A recent study suggests that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level may be a better predictor of heart disease than total cholesterol level. Even moderate amounts of aerobic exercise can raise the level of HDL-C and lower the risk of coronary artery disease. (SM)

This article reviews literature related to the positive effects of outdoor education. The following dimensions of health, and the benefits associated with each, are discussed: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual. A model of health benefits derived from outdoor recreation is presented, and implications for health education are…

Explored hypothesis that the quality of care received by the elderly in a residential facility is related to the ownership of the facility. Evaluated 300 facilities using the Multiphasic Environmental Assessment Procedure (MEAP). Results indicated that nonprofit facilities (n=44) provided a more comfortable setting, higher resident control and…

Issues related to promoting orientation and mobility training for individuals with visual impairments and diabetes are discussed, including effects of insulin, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, the timing of training, complications to the feet, and fluctuations in vision. Major lifestyle changes required by diabetes are stressed. (Author/SW)

Lead poisoning is the number one environmental threat to children. At low levels it harms development, damages blood cells, and lowers IQ. At higher levels, it damages the nervous system, kidneys, reproductive system, and mental development. The article examines risk factors and discusses contamination, testing for lead, and prevention. (SM)

The health effects of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse during childhood were studied in 668 middle class females. Approximately 28% recounted exposure to one type of abuse, 18% to two types, and 5% to three types. Abused women reported more hospitalizations for illnesses, more physical and psychological problems, and lower overall health than…

The diversity of current and future older immigrants poses a challenge to human service providers. Issues include the conflict between adherence to cultural norms versus acculturation and the mental and physical health needs of elderly immigrants. (SK)

A group of 120 older adults participated in group testing and 64 in individual testing of mental and physical health. Testing conditions made a difference for personality, perceived health, mental health, and recall of life events. Selection or setting bias was thought to have affected outcomes. (SK)

Developed Vulnerable Child/Overprotecting Parent Scale to measure overprotecting versus optimal developmental stimulation tendencies for parents of physically vulnerable children. Items were administered to parents whose parenting techniques had been rated as either highly overprotective or as optimal by group of physicians and other…

Reviews the latest statistics relative to tobacco consumption, the health consequences of cigarette use, and future U.S. smoking trends projected through the year 2000. Smoking statistics are presented by ethnicity, gender, educational status, and brand preferences. Also provided are factors contributing to smoking initiation. (GLR)

Discusses coping and personal adjustment to chronic pain for adolescents with sickle cell anemia and presents a model of illness behavior for these adolescents. Offers a framework of disease severity and disease impact, and suggests using functional ability as an index of coping and personal adjustment. Contains 59 references. (SLD)

This response supports previous findings by describing the experiences of the Wentham Developmental Center. This center found switching from Depakene to generic valproic acid was not associated with any change in the number of epileptic seizures. The occurrence of adverse gastrointestinal effects of valproic acid is addressed. (CR)

Evaluates the short-term effects of an accessible exercise intervention on the strength and health-related quality of life among older women. Results of an 8-week resistance training intervention revealed significant increases in three major muscles. However, there were no significant changes on either mental or physical health functioning.…

Physicians who work with athletes play an important role in preventing sudden death related to physical activity in people who have Marfan syndrome. Flagging those who have the physical stigmata and listening for certain cardiac auscultation sounds are early diagnostic keys that can help prevent deaths. People with Marfan syndrome should be…

Examined the effects of 2 mg of nicotine polacrilex versus placebo gum and a group behavioral treatment versus minimal contact on cessation of smokeless tobacco use. Participants (n=210) were randomly assigned 1 of the 4 treatment conditions. Withdrawal symptoms were assessed throughout the treatment. Discusses findings. (KW)