Demographic impacts of meeting the National Health Objectives for 2000 were studied using life-table methods. Meeting the targets would increase life expectancy at birth by 1.5-2.1 years to 76.6-77.2 years. Modifying the coronary heart disease and unintentional injury targets to be more optimistic would further increase life expectancy. (SLD)

Approximately 20 percent of those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are adolescents, of whom 90 percent do not know they are infected. The article discusses HIV prevention education, the role of recreation professionals, approaches or strategies, and techniques to enhance HIV/AIDS educational approaches. (SM)

Schools and adolescent students in today's society need support from surrounding communities and meaningful people. Community organizations of all kinds are important for recreating the critical aspects of community that once made it possible to grow up and participate in the mainstream of society. (SM)

Measurement of obesity among 364 adults with mental retardation indicated that rates of obesity were significantly higher among females than males; subjects with severe mental retardation had the lowest overall rates of obesity; and residents of a state-operated institution had lower obesity rates than group home, family, and Intermediate Care…

This article presents a model for mapping relationships in health and family life education. The model emphasizes a behavioral approach to health promotion as an individual and collective endeavor, resulting from decision making by individuals and the wider community. Sample curriculum units are included. (Author/IAH)

Results of a survey of White (N=1,100) and Black (N=396) middle-class suburban high school students indicate meaningful differences in drug and alcohol sources of information. While both groups rated mass media as their best source of information, Black students more frequently cited family as a source of information and assistance. (IAH)

Describes programs of Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Development Services, a private nonprofit agency that provides preventive health care services to families in Chemung County, New York. The Infant Registry program registers, tracks, and screens the health and development of children from birth until the child starts school. (LP)

The SunSafe program promoted sun protection among rural New Hampshire children in elementary schools and day-care centers using education and outreach. The program was part of a randomized, controlled trial. Evaluation involved parent and teacher feedback, caregiver interviews, student testing, and observation. Results indicated that the program…

Asserts that tribal colleges play a pivotal role in both the cultural resilience and in addressing the health problems of a tribal community. Relates Oglala Lakota College (South Dakota) Department of Nursing's leadership role in the development of community resources and identification of private and federal sources of funding. (VWC)

Discusses unhealthy dieting behaviors that can lead to eating disorders during adolescence. Outlines ways middle school and high school teachers and administrators can aid in the prevention of disordered eating among adolescents. Lists resources for eating disorders awareness and prevention. (SR)

Evaluated a health education intervention that emphasized risk factors associated with drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction among female college athletes. Surveys of athletes in intervention and comparison groups indicated that the intervention was associated with decreased drive for thinness, which in turn was associated with decreased…

The overall effectiveness of patient education and counseling on preventive health behaviors was examined across published clinical trials, 1971-1994. The effectiveness of various approaches for modifying specific types of behaviors among patients without diagnosed disease was assessed. Multiple regression models indicated differences among…

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…