Exercise-induced bronchospasm commonly strikes young people, keeping many away from activity. The exercise challenge test (a powerful tool in diagnosing the condition, fine-tuning treatment, and improving patient compliance) can help get patients back in action. Knowing how to interpret and use test results helps physicians expedite effective…

Presents theoretical perspectives on children's health attitudes. Considers the influence of socialization agents, including families, schools, peers, and the media, on children's acquisition of health attitudes and behaviors. Examines implications of research for social policy, research, and modeling of child health attitudes and behavior. (BC)

In the United States, there is a schedule of four immunizations and several boosters against communicable diseases for children, but many children are not immunized against preventable communicable diseases. The article examines reasons for low immunization percentages, barriers to immunization, and possible solutions to the problems. (SM)

Computer use can affect students' health. Recommends instruction on safe computer use, placement of computers to minimize children's exposure to magnetic field. Preventive measures are suggested to help children avoid eye strain and repetitive strain injuries. (SM)

The physical and social characteristics of 60 American Indian children referred for psychological services were compared to those of 60 matched, non-Indian controls. Indian children were more likely to suffer from a variety of physical and social handicaps that in all likelihood could affect their intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and learning…

Investigated developmental patterns of cognitive performance over first 3 years of life in sample of 762 low birthweight premature children. Intelligence test scores were obtained at 12, 24, and 36 months adjusted age. Five developmental patterns were identified. Results reveal patterns of cognitive development can be discriminated by three…

Describes current living conditions of children in the United States, and argues that few tax dollars are spent on children. Discusses current policy on assisting low-income families with children, and suggests the establishment of national minimums for children in the areas of income support, education, and health care. (MM)

Describes the Health Passport Project, a program that uses a centralized computer database for maintaining and distributing health and education records for children in foster care in San Diego, California. Includes a content analysis of the health information stored in the first 431 "passports." (MM)

Describes the caretaking practices employed by the Peruvian Quechua mountain people, who swaddle infants in cloths and blankets (known as a manta pouch) to protect them from the harsh and frigid environment. The practices of 14 mother-infants pairs are examined in detail, and the benefits and drawbacks of the manta pouch are examined. (MDM)

Discusses the importance of child life specialists and programs in helping children cope with the stress and anxiety of hospital experiences. These specialists and programs promote children's growth and development both in the hospital and after returning home. (BB)

Provides early childhood teachers and caregivers with clues for detecting foot problems in young children. (BB)

Despite the need to change health behavior and the evidence that instruction can do so, health instruction is nonexistent or inadequate for most students in U.S. schools. The article recommends a national policy on sequential, planned comprehensive K-12 school health education. (SM)

This study assessed whether specific nutritional variables added unique variance to the prediction of toddler development outcomes in an Egyptian village, using 153 toddlers. Results suggest that, for the 18- to 23-month age, specific nutritional predictors can be identified and that there is specificity of nutritional action. (SLD)

Data from 6 samples of 822 parents tested the validity of Parent Health Locus of Control scales, which measure parental beliefs in child, divine, fate, media, parental, and professional influences on child health. Results generally agreed with predicted differences, supporting validity of the scales. (SK)

Discusses the complex issues involved in decision making concerning the treatment of catastrophically ill children. Through several examples of actual cases, posits that decisions should be arrived at by considering the child's best interests rather than the prolongation of life or principles of social utility. (MDM)