The first phase of a pilot project to compare morbidity and mortality of children of three groups of mothers (illiterate, literate through formal schooling, literate through Nicaragua's National Literacy Crusade begun in 1980) found that substantial numbers of women became literate as a result of the crusade and have maintained their literacy. (SK)

Describes the relationship between the nursing profession and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Describes Will Keith Kellogg's interest in public health, especially as it related to children and the development of the W. K. Kellogg Child Welfare Organization, as it was originally known. (JOW)

Recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics discuss components of the medical program for children's camps and provide guidelines for the camper's annual or biennial physical examination, maintenance of health records, health screenings on camper arrival and departure, daily health surveillance, camp health care facilities, and children…

Though efforts to improve playground safety are consistent and ongoing, there has been no significant reduction in the rate of serious injuries. The article lists factors to consider when designing a safe playground, emphasizing the risk-taking inherent in children's play. (SM)

Lead poisoning is the number one environmental threat to children. At low levels it harms development, damages blood cells, and lowers IQ. At higher levels, it damages the nervous system, kidneys, reproductive system, and mental development. The article examines risk factors and discusses contamination, testing for lead, and prevention. (SM)

Observes that adequate health care is essential to every child's development and achievement. Discusses some of the indicators of child health and the U.S. Surgeon General's goals for childhood health care. Describes means of protecting child health and what the federal and state government role should be. (SG)

Children need to be taught about food safety. The paper includes safety tips to remember when selecting, cooking, and eating meals, both at home and away from home. Information is included on grocery shopping, home storage, food preparation, cooking, serving, and leftovers. (SM)

Presents necessary information for administering the ICHPER-SD Asia Youth Health Related Physical Fitness Test, including descriptions of and scoring for each test item, needed equipment, notes, and suggested preparations for test leaders. The test includes the endurance run, situps in 60 seconds, pullups, sit and reach test, and skinfold…

School lunches must be nutritious, filling, and appealing. The school cafeteria has become an increasingly important place to serve healthful meals and teach good eating habits. The article describes schools that have organized better meals and discusses how parent-teacher organizations can help bring better nutrition to school lunches. (SM)

Playground safety is a critical issue in the United States. About 60-70% of all playground injury lawsuits carry a claim relating to inadequate maintenance. The article discusses U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines and American Society for Testing and Materials safety standards for playgrounds. (SM)

Discusses the validity and reliability of using food records and recalls when measuring dietary intake and eating behaviors of children, noting the advantages of collecting dietary data in a school environment. The article explains the appropriate use of food records and describes how to improve the method. (SM)

Examines the results of a household survey of measles vaccination coverage among Hispanic American children aged 12 to 59 months. Between 81 percent and 91 percent of the children have been vaccinated, a percentage insufficient to stop the high rate of measles transmission within this population. Recommends that public health efforts be focused on…

Skin cancer is the fastest increasing cancer, and children receive 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18. Campers should apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 daily, 20 minutes before going outdoors and again every 2 hours. Seven strategies for preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of developing skin cancer are…

Nebraska's plan for comprehensively evaluating school health programs used the Targeting Outcomes of Program framework to measure impact indicators of such programs. Following focus group meetings with stakeholders in one rural school district, the plan was developed and implemented as a statewide evaluation of comprehensive school health…

Examined adolescents' perceptions of weight relative to actual weight, investigating their prevalence of weight losing and gaining. Data from the 1994-96 National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health indicated that most adolescents worked to manage their weight, struggled with weight perception, engaged in appropriate weight change efforts, and…