Comprehensive school health programs (CSHPs) provide services and programs addressing eight categories: health education, health services, school environment, food service, physical education, counseling, schoolwide health promotion, and family, school, and community partnerships. Parents and PTAs are crucial in supporting CSHPs. Two sidebars…

This lesson enhances secondary students' self-esteem and reinforces positive health behaviors. Activity 1 examines cultural standards of beauty, questions attitudes about body image, and presents nonappearance affirmations for enhancing self-esteem. Activity 2 helps students recall occasions when others' comments influenced their self-esteem,…

Syracuse University's Ujima Project trained peer educator-mentors to offer first-year African American students correct information about HIV risk reduction and life skills building, providing ongoing social support in a culturally sensitive manner. The program successfully changed students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for HIV…

Examines the networking strategy that was utilized to develop a rural health promotion cooperative in southwestern Ohio, with special emphasis on the success of this strategy as a technique for introducing change and reducing resistance to prevention programs. Also discusses the obstacles to, and the benefits of, such programs. (MDM)

The Dartmouth Health Promotion Study was a longitudinal, quasi-experimental study that examined whether coordinating school health instruction, health services, and healthful environments would enhance the program's effects on children's heart and mental health. Analysis of fourth- through sixth-grade participants and nonparticipants indicated…

This paper examines how curriculum and scholarship might be structured to promote connectedness within the university, extrapolating the nature of the interdependence of kinesiology and society through an analysis of the professional challenges awaiting graduates beyond the walls of the academy. (SM)

Suggests that exercise should be the first-line therapy for preventing and treating many common diseases; however, physicians need more training in how best to use exercise therapy. The paper explains the power of exercise and discusses how to motivate individuals to start safe, enjoyable, and life-saving exercise routines. (SM)

For the past 3 years, Miami University (Ohio), in partnership with 11 area schools and affiliated health and human service agencies, has been developing the Institute for Educational Renewal. The Institute, based on the work of John Goodlad, encourages shared responsibility for improving outcomes for students, families, and communities and…

A smoking prevention program for Hispanic immigrants in Canada was based on participatory community planning, cultural sensitivity, and a comprehensive health philosophy. After 12 educational sessions, participating children aged 8-14 engaged in more community activism and showed decreased intentions to smoke. Parents, children, and staff were…

Examines Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), including: (1) story of a victim's family; (2) risk factors; (3) known preventive measures; (4) change in traditional behaviors to ensure infants are put to sleep on their backs; and (5) the role child care providers should play to educate and ensure the safety of clients. (SD)

Investigated how European, national, and local goals of the European Network of Health Promoting Schools (ENHPS) have been realized in Finnish schools. Teacher surveys highlighted the substantial development related to health promotion in Finnish ENHPS schools. Safe school environments were emphasized. Networking with other schools was encouraged…

Presents findings from the School Health Policies and Programs Study 2000 about family and community involvement in school health programs, specifically school health councils and staff development; program promotion; involvement with plans, policies, and activities; participation in community programs; evaluation; and collaboration. Findings show…

Objective: Depressive disorders in adolescents are a widespread problem with extensive psychosocial consequences. The authors designed a school-based program to prevent the increase in depressive symptoms. The authors expect the program to reduce dysfunctional automatic thoughts and improve social skills and thus prevent the increase in depressive…

University faculty and community agencies collaborated to design and implement Healthy Weigh/El camino saludable, a family-focused obesity prevention and intervention program in a low-income, urban community at high risk for obesity and related chronic disease. Hispanic and African American families participated in 12 weekly sessions. Offered in…

Each month, "Curriculum Review" offers teachers mutual support, the sharing of ideas, and words of encouragement to help them face challenges in the classroom. The October 2004 issue of "Curriculum Review" contains the following articles: (1) "We Hear from Readers"; (2) "What They're Saying"; (3) "Technology Update"; (4) "Consider Drafting Younger…