This study demonstrated the feasibility of joint parent-child education to change the behaviors known to be associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. Earlier studies have shown that parents who are at increased risk of coronary heart disease can be identified by studying certain factors in the children. Utilizing a combined risk index factor which included ponderal index, blood pressure, smoking habits, and serum cholesterol, the students in the 7th and 11th grades in the Yucaipa (California) School District were ranked according to risk. The families of the highest 60 children were then screened for the same factors; a baseline of physical fitness status was also obtained. An educational intervention consisting of classwork and practice in food preparation, cholesterol control, weight control, smoking cessation, and physical fitness was instituted for five months. Participants were post-tested for the original factors at the close of the series and again six months later. Results showed a significant improvement in the behaviors associated with increased risk and a consequent lowering of the factors themselves. Parents and children ranked family members as their chief source of support in achieving the desired behavior change, indicating that joint parent-child education increases the effectiveness of that education. (Author)