Runner Jim Fixx wrote a book about running and died young of a heart attack while running. Fixx and other authors believed heart disease resulted from overcivilization and recommended running as a way of life and cure, advising readers to listen to their bodies instead of their doctors. Fixx's adherence to that philosophy explains his behavior…

Examined the relationship between language spoken at home and school and health risks and behaviors of Asian American adolescents. Data from the World Health Organization Study of Health Behavior in School Children indicated increased risk for physical, psychosocial, and school health problems among these students. The risks were greater for the…

Surveyed young adolescents receiving general health examinations regarding oral sex occurrence. Overall, 18 percent reported having oral sex, and of that 18 percent, 25 percent reported no vaginal sex. Few adolescents used barrier protection during oral sex. Most adolescents thought that penile-anal sex could transmit HIV, but only 68 percent…

Investigates influences of acculturation, socioeconomic status (SES), and cultural health beliefs on Mexican-descent women's preventive health behaviors. In 5 focus group interviews sampling across levels of acculturation and SES, women expressing more traditional Mexican health beliefs about breast cancer screening were of lower SES and were less…

Examines the potential role of culture in health-related physical activity participation, discussing kinesiology and reporting results from a health-related physical activity study of women, some of whom had taken a culturally designed aerobics class. Participants demonstrated the positive impact of culture on physical activity participation.…

Assessed the dieting frequency and nutritional patterns of college females in allied health and health science at a large urban university. Data from the Black Health and Habits History Questionnaire and measures of body mass index indicated that 73 percent of the respondents had dieted at least one time, though 61 percent were at normal weight.…

Interviews and health diaries recording symptoms among 667 older adults revealed that three-quarters exhibited potential health risks and had considerable knowledge about them. However, one in eight was seriously at risk from symptoms but did not consult a physician. (SK)

Data from 409 Hispanic-American and 138 Anglo older women in Tucson identified few differences in their use of breast cancer screening and low levels of risk knowledge. Both groups fell well below recommended frequency of screening. Clinical examination and self-examination were used more than mammography. (SK)

Psychology offers nurses engaging in health education insight into the motivation behind behavior. It can aid the process of developing patient knowledge, understanding, and empowerment, but not if used to reinforce social control. (SK)

Examined the applicability of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to understanding exercise among nontraditional college students. Over half were in the precontemplation, contemplation, or preparation stages (sedentary or irregular exercisers), and 17 percent were in the action stage (regular exercisers). All TTM constructs differed significantly…

Examined the effects of pricing and promotion strategies on purchases of low-fat snacks from vending machines set up at secondary schools and worksites in Minnesota. Analysis of sales data indicated that reducing relative prices on low-fat snacks was very effective in promoting lower-fat snack purchases from vending machines in both settings. (SM)

Assessed the influence of fitness- and health-related goal setting on exercise adherence. Students in a college fitness program participated in goal setting, reading, or control groups. No significant differences in exercise adherence were found. Students enrolled for letter grades had more fitness center visits and hours of activity than students…

Discusses what parents can do to ensure their children's healthy eating, examining whether students are eating school lunches or junk food in the cafeteria; discussing junk food temptations outside of school; noting rising soda consumption rates; and presenting advice for healthy eating (e.g., include children in meal planning and preparation and…

A 3-year study compared 52 undergraduate nursing students with 93 education majors and with the general population. No significant differences among students on 9 health behaviors appeared. Compared with the general population, nursing students had inadequate time for sleep, exercise, and eating breakfast. (Contains 77 references.) (SK)

Examined the impact of lifestyle on the effectiveness of a low-intensity dietary intervention. Analysis of data from the Eating Patterns Study indicated that people who practiced certain combinations of health behaviors responded differently to the low-intensity dietary intervention. People with high-risk behaviors were the least successful in…