This review discusses the value of physical maturity assessment as a way to reduce the risk of physical injury and psychological insult to young athletes. Maturity assessments should be included in preparticipation health examinations and the information used by schools and community organizations. (Author/MT)

Literature on drug misuse by athletes is reviewed, and information from 16 sports and medical organizations is presented. The review discloses little evidence that drugs can improve an athlete's performance without also posing the threat of serious harm. How physicians can discourage drug use by athletes is discussed. (Author/MT)

Addresses problem of insects and other pests in library facility and material maintenance. Highlights include dangers of chemical pesticides; alternative methods for treatment of book infestations (light and temperature regulation, freezing, establishment of low oxygen atmosphere, microwaves and radiation, boric acid); and state and federal laws…

Under the careful supervision of a trained fitness professional, the benefits of prepubescent strength training (improved strength, power, muscular endurance, bone density) outweigh the risks (acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries). (CB)

This article, aimed at professionals in the field of adolescent psychology, briefly reviews the use of phencyclidine (PCP), its pharmacology, clinical effects, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. (Author/BN)

Cites incidents of assaults against teachers and offers some safe-school tips, a plan that helps cut crime, and advice to school executives to provide support and consolation to battered teachers. (MLF)

An effective school playground safety program should emphasize preventive measures such as selecting high-quality equipment, providing close activity supervision, and scheduling frequent ground and equipment maintenance. This article provides program planners with practical suggestions for initial thinking about objectives; staff involvement; and…

Questionnaires returned by 343 out of 350 subjects measured health attitudes and health status. Results suggest that some consumers take a more scientific approach to health care and prevention. Demographic factors, health status, and health consciousness are partial predictors of consumer attitudes and approach to health care. (SK)

A follow-up study at a mean age of 8.3 years of 38 children who had attended a preschool language unit found that 84 percent were within the mainstream of education, but a slight continuing language difficulty was apparent on standardized tests. Results suggested preschool language intervention helped to prevent later educational failure. (DB)

The authors apply many of the factors that appear to be important to the successful determination and adoption of clinical and developmental innovations in analyses of their own efforts to train professionals and paraprofessionals in the use of sociomoral reasoning developmental programs for the treatment and prevention of delinquency and serious…

The medical aspects of surfing include ear and eye injuries and sprains and strains of the lower back and neck, as well as skin cancer from exposure to the sun. Treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of these problems are discussed. Surfing is recommended as part of an exercise program for reasonably healthy people. (Author/MT)

Describes an experiential program in which men are educated about rape and are helped to increase their empathic understanding of victims of rape. Discusses the two-hour educational workshop which focuses on rape myths and facts, guided fantasy, and experiential empathy. (Author/NB)

The article describes the potential impact of a prevention model on reducing unintentional childhood injuries. Following a review of major childhood injuries and related risk factors, the model, which borrows from prevention, behavioral, and community psychology frameworks, is elucidated. An example using fire emergency skills is offered.…

Describes Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene and New York State Bridge Authority's joint establishment of a suicide prevention telephone on Mid-Hudson Bridge. Telephone, which is directly connected to psychiatric emergency service, was used 30 times in two-year period. Data suggest that most would-be jumpers were ambivalent about dying…

A new approach to early detection and intervention for the prevention of youth suicide is presented. The approach integrates a proposed model of risk factors with a multithreshold level of early detection. Psychiatric diagnosis, personality traits, psychosocial factors, life events and chronic medical illness, biological factors, and family…