Assesses the current sexual health status of Canadian youth in relation to sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy rates, and sexual practices, discussing the social and historical context of adolescence and adolescent sexuality in Canada. The paper draws insights from international comparisons of adolescent sexual health indicators and discusses…

Investigated the effects of exercise programs on changes in body mass, fat-free mass, and body fat in obese children and adolescents. Research review indicated that exercise effectively helped reduce children's and adolescents' body composition variables. The most favorable body alterations occurred with low- intensity, long-duration exercise;…

According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, three essential elements of a quality physical-education program are opportunity to learn, meaningful content, and appropriate instruction. Describes how these elements combine to directly enhance child health and indirectly improve academic achievement. (PKP)

Describes easy-to-implement strategies parents can use to ensure their children's safety in the sun and avoid skin cancer, which is the most prevalent form of cancer in United States. Suggestions include: limit the amount of time spent in the sun, wear protective clothing, use sunscreening agents, and have knowledge of skin cancer and its…

Criticizes new classroom sound standard proposed by the American National Standards Institute that sets maximum background sound level at 35 decibels (described as "a whisper at 2 meters"). Argues that new standard is too costly for schools to implement, is not recommended by the medical community, and cannot be achieved by construction…

Discusses the relation of fiber to children's diet and health. The need for fiber in children's diet is addressed and a listing of foods with fiber content is given. (DG)

Because radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country, the article presents a question and answer sheet on where radon comes from, which buildings are most likely to have radon, how to tell whether there is a problem, and expenses involved in testing and fixing problems. (SM)

Assessed parents' information needs regarding childhood immunizations and their satisfaction with the Vaccination Information Pamphlets (VIPS). Found that parents wanted information about many aspects of immunizations, and those familiar with the VIPs reported high levels of satisfaction. Some, however, reported that the pamphlets were too long.…

Describes the importance of early childhood education as a source of information about health and safety of young children. Discusses the significance of early childhood programs adopting an epidemiological approach to document this information. Outlines a five-step plan to conduct an epidemiological study, using examples from epidemiological…

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons launched a national public education campaign focusing on the problem of injuries related to playground equipment. The article presents several of its recommendations for playground safety and provides instructions for obtaining a free brochure. (SM)

Examined lunch entree choices by students in 16 elementary schools. During baseline period, low-fat entrees were available on 23% of days and selected by 39% of students. During intervention period, these figures were 71% of days and 29% of students. Across intervention, fat content of average meal dropped from 36% to 30% of calories from fat. (BC)

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, playgrounds and their equipment are linked to more than 100,000 injuries requiring emergency care each year. National Safety Council guidelines are provided concerning playground surfaces, equipment, and design. Suggestions are also given for maintaining playgrounds and making them safer.…

Developed for State Farm Insurance in cooperation with the Chicago Fire Department and educators, the Smoke Detectives program helps children understand that they can be competent and in control when confronted by fires or other dangerous situations if they know what to do (stop, drop, and roll!) and don't panic. (MLH)

Today's school nurses have significant responsibilities. Despite research proving their importance, very few schools have certified school nurses, relying instead on school personnel. A wish list for school nurses might include sufficient numbers and funding, school-based health centers, and confidential records. Parents can help ensure students'…

In a climate where increasing numbers of performance demands are placed on youth, the author provides an inspiring account of how humor can bring joy to troubled lives and foster social and emotional learning. (Author)