletes and sports organizations are more interested in HIV and AIDS. Many seek answers from physicians about the risk of transmission through athletic competition and the rights of HIV-positive players. Physicians can counsel patients about reducing risk. The article discusses risk, testing, policies, education,…

Describes Healthy People 2000, national health objectives designed to guide health promotion and disease prevention policy and programs throughout the 1990s. The article provides the context for compilation of Healthy People 2000 objectives relating to school health detailed in subsequent articles in this issue. (SM)

The report of the 1990 Joint Committee on Health Education Terminology provides a common interpretation of terms frequently used by health educators in many settings. Terminology is broken down into contextual definitions, primary health education definitions, definitions related to community settings, and definitions related to educational…

Efforts of corporations to limit or ban smoking in the workplace have been generally unsuccessful. This article reviews the most common antismoking programs, including education, counseling and incentives, and proscriptive rules and policies. A multidimensional, broad-based smoking cessation program is then described. (Author/TE)

This document reports on the threat of HIV/AIDS to young people in the United States and proposes ways in which the Federal government could further address the needs of adolescents. Analysis of data gathered from young people affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and from professionals engaged in HIV research, prevention, and care revealed several…

Discusses unhealthy dieting behaviors that can lead to eating disorders during adolescence. Outlines ways middle school and high school teachers and administrators can aid in the prevention of disordered eating among adolescents. Lists resources for eating disorders awareness and prevention. (SR)

Children of Hispanic migrant farmworkers are more susceptible to health problems than children in the general population. This paper discusses the common health problems seen in these children, highlighting special health needs of preschoolers pertinent to this multicultural population. Implications for professional preparation in health education…

A psychosocial theoretical perspective creates a rationale for directing alcohol education efforts toward enabling youth to make low-risk lifestyle choices. Meeting students' psychological needs by implementing alcohol abuse prevention curricula to improve social skills is recommended. The article discusses the etiology and treatment of problem…