Review of research on the correlation between education and health indicates that the relationship is influenced by when in the life course education is experienced, the type of health condition, and the national context. The findings have implications for understanding the influence of health behaviors on health outcomes and the mediating role of…

A competing-risk model was used to test the influence of strenuous work on ability to delay retirement. Hazard rate estimates on data from 3,038 older males found that physical job requirements and health conditions affect the likelihood of retiring in a disabled state. Strenuous and sedentary jobs did not differ greatly. (SK)

Examination of hospitalizations for 5,854 elderly adults for 1980, 1985, and 1987 revealed significant increases in 60-day mortality and nursing home transfers after Medicare's Prospective Payment System began and hospital stays were shortened. Increases were largely explained by differences in risk factors other than length of stay (age, gender,…

A restaurant may be an easier place to maintain a wellness plan than at home or at a party. The first step in power eating is to overcome any hesitation or embarrassment in requesting something out of the ordinary. Some suggestions for choosing healthy restaurant dishes are provided. (MLW)

Many employers are creating healthy workplaces and enjoying the short-and long-term benefits of a healthy work force. Interviewed is an executive who has had great influence on the Worksite Wellness movement. (JD)

Study of the monocyte phagocytic function in nine competitive athletes before and after a two-week weight reduction (through calorie restriction) program revealed that their pre-program phagocytic activity was higher than in sedentary controls but decreased significantly after the program. This suggests calorie restriction may affect the human…

Analyzes progress in the fight against the "cigarette epidemic," presents evidence relating smoking to cancer, and provides suggestions for citizen action to curb cigarette-smoking and to prevent children from developing the habit. (LS)

Comparison of cardiovascular risk factors (blood lipids, obesity, and smoking) in 329 adults with mental retardation residing in various settings with subjects in the Framingham Offspring Study found that adults with mental retardation had cardiovascular risk profiles similar to those of individuals without mental retardation. (Author/DB)

Using an emancipatory education model, 9 older women (65-85) were trained as research associates to conduct needs assessments of their peers. Posttest and focus group results support the effect of learning on seniors' mental, physical, and social health; increased self-esteem; and ability to express ideas and be heard. (SK)

Detailed recommendations for integrating preventive medicine into residency education and the continuum of medical care are outlined, with the goal of putting the patient's health rather than disease process into the forefront of primary care. Suggestions are based on a guide assessing the effectiveness of 169 types of preventive intervention.…

A review of food preparation and meal planning training studies involving individuals with disabilities was conducted to determine the extent to which nutritional issues were addressed. A lack of emphasis on nutritious and healthful foods was found, with nutrition education typically limited to the traditional basic food group approach. (Author/DB)

Recent major life events were identified by 200 adults over 55, who also completed the Hassles Scale and Perceived Well-Being Scale. Findings showed that (1) self-rated health, activity limitation, and frequent hassles were related to physical well-being, and (2) psychological well-being is associated with age, limitations, and frequent hassles.…

Applied structural equation modeling to evaluation of cross-lagged panel models. Self-reports of physical and mental health at three time points spanning four-year interval were analyzed to illustrate cross-lagged analysis methodology. Data were analyzed from 856 patients with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or depression. Cross-lagged…

Because many experts recommend stretching after exercise to relieve muscle soreness, 23 subjects performed a 30-minute step test to induce delayed muscle soreness. There was neither temporary relief of pain immediately after stretching nor a reduction in pain during the 3-day postexercise period. (Author/SM)

Discusses the relationship between nutrition and fatigue and how carbohydrates and timing of carbohydrate consumption can affect fatigued athletes. Nutrition plays a significant role in successful training and competition. Key concerns are the specific needs of athletes for carbohydrates before, during, and after exercise. (Author/SM)