Examined factors related to health practices of urban minority adolescents. Participant surveys highlighted positive correlations between social support and positive health practices and hope and positive health practices. There was no significant relationship between self-esteem and positive health practices. Implications for school nursing…

Examined personal characteristics and expanded health belief model (EHBM) constructs associated with osteoporosis- protective behaviors among college women. Survey results indicated that the EHBM was useful in evaluating osteoporosis- protective behavior. High numbers of women did not meet current exercise and calcium guidelines. Exercise…

The F.A.M.I.L.Y. Approach to Self-Care introduces a systematic approach for couples and individuals in identifying personal perceptions of health toward balancing current strengths and weaknesses with self-care behaviors. Health factors within the acronym F.A.M.I.L.Y are identified as a model for self-care. A model, "Caring for Self," is also…

Describes the development and implementation of Georgetown University's comprehensive and successful approach to student alcohol abuse, which involves five interrelated aims (e.g., defining the national problem in terms of the local community, finding an inclusive structure with purposeful operations to address the community problems, and…

Results of a study of 84 participants in a work site health promotion program support the hypothesis that one individual attempting to change health behavior may be positively influenced by significant others during the course of the change process. (JOW)

An evaluation of a health promotion program for employees at a New Jersey state college assessed the physical fitness and exercise program with educational components. Comparisons of experimental and control subjects indicated significant differences on high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglycerides, and body weight in…

Telephone surveys queried frequency of fruit and vegetable intake as well as attitudes about and knowledge of fruits and vegetables among adults. Fruit and vegetable intake was lower than the recommended minimum of five daily servings. Intake was higher among women, nonsmokers, and those with higher education and income. (SM)

A survey returned by 300 homeowners (50 percent) in a community at risk for high home radon concentrations found that, although 64 percent were concerned, only 7 percent tested their homes. Findings indicate the need for more education about radon and its health effects. (JOW)

College students nationwide reported whether they had served as or ridden with a designated driver over the past 30 days and how much alcohol they had consumed the last time they used this strategy. Results indicated that using designated drivers is now a well-established strategy among college students. Those who served as designated drivers…

Examined the association of TriTrac-recorded activity among older women with commonly-used measures of activity and associated constructs. A moderate correlation was found between TriTrac and the main criterion measure, the Physical Activity Index. Respondents wore the TriTrac units only 78 percent of the requested days and underreported time not…

Presents data from the 1997 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a self-administered questionnaire that included questions about cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and cigar use. Results indicated that the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among U.S. high school students had increased since 1991, and 42.7% of students had used cigarettes, smokeless…

Finds that specific communication apprehension showed moderate to large negative effects on health communication (talking with physician, seeking health information) and almost no effects on health behaviors (tobacco use, exercise, health fairs) except diet; and that general-trait communication apprehension showed similar, though smaller, effects…

Presents an overview of self-regulation models: theory of planned behavior, protection motivation theory, health belief model, action control theory, transtheoretical model of behavior change, health action process, and precaution adoption process. Applies models to health behavior change in older adults with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.…

Data are presented from 335 young males who are participants in Wise Guys, a sexual responsibility program of the Family Life Council of Greater Greensboro. Comparisons were made with 145 similar males who did not participate in the program. Positive changes in knowledge and behavior were observed among the program participants but not the…

Describes functional foods for women's health (foods or food ingredients that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition), explaining that both whole and modified foods can be included as functional foods. The paper discusses the history, regulation, and promotion of functional foods; consumer interest in functional foods; how to incorporate…