This report explores the potential of a simple pedometer for physical activity measurement and motivation, explaining that physical inactivity is one factor that has contributed to the recent obesity epidemic. After a brief history of the pedometer, the report discusses measurement, focusing on how to measure physical activity in free-living…

This report discusses the health of adolescents and youth in the tropics. The report is divided into five sections. The first section defines adolescence, youth, the duration of adolescence, the age group and its problems, and societies in adolescence. The second section discusses adolescence in relation to society and culture and focuses on the…

This paper reviews the relationships between physical fitness and body composition and their combined effect on health. After discussing the epidemiologic evidence for a protective effect of physical fitness on the health risks associated with obesity, it describes the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, an ongoing observational study that…

This digest provides basic information designed to help people determine which of the many physical activity guidelines are most appropriate for use in specific situations. After an introduction, the digest focuses on: "Factors to Consider in Selecting Appropriate Physical Activity Guidelines" (group credibility and purpose, benefits to…

This document contains two issues of 2000 Australian Early Intervention Network for Mental Health in Young People newsletter. The newsletters disseminate information about the national and local initiatives for intervention and prevention of mental health problems in young children and youth. They also provide information on upcoming workshops and…

Only 25 percent of Americans participate in recommended levels of physical activity, despite the health benefits associated with physical activity. Physical activity promotion is an important public health issue. Several research studies indicate that physical activity interventions using theoretical frameworks such as the Stages of Motivational…

AIDS is the leading cause of death among African Americans age 25-44 years. About half of all new U.S. HIV cases are African Americans, though African Americans make up only 13 percent of the population. Most U.S. children living with HIV are African American. There exists a strong pattern of resistance and denial of the disease in the African…

This issue of Children in the Tropics analyzes key issues relating to protecting the health of newborn infants. Many of the suggestions offered concern rudimentary health care situations in developing countries. Key issues are addressed in four sections. The first section discusses the early care and first medical examination of infants born in…

This newsletter issue documents the number of children and adolescents participating in sports and examines gender differences, barriers to participation, and benefits of sports participation. The largest number of participants is enrolled in agency-sponsored programs (45 percent), followed by recreational programs (30 percent). Gender data reveal…

This publication presents information on physical activity among children and youth. Section 1 discusses physical activity patterns of young people, explaining that the issue has been a concern for educators and health professionals for several years because of the trend for children to become less and less active over time. Section 2 looks at how…

This report examines school physical education (PE) and how it can be an important part of the national physical activity promotion effort. Section 1 introduces the issue of youth activity and PE, noting that schools and universities must reintroduce daily, quality physical activity as a key component of comprehensive education. Section 2…

This document consists of the six 1991 issues of a specialized newsletter directed at outdoor activities participants and containing articles on a wide variety of topics related to health maintenance and emergency medical treatment in the wilderness. Articles discuss: (1) fever and appropriate treatments; (2) symptoms, prevention, and treatment of…

The chapters of this "monograph" reflect the philosophies of 14 health educators who represent a variety of work settings: (1) "This I Believe: A Philosophy of Health Education" (Loren B. Bensley, Jr.); (2) "Educating about Health" (William B. Cissell); (3) "Some Guiding Principles on Health and Health Education:…

The primary intent of this theme issue is to clarify the urgent problems faced by the nation's youth in regard to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and human sexuality for Kansas educators and curriculum developers. The first section includes an overview of the Kansas Department of Education's mandate/regulation for human sexuality/AIDS…

This publication examines influences on the present and future physical activity levels of adolescents, noting that the adolescents' physical activity habits, as well as other risk factors, are likely to track into the adult years. Section 1 discusses physical activity in adolescence, noting that adolescence is a time when physical activity tends…