Between 400,000 and 800,000 infants are born in the United States each year to women who smoked cigarettes during their pregnancy. Whereas the physical health consequences to infants of prenatal exposure to smoking are well established, the early neurobehavioral consequences are less well understood. This study investigated the neurobehavioral…

Adolescents' perceptions of persons their age who smoke cigarettes (also known as prototypes of smoking peers) play a critical role in an adolescent's decision to start smoking. However, adolescents' perceptions of their peers who do not smoke (prototypes of nonsmoking peers) could be implicated in adolescents' smoking decisions as well. In the…

The present study evaluated the efficacy of Familias Unidas + Parent-Preadolescent Training for HIV Prevention (PATH), a Hispanic-specific, parent-centered intervention, in preventing adolescent substance use and unsafe sexual behavior. Two hundred sixty-six 8th-grade Hispanic adolescents and their primary caregivers were randomly assigned to 1 of…

Tobacco use poses a significant threat to young people. Ways in which to warn children between the ages of 8 and 13 about the dangers of smoking cigarettes is presented in this book. It is a health education text containing precise information presented in a simple way, through the use of fictional characters who are vividly portrayed through…

This report presents the first results from the 1995 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, an annual survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The survey provides estimates of the prevalence of use of a variety of illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, based on a nationally representative sample of the…

This study, based upon data collected during the 1991-92 academic year, is a follow-up and continuation of a study conducted during the previous 1990-91 academic year. The focus of the study is on substance use and this paper analyzes the responses of secondary school students who work. The 1992 study continued and supported the thesis that…

Most smokers begin smoking as teenagers. The younger teenagers are when they start smoking, the more likely it is they will become heavy smokers, and the less likely that they will ever quit. This resource guide points out the problems of teenage smoking and provides action plans to combat using tobacco. Background information is presented about…

This publication contains the testimony from a hearing on growth and tobacco use. Statements include: (1) Opening Statement of Senator Bill Frist; (2) Statements of a panel of teens, Brandi Battle, Washington, DC; Kellie Jolly, Tennessee; Nickita Bradley, Maryland; and Josh, Virginia; followed by discussion; (3) Discussion and prepared statements…

Several factors have predicted participation in smoking cessation programs: (1) higher motivation or self-efficacy; (2) education; (3) smoking level; (4) smoking history; (5) quit attempts; and (6) health concerns. The variables that have predicted participation, however, generally have not predicted cessation. The transtheoretical model has…

Data from a 10 percent sample of fifth-twelfth grade students indicate that in four predominantly rural counties of Kentucky, children are exposed to smoking before fifth grade and to drinking by seventh grade. The Health Education/Risk Reduction Grant Program was implemented over a 3-year period in the four county school systems in an attempt to…

These proceedings detail the first of two hearings on the Comprehensive Smoking Prevention Education Act of 1981. This report of the first hearing focuses on health related issues. The report presents testimony from representatives of the administration, from a panel of scientists, and from representatives of the American Cancer Society, American…

As levels of maternal employment increase (71% for mothers with school-age children), there is concern for both the short- and long-term consequences of maternal employment on children and families. This study examined the influence of maternal employment in two-parent families on the substance use of adolescents. Subjects were male and female…

The use of behavioral contracting in exercise programs has been shown to be effective in increasing the frequency of exercise activity and in reducing dropout rates. A study was undertaken to examine the impact of three cardiovascular risk factors (poor physical fitness, obesity, and smoking) on both client willingness to sign a behavioral…

This pamphlet examines menopause and the changes associated with it. Menopause is briefly described, surgical menopause is explained, and the relationship between menopause and the reproductive cycle is discussed. Signs of menopause are described, including hot flashes and vaginal and urinary tract changes. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is explained…

Information and statistical data about cancer are provided in seven categories. They include: (1) basic cancer data (considering how cancer works, trends in diagnosis and treatment, new cancer cases and deaths for 1985, and other areas); (2) major cancer sites (discussing lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, 5-year survival rates/trends…