Focus group interviews assessed African American teens' and adults' (ages 13 to 65-plus) perceptions and beliefs about exercise. Many subjects believed that African Americans performed physical labor at work and needed rest rather than exercise during free time. Many considered exercise a physical stressor and believed friends had the greatest…

Researchers developed a profile of health promoting adults by surveying 830 health promoting individuals. Results highlighted psychosocial variables most strongly associated with health promoting behavior: total self-concept, physical self, moral-ethical self, self-satisfaction, behavior, and chance health locus of control. Demographic variables…

Because the concept of Islamic health sciences is unfamiliar to most health professionals, the article reviews its history, focusing on physician-patient relationships, dental health, diet and nutrition, sexual health, reproduction, and boundaries for sexual behavior. Recommends that health professionals recognize the issues when considering…

McGuire's model of persuasive communication in public communication campaigns provides a framework for examining input variables in HIV/AIDS prevention education with Hispanic populations. Source, message, channel, and receiver factors associated with HIV prevention are analyzed with regard to design and implementation of culturally appropriate…

Investigated effects of wellness promotion guidance activities among fifth grade children (n=62). The results revealed enhanced self-esteem and higher knowledge of wellness information among children who participated in the wellness promotion activities, as compared to a control group of nonparticipants. (Author/NB)

Reports an analytic review of 73 federally funded, college-based substance abuse prevention programs to determine the nature of impact. Most programs did not identify underlying prevention philosophy or theory but did report program purposes and objectives. Most programs reported some degree of institutionalization and significant policy changes.…

A study compared serum total cholesterol and blood pressure levels of participants in a voluntary national health screening with NHANES II estimates of the general U.S. population. Findings suggest the levels may not have decreased appreciably over 10 years; and continued national, state, and local behavior modification efforts are warranted. (SM)

Discusses how to decide who should know about HIV-infected students, presenting national guidelines for helping make the decision. Suggestions for actual policy implementation focus on developing a plan for decisions, determining who else needs information, and deciding what to do when parents and schools disagree on who should know. (SM)

Study investigated the status of student health center nutrition services. Surveys completed by directors of 168 centers indicated that 79 percent provided some nutrition education and 96 percent had one-to-one counseling. Larger institutions were more likely to have nutrition programs. Registered dietitians were the typical service providers. (SM)

Examines the importance of leisure education to help older adults gain a leisurely lifestyle to enhance their quality of life. Leisure education helps them redefine recreation, enhance self-esteem, and increase health-promoting attitudes. It involves leisure awareness, social interaction skills development, increasing skills in leisure activities,…

Describes one college's mandatory mass cholesterol screening for new students. Each year, over 30 beginning students with unknown hypercholesterolemia were detected. The program suggests that mass screening efficiently and economically identifies students who would benefit from cholesterol reduction, a modifiable risk in coronary artery disease.…

Critiques a previous article on public policy options for American Indian communities that address alcohol abuse and related problems. Discusses the limitations of prohibition or controls as prevention measures. Suggests that community programs should promote healthy living by defining and communicating which behaviors are acceptable in all…

Describes an elective high school weight-loss course. Students do fat-burning exercises in an atmosphere that does not stigmatize them because they are heavy or unathletic. They study nutrition, proper eating habits, and self-esteem. Most students continue to lose weight or sustain their weight after the course is completed. (SM)

Describes planning and implementation of human immunodeficiency virus prevention and education program at University of Scranton, Catholic and Jesuit university in northeastern Pennsylvania. Notes special aspects of the Catholic context and emphasizes importance of cultural change and conversation about values. (Author/NB)

The article reports a study that examined relationships between self-esteem, health promotion, nutrition, and weight among female college freshmen. Questionnaires completed by 57 female students indicated that high self-esteem positively related to the practice of healthy behaviors, good nutrition, and satisfaction with present weight. (SM)