This article describes "Physical Best," a physical fitness educational plan that provides teachers with a plan designed to educate children to be physically fit for the rest of their lives. (IAH)

Findings from a study based on interviews with 141 first-grade, third-grade, and kindergarten students indicate that the primary stressors perceived by these students are school work and peer relationships. The coping strategies most often mentioned by these children were social support and acceptance, direct action, and distraction. (IAH)

This article describes Wellness Weekend workshops, a collaborative effort between Texas A & M University and 13 Texas school districts. Eighty participants, including principals, teachers, support staff, and central office administrators received a literal and physical immersion into the concepts of health promotion. (IAH)

Describes a peer helping program that targets prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among incarcerated youth within the context of the National Peer Helper Association's Standards for Peer Programs. The program emphasizes the relative and reciprocal influences among behavioral, personal, and environmental variables hypothesized to…

The process of a 1992 consensus conference that examined relationships among physical activity, fitness, and health variables is described. The conference involved internationally known scientists with relevant expertise. The paper discusses potential sources of physical activity, the benefits of physical activity, the possible harmful effects of…

Data on the dose-response gradient for the relation of physical activity or physical fitness to health and function are reviewed, refuting the idea that physical activity programs are either exercise for health or for fitness and suggesting that the key factor is the total energy expenditure of the activity. (SM)

Introduces the Communication Enhancement Model, which promotes health in old age by stressing recognition of individualized cues, modification of communication to suit individual needs and situations, appropriate assessment of problems, and empowerment of both elders and providers. Discusses application of the model for two high-risk groups,…

Recent federal and state initiatives have analyzed American health needs and highlighted strategies for improvement. This article describes a collaborative partnership model that links academia with health practitioners in preparing health educators. The Baylor University health education model continues pragmatic traditions of American higher…

The union of sports and tobacco represents a multimillion dollar enterprise. Recent litigation, the Federal Trade Commission v. Pinkerton Tobacco Company, jeopardizes sport sponsorship agreements. Tobacco advertising may no longer be displayed anywhere during televised sporting events. (SM)

Study tested the effect of exercise programs on bone mineral content (BMC) and BMC/bone width in 31 postmenopausal women. Subjects were placed in groups with aerobic exercise, aerobics plus upper-body weight training, or no exercise. Results indicate that regular exercise programs positively affect bone mineral maintenance in postmenopausal women.…

Interviews with 20 physicians caring for coronary high-risk male patients highlighted the importance of family involvement and support systems to health promotion. Physicians' behavior must consider the complex interaction of the personal, professional, and social cultures of practitioners, patients, and the health care environment. (SK)

Children need to protect their eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection can help enhance the eye's ability to filter out damaging rays, but sunglasses without such protection may allow in more harmful rays. The article presents guidelines to help parents select safe, appropriate sunglasses for their children.…

Parents and children need to learn about bicycle maintenance and safety to keep bicycles fit and safe. The article presents a checklist of important bicycle equipment safety items and makes suggestions about how parents and children can learn more about bicycle safety and maintenance. (SM)

A project to improve health professionals' education focused on changing the academic/institutional context by resolving problems in developing clinical teaching and on changing the social context through university-community collaboration and collection of information about community health needs. (SK)

This last installment of articles addressing preparation of day hikers and backpackers discusses the importance of drinking plenty of purified water; how to keep food safe from animals; the necessity of carrying a flashlight, first aid kit, and compass; actions to take when someone is injured; and being prepared for any kind of weather. (LP)