Reviews research related to humor, especially the role humor can play in the instructional process. Highlights include theories of humor; variables associated with humor; health benefits derived from humor; developmental stages and humor; effects of humor in children's educational television; and humor in the college environment. (25 references)…

Study examined self-motivation and selected physiological characteristics as predictors of whether employees would complete a structured corporate exercise/fitness program. Researchers surveyed employees regarding physiological health, self-motivation, and adherence. They found no significant positive relationship between self-motivation scores…

Cardiovascular risk factors in 57 healthy older individuals were measured (blood pressure, lipids and lipoproteins, and lifestyle behaviors) via a personal health questionnaire. Results indicated that, though the subjects were generally healthy, their lifestyle behaviors, particularly diet and physical activity, could be improved. (SM)

Describes a study investigating the effects of age and sports participation on functional loss. Data on 756 adults who underwent maximal exercise testing during the 1985 World Masters Games indicate even moderate sports participation may enhance functional capacity. Older people may maintain independence in later life by increasing physical…

Outlines public policy goals regarding substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies, and violence. Concludes that the nation will continue to be high-risk until reforms are implemented that will equalize access to the opportunity structure. (DM)

Three popular videotapes were assessed for their effectiveness in improving knowledge and attitudes about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). University students (n=144) completed knowledge and attitude questionnaires and then viewed tapes. A conclusion was that tapes about AIDS can lead to modest changes in knowledge and perhaps in…

Study examined the willingness of drinkers (college students and staff) to participate in alcohol interventions which decreased or stopped alcohol use by degree of service provider contact. Drinkers preferred low-contact over high-contact interventions. Men were more willing than women to participate in nearly half of the interventions. (SM)

Traces the history of alcohol use in the United States from the colonial period to the present. Discusses changes in public attitudes toward drinking. Explores attempts at prohibition, alcohol preferences, the relationship between alcohol consumption and economic prosperity, and the dichotomy of alcohol as a part of a European heritage that is…

Researchers assessed grading practices in college personal health (PH) courses, examining students' PH grades and comparing them with other course grades for 29 semesters. Certain students completed the Health Knowledge Inventory before and after PH courses. Though PH students received relatively high grades, they experienced only modest health…

National School Population Fitness Survey data were reexamined to assess fitness in U.S. children and youth, comparing numbers meeting norm-referenced standards and criterion-referenced health (CRH) standards. Using CRH standards to view fitness had advantages over norm-referenced standards. Results did not indicate a decline in fitness levels.…

The article makes health educators aware of issues raised by a move from anonymous to confidential HIV testing. It examines implications of contact tracing and notification and of reporting requirements that identify HIV-positive persons to public health departments. Implications for health education professionals responsible for HIV test…

Telephone survey of urban school-based health programs nationwide examined current programs, obstacles, and approaches for addressing students' needs. City size affected the amount of services provided overall; a clear relationship existed between number of providers employed and number/amount of screening services available. (SM)

The Association for the Advancement of Health Education's code of ethics for health educators provides a common set of values to guide health educators in resolving ethical dilemmas, focusing on responsibility to the public, to the profession, and to employers in delivering health education and in research and evaluation. (SM)

Describes a physical education fitness/wellness course that uses classroom lectures on wellness plus laboratory sessions where students strive to achieve physical fitness through one specific aerobic activity. An assessment evaluated 1,500 students' knowledge gained, attitudes toward the course, current lifestyle, and physical fitness changes. It…

Since Magic Johnson's retirement, athletes and sports organizations are more interested in HIV and AIDS. Many seek answers from physicians about the risk of transmission through athletic competition and the rights of HIV-positive players. Physicians can counsel patients about reducing risk. The article discusses risk, testing, policies, education,…