The Board of School Commissioners appointed to inquire into the system of instruction in the public schools of Baltimore. This bulletin presents the outcome of such inquiry. It is mainly concerned with a comparison of the Baltimore system of education with the systems found in others of the greater American cities. It will accordingly be of…

"The school, as one of the significant agencies of the community, accepts its responsibilities for contributing to individual to individual, family, and community health. ...Classroom teachers in their daily contacts with boys and girls are the key persons in the school health program." These two sentences point up the theme of this bulletin. Four…

Competent authorities seem to agree as to the causes of eye strain in school children other than congenital defects. Standard works on diseases of the eye are practically unanimous in declaring that myopia results from the protracted and unhygienic use of the eyes in near work. Most of the factors tending to cause eye strain exist in the schools.…

Examines the characteristic features of epidemic hysteria reports in school settings. Discovers three distinct symptom patterns: (1) mass motor hysteria (psychomotor alterations due to preexisting stress); (2) mass anxiety hysteria (extreme anxiety following the redefinition of a mundane event); and (3) mass pseudo-hysteria (relabeling of mundane…

Worldwide data reveal that child mortality (ages 1-5) accounts for about 10-15% of all deaths in developing countries, and less than 1% of all deaths in developed countries. Strategies for reducing child mortality include improving health services, improving environmental conditions, enhancing the social conditions of children, and protecting and…

This article provides background information on heart transplantation in general, focusing on pediatric heart transplantation and offering suggestions for teachers regarding the unique concerns of students with heart transplants (exercise, physical appearance, immunosuppressive medications, transplant rejection, infection, and psychological…

Reports on the Wisconsin Elementary Health Education Pilot Project diffusion activities. Activity report logs from participating schools report diffusion data for 21 activities related to school culture/climate, staff development, and health curriculum/instruction. Results indicate that project schools have begun the diffusion process leading…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a program to positively influence students about substance use. Drug-free high school students modeled behaviors and social competencies for elementary students through ongoing relationships. Elementary students' surveys supported the use of role models to create a social norm that nonuse is acceptable.…

Video and computer games have assumed a prominent role in the culture of U.S. children and adolescents. The paper examines the health effects of these games, suggests criteria upon which parents and teachers may evaluate the games, and notes some implications for health educators. (SM)

Courageous, caring teachers in a supportive school can help restore the fractured social bonds of many adolescents. Traditional schools can be very unfriendly to adult-wary youths. The article discusses how to reclaim rebellious, alienated teens and build middle schools that are responsive to the unique needs of young adolescents. (SM)

Analyzes annual medical expenditures for childhood (conception through age 18 years). A decline in the relative share of children's medical expenditures means that their health care will become more affordable compared to other groups. The least budget impact will result from expanding insurance coverage for 3- to 12-year-old children. (SLD)

Summarizes the private health insurance market, focusing on recent trends. Efforts should be made to preserve the current private health insurance system through comprehensive reforms that reduce cost and shift from public programs; control costs by competition, managed care, and global spending limits; and guarantee coverage for all groups. (SLD)

Health-related disadvantages of children are discussed. Describes six steps to help children overcome these disadvantages. (BB)

The article describes children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), noting it can contribute to school underachievement, learning disabilities, difficulties in social adjustment, and emotional disorders. It examines diagnosis, neurobehavioral factors, and outcome and discusses coping via behavior modification at home, classroom…

The passage of Public Law 99-457 relating to education for the handicapped increases the probability that the school psychologist will be asked to evaluate infants and children diagnosed as suffering from nonorganic failure-to-thrive (NOFT) disorder. Etiology, models, and interventions appropriate for NOFT children are discussed. (SLD)