Researchers investigated the causal attributions for health and illness among 96 Brazilian elementary school students. Subjects were interviewed individually and their causal attributions were assessed through 14 true-false items (e.g. people stay well because they are lucky). The findings suggest that there may be more cross-cultural similarities…

Although anabolic steroids are associated with short term behavior and long term health problems, few schools address this issue. Adolescents were surveyed to determine their general knowledge of anabolic steroids, attitudes related to fair play, and interest in limiting anabolic steroid use. Data from 322 boys and 331 girls in grades 7-12 were…

This module on wellness includes eight lessons, and is oriented toward middle school students in grades 5-8. Students choose partners to support them in achieving their goals for improving health in several areas. In lesson 1, health and wellness are defined. Students are introduced to a wellness continuum and the physical, mental/emotional, and…

These two documents are manuals for an intermediate level 4-H food and nutrition project. The leader's guide includes an introduction, 10 units, and a supplemental unit. The introduction includes a discussion of 4-H philosophy, sources of help, working with middle school boys and girls, how the guide is organized, and how to organize meetings.…

This paper focuses on the challenge raised by the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic regarding the need to improve the effectiveness of health communication or education campaigns. The paper discusses the behaviors underlying health information processing and particularly what is called the "knowledge but not behavior-change…

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a serious health problem in the United States and in the world. To date, there is no vaccine to protect people from HIV infection, nor is there a cure for those who are infected and are facing the consequences of this life-threatening disease. But infection with HIV can be prevented if people know and avoid…

This document comprises a report on the disparity between the health status of Maryland's blacks and minorities and the white population. Information was gathered from statewide public hearings at which over 50 individuals and groups representing the general public and health care providers testified. The major finding was that a disproportionate…

This workbook provides a means of assessing the health maintenance and promotion skills of youth in foster care and offers exercises to develop those skills. The workbook is designed to be used collaboratively by foster parents and youth in substitute care, enabling them to assess, develop, and practice independent living skills, and to maintain a…

This second annual report details North Carolina's performance and progress since 2000 in the five goal areas: high student performance; every child ready to learn; safe, orderly, and caring schools; quality teachers and administrators; and strong family, business, and community support. Over the years, North Carolina's education system has…

The need for youth to be supervised and safe does not end with the school year. For this reason, summer programs like those funded by the US Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program are vital for the well-being of youth. Summer schools have traditionally served youth who are in need of remedial academic…

Substantial numbers of children and adolescents experience symptoms of sadness, dysphoria, and other characteristics associated with depression. The nature of depression in children and adolescents has presented challenges in identification and definition. This chapter reviews research on depression in children and adolescents. Three current…

The Michigan Department of Education's vision for health education is a continuum of learning experiences which enables people to make informed decisions, modify behaviors, and change social conditions in ways that are health enhancing, with students learning to obtain, interpret, and apply health information and services in ways that protect and…

This educational program, which includes a moderator's guide and a videotape, is designed to help educators teach media literacy skills regarding smoking to students in middle and early high school. The moderator's guide helps teachers conduct an engaging discussion and provide followup educational activities around the Smoke Screeners program…

This monograph summarizes what is known about youth and violence, identifying 10 myths that confound people's understanding of the real causes of youth violence. It focuses on: what contributes to youth violence (e.g., children exposed to domestic violence are at risk of using violence, children and adolescents use guns when they are easily…

This publication includes five articles on health care and health promotion within impoverished communities. "The Health of Families and Communities" (Douglas W. Nelson) introduces the issue, discussing the work of the Annie E. Casey Foundation in communities. "Inconspicuous Consumption: Treating Latent TB Infection in Seattle"…