This article contains three sections: (1) a literature review demonstrating that powerlessness is linked to disease and empowerment to health; (2) an exposition of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire's empowering education theory with a comparison to traditional health education; and (3) a case study of an empowering education substance abuse…

Surveys of adolescent alcohol abuse prevention task force members found that members who were more satisfied with the task force and lived in the community less time spent more time on task force work. Satisfaction was greater for those who perceived more personal and community influence on the task force. (SM)

Describes an initiative that offered smokers nicotine replacement along with smoking cessation and overall wellness interventions. The intervention included weekly smoking education sessions and round table discussions, dietary fat restriction, and nicotine replacement. Participant questionnaires indicated the program helped, but the decision to…

Paper expresses concern over the poor health of many Americans, anger that the situation is allowed to exist, and guilt that most people offer little remedy. Stresses the need for all Americans to commit to doing something with the belief that they can meaningfully improve their neighbors' health. (SM)

Elementary school physical educators must translate their awareness of the importance of physical fitness to their students. The paper explains how they can get classroom teachers involved in incorporating daily fitness into their classrooms by working to generate interest, support the teachers, stay motivated, measure success, and make a…

Explores possible historical and cultural reasons for the high prevalence of contemporary tobacco use among North American Indian populations. Discusses historic ceremonial and medicinal uses of tobacco, contemporary ceremonialism, and clinical observations concerning Indian tobacco use. Recommends that prevention programs promote a return to the…

Surveys of 931 students indicated that 85 percent supported condom distribution at their school, and 76 percent believed that condom distribution would not change the frequency of sexual activity among adolescents. (SM)

Presents program development and peer education training considerations for programs that attempt to influence healthy attitudes toward dating and preventing date rape. The paper discusses the program's theoretical foundations, goal determination, mixed-gender programs, themes students raise during programs, the consensual sex scenario as a…

Clinical experience and recent research challenge the current standards of exercise duration and intensity for pregnant women. By carefully assessing patients' self-monitoring techniques, physicians can work with active women to create safe exercise programs during pregnancy. Safety guidelines for developing home exercise programs are included.…

Describes cancer control activities by the Indian Health Service in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska, including risk factor assessment and cancer screening using a modified Health Risk Appraisal; interventions to reduce smoking; community empowerment; development of health education materials; and clinical preventive services. (SV)

Describes Homebound Learning Opportunities, innovative health promotion and educational outreach service for homebound older adults and their caregivers. Notes that program provides over 125 topics for individualized learning programs delivered to participants in homes, audiovisual lending library, educational television programing, and peer…

A study examined the relationship of psychosocial variables (self-efficacy, coping, locus of control, and social support) and attendance at a hospital-sponsored smoking cessation program with smoking cessation. Questionnaires and interviews with participants indicated self-efficacy and number of classes attended related to smoking cessation. (SM)

Discusses the differences between exercise alone and exercise with medication (e.g., diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors) for treating hypertensive patients. Guidelines are presented for physicians wanting to change the therapeutic regimen or to step down from medical therapy, noting exercise must always be part of the program. (SM)

In discussing pharmacologic control of hypertension in children and adolescents who participate in sports, the second of two articles emphasizes drugs with few side effects and that usually do not alter heart rate (e.g., long-lasting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium channel blockers). Such drugs allow continued sports…

British researchers surveyed secondary schools to examine how they handled alcohol education, noting the use of personal and social education strategies and examining which commercial resources were the most popular. The article discusses the range of responses and suggests areas to address in curriculum planning. (SM)