Presents the components of the secretary of Health and Human Services's initiative on child abuse prevention. Components are (1) increasing public awareness of the problem of child maltreatment; (2) promoting intra- and interagency coordination of child abuse and neglect activities; and (3) encouraging all sectors of society to cooperate in…

Focus on the designated driver strategy by broadcasters and the alcohol industry deflects attention from other alcohol-related problems and the factors influencing underage alcohol consumption. Strategies should emphasize sobriety checkpoints, no sales to minors, advertising reform, and excise taxes on alcohol. (SK)

Assessed impact of Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) on approximately 3,000 fifth-grade students in 1 school district. Findings from pretest and posttest self-report survey suggest that DARE did not significantly change amount of drug use, which was minimal at fifth-grade level. In general, children receiving DARE during the study period…

Truancy can be traced to four causes: an unsupportive school environment, lack of community support, chaotic family life, and personal deficits. School-based responses feature either academic incentives for good attendance, administrative consequences for nonattendance, academic consequences for nonattendance, or supportive services. Counseling…

Although Lakeview (Arkansas) School District's health services originally targeted teenage pregnancies, its school-based clinic now offers varied health improvement services and contributes to decreased substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, dropping out, injuries, homicides, and suicides. Tips for forming clinics are provided, along with…

Presents a series of exercises to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful hand disorder caused by stressful and repetitive motions. (SM)

Describes Lyme disease, which is spread most commonly by the deer tick; indicates symptoms, preventive measures, diagnosis, and treatment. (SM)

Focuses on the need for teacher involvement and the means by which home economics teachers can become involved in the prevention of eating disorders. (JOW)

Examines prevailing cultural attitudes toward sexual activity and procreation in sub-Saharan African or Black Africa that create obstacles to the prevention of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Concludes that use of indigenous healers may be beneficial in offering unique opportunities in prevention and treatment aspects of AIDS in…

This paper proposes the twin themes of prevention and intervention as components of a conceptual framework for determining special education research priorities and developing a coherent research program. Brief descriptions of ongoing programs of research on prevention and intervention from three different research groups are used illustratively,…

Lists 15 principles for working safely with equipment. Describes phases of an ergonomic hazards program to identify and prevent problems and causes of cumulative trauma disorders in the workplace. (SK)

A review of 19 studies on Native Americans examined 12 focused on chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, substance abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome) and 7 on prevention (dental disease, prenatal/infant health, nutrition, HIV prevention, health promotion). Results showed Native Americans particularly at risk for diabetes and alcohol abuse and…

A survey of 1,482 high school students in spring and fall 1986 resulted in confirmation of the Problem Behavior Theory as a predictor of drinking and driving among adolescents. Environmental, behavioral, and demographic factors account for 50 percent of the variance in drinking and driving. (SK)

Cites the need for further research on adolescent sexual practices, motivational issues, and the meaning of sexuality during adolescence. Urges the implementation of preventive intervention programs designed to influence the health-related behaviors of adolescents. (BC)

Of the 32,000 school-related accidents that occur annually, 5,000 are directly related to science classes. This article acquaints high school principals with their specific legal responsibilities for science laboratories. Areas of concern include laboratory security, appropriately furnished facilities, proper instruction, and protective gear.…