In the holosphere model of empowerment for health promotion, five spheres are linked: personal care, small group development, community organization, coalition building and advocacy, and political action. The model presumes that professionals and institutions are capable of change and of sharing power. (SK)

Exercise can help decrease pain and improve function in people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Physicians must provide individualized, realistic, enjoyable exercise programs that help affected joints, build fitness, and maximize patient compliance. Physicians must also provide appropriate follow-up care, adjusting the exercise program…

Provides an overview of human exposure to ultraviolet radiation and associated health effects as well as risk estimates for acute and chronic conditions resulting from such exposure. Demonstrates substantial reductions in health risk that can be achieved through preventive actions. Also includes a risk assessment model for skin cancer. Contains 36…

Presents a model linking health promotion, health education, and patient education. The bases for distinctions between health education, patient education, and clinical health promotion are examined. The linking elements of the model are patient role, relationships adopted, and focus of the encounter; i.e., disease process vs. disease management.…

Describes how secondary teachers can use cooperative learning groups to enhance students' health-related cultural awareness. Students work in teams to complete various activities and projects that introduce them to health problems prevalent among specific U.S. groups and the community health methods used to address the problems. Throughout the…

Examines the empirical results from an evaluation of interactive software designed to support health-promotion planning. Findings from a case study of two main users of the technology and the program director suggest that users' viewpoints should be exploited in a meaningful manner to explain how and why users make use of technology. Contains 55…

A method for balanced appraisal of the effectiveness of health education and promotion interventions has been needed. A review instrument, which makes possible a standardized analysis of effect studies, is presented. Insights into methodological qualities, specific effects and the process by which the effect was achieved are provided. (EMK)

Responses from 223 of 524 allied health education program directors indicated that 93.5% believe health promotion/disease prevention is an appropriate topic; 66% said it was represented in their curriculum; the level of representation in the curriculum is significantly associated with accreditation requirements; and the most frequently used…

Argues that immunizations are the most powerful and most effective way to prevent childhood infectious diseases. Presents immunization rates in Missouri and describes recent state legislation adding tetanus and pertussis to required immunizations for school attendance. Identifies factors contributing to Missouri's low preschool immunization level.…

Describes a partnership among a hospital, a university, private providers, and a local school system and health department to provide school health services. Noteworthy aspects of the project include the organizational structure and funding, implementation of a case management model, and a focus on documenting outcomes. The program has…

A well-developed playground in a park or school setting can greatly enhance childen's overall development, making playgrounds more than just fun. Playgrounds offer children opportunities to develop physically, mentally, and socially, improving academic readiness as well as overall health. The paper discusses the importance of movement, how…

For expanded school mental health programs to feature improved access, increased productivity, and improved behavioral outcomes, researchers, school-based mental health service providers, and educators must collaborate to move them beyond limiting constructs and approaches. The paper reviews these issues and offers an example of an ideal approach…

To successfully address mental health and psychosocial concerns in schools, practices must not be marginalized and must be implemented cohesively. Mechanisms and processes are needed to minimize marginalized and fragmented practice, link school and community resources, and develop comprehensive, multifaceted approaches. These include a…

Analyzes preventive strategies to reduce childhood injuries through education, environmental change, and enforcement of legislation and regulation, offering recommendations for steps to reduce the toll of injuries on children's lives. After discussing the magnitude, trends, and costs associated with childhood injuries and models for prevention,…

The social benefits of a well-educated population are probably considerable. Increased education is strongly and positively correlated with measures of health, strong families, children's well-being, a clean environment, and absence of violent crime. The book "The Social Benefits of Education" (Behrman and Stacey, editors) discusses…