Noting recent neuroscience research findings suggesting that caregivers play a vital role in brain development, this videotape explores the process of brain development during the first 15 months of life and presents implications for infant care. Part 1 of the 28-minute video discusses basic infant development and brain research, focusing on how…

Noting that over half of Philadelphia's public school students score in the bottom quarter in standardized mathematics and reading tests, the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia and School District of Philadelphia, conducted a year-long planning process to craft an action plan. The planning process…

In this world of receiving immediate gratification, being over scheduled, and having access to a myriad of technology, poor nutrition and lack of daily physical activity are two of the results. "Obesity is a silent epidemic," former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher stated in 2002 (Healthy schools summit weighs in on obesity). Due to the demands…

Surveys of directors of Schools of the 21st Century, an educational model that provides integrated services to children and families, examined the availability of school health services. Results found that the services varied greatly in availability and comprehensiveness. Most schools provided basic preventive screenings, health education, and…

For school-based health clinics (SBHCs) to succeed, the agenda for school-based care must reflect the community's needs and priorities. The article presents focus group data from three SBHCs in rural and urban Louisiana, demonstrating how controversies about reproductive health may frame more general concerns about school-based care. (SM)

Two studies examined the efficacy of school-based exercise and nutrition programs with parent components. Elementary students participated in exercise and nutrition programs with or without home components. School/home program students scored significantly higher than the groups with no home component on tests of nutrition and fitness knowledge,…

Encopresis affects a small percentage of children, but most parents are unaware of the condition and react punitively. The lengthy, complex management program usually includes physiological and behavioral approaches. The collaborative management protocol focuses on medical clinicians, families, children, school nurses, and teachers, and can help…

A researcher recounts his experience after publishing research findings concerning cigarette advertising and children. He reports attempts to constrain his research and obtain confidential records. He concludes that without vigorous protection of academic freedom, corporate power and state action may discourage economically or politically…

Investigated the effects of and relationship between the number of parenting transitions (divorce, remarriage) and adjustment in three samples of adolescent girls and boys not identified as being at risk for problems. Found qualified evidence of a negative linear relationship between the number of parenting transitions experienced and child…

Discusses establishing relative priorities between health care needs of the young and the old. Argues that it is fair to limit assistance to those already old when there are genuine social needs for children. The elderly should lead the way in recognizing the importance of the needs of children. (SLD)

The National Action Plan for Comprehensive School Health Education (CSHE) was created by a committee of health and education experts who identified six issues integral to successful institutionalization of CSHE: policy; awareness; professional preparation and practice; parent, family, and community involvement; educational outcomes and standards;…

Describes a longitudinal investigation designed to study emotional disorders over the course of adolescence in children of depressed parents (beginning in sixth grade). The "Development of Depression" project integrates family processes, cognitions, and life events to examine the mechanisms leading to depressive symptoms and disorders.…

Child-care and health-care professionals joined efforts in the "Healthy Child Care America" campaign to ensure that children are cared for in environments that are safe and healthy. Goals of the campaign include raising awareness of the importance of quality child care, and involving more people in the nationwide effort to improve…

Describes the Health Promoting Schools Framework and its implementation in schools to prevent eating and body image disorders, examining the efficacy of preventive school-based strategies. The framework encompasses: school curriculum, teaching, and learning; school ethos, environment, and organization; and school-community partnerships and…

Discusses realities that challenge middle level education, including changes in social, economic, and political life which are threatening children and affecting their lives. Asserts that local communities should reflect on the implications of these realities for their middle level programs and plan ways to address these problems. (SD)