Investigated the performance of a large, representative sample of older adults on Piagetian matrix and formal operations tasks and on an everyday problem solving scale. Studied the relation between performances on these tasks and the relative importance of age, sex, income, education and perceived health on performance level. (Author/SS)

Asserts that in reviewing the latest available comprehensive document on the health of Americans, "Health United States 1975", it is clear that the current health of black Americans continues to lag far behind that of their white counterparts. In fact, in some categories there is strong evidence of actual mistreatment of blacks. (Author/JM)

Highlights repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and vision problems related to computer use. Discusses ergonomics, design faults and needs of equipment, and ways to make adjustments. Provides tips for safe computer use. (AEF)

Reviews literature on relationships of gay men with AIDS and their families of origin. Some reasons for the absence of family from support networks include family's lack of acceptance of homosexuality and relationship with a male partner; stigma associated with AIDS; inability of family to communicate openly about homosexuality and AIDS. (FC)

A Minneapolis, Minnesota, elementary school under construction has been uniquely designed to incorporate improved air quality as a key component in boosting student health and performance. Lists common-sense adjustments existing schools can make to improve the quality of their interior air. (MLF)

Depression among 148 Latina women who have children with mental retardation was examined. Results showed that their depressive symptomatology was elevated, with almost half reporting excessive negative experiences. Family problems, health problems, and negative feelings about parenting their child with mental retardation were factors contributing…

Used data from 129 people over the age of 60 to test a model in which the contributions made by older care receivers predicted subjects' personal control and psychological well-being. Physical health predicted the extent to which elders contributed to the family; elder contributions to the family increased their sense of control. (RJM)

The Discordance Hypothesis suggests that the human genetic makeup has only changed one-hundredth of one percent in the last 10,000 years. In that time the world has changed dramatically and the environment has become hazardous to our health. The goal is to emulate our ancestors' diet and lifestyle. (MLW)

Self-care programs and information sources should serve as a catalyst to facilitate appropriate care seeking behavior in college students and improve communication with health professionals. Health professionals in self-care provide proper encouragement, skills, and resources to enable individuals to involve themselves in appropriate self-care…

A sample of 500 Black American males was studied to determine if there was a causal relationship between underemployment and/or underpayment and psychosocial stress. No significant relationships were found. (JS)

Elementary students (n=900) received a nutrition education program focusing on cognitive and behavioral aspects of cardiovascular health. Assessments of their health knowledge and behavior were conducted at baseline and at five follow-up periods. Children increased their knowledge and improved food patterns, but among the cardiac risk factors,…

Studied effects on nutritional supplementation, with or without psychosocial stimulation, on the development and growth of 129 stunted children compared with 32 nonstunted children. Found that after six months, initially low activity levels of stunted children matched those of nonstunted children, regardless of treatment. Supplementation improved…

This paper presents epidemiologic evidence on the contributions of physical inactivity and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness to risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The types and dose of physical activity to reduce risk of CHD and plausible biologic mechanisms for the partial protective effect are reviewed. (Author/SM)

Reports a study that tracked the fatness of elementary students over two years using current fitness test standards, assessing the athletic competence of obese and nonobese children. Children who were obese at the beginning of the study were likely to remain so. The study's findings regarding athletic competence were equivocal. (SM)

A literature search investigated studies that demonstrated the impact of spiritual health programs on health outcomes. Out of 71 articles, 3 studies had high quality methodology and relevant program content with a spiritual component. The three programs produced excellent improvements in health behaviors and reduced morbidity and mortality. (SM)