Although much more research is needed to determine the exact nature of health benefits derived from child physical activity, it is clear that physical education professionals must motivate students to incorporate physical activity in their daily lives to reduce their risk of developing inactivity-related health problems in adulthood. (Author/CB)

Some basic assessment/evaluation issues which must be considered when beginning any health/fitness program are identified, and assessment's role in fitness program development is discussed. A description is included of the development of a total wellness program designed to meet criteria for law enforcement certification of the Greensboro (NC)…

Describes the selection and training of volunteers to conduct a national health promotion program, Staying Healthy after Fifty. (JOW)

This article presents an experimental community-based prevention planning model which was established to solicit involvement of adults and youth from high risk communities in an effort to prevent substance abuse through provision of positive outreach activities. The model's components, methodology, and preliminary findings are described. (IAH)

This article is excerpted from a speech by co-founder of Women's Sports Foundation. Sports is a vital part of our socialization process. The level and quality of participation contributes to such diverse issues as girls' mathematical ability, sense of isolation, and self-esteem. (IAH)

This article reports results of a study to determine effects of a supplemental physical education program based on health-related fitness factors taught and monitored by classroom teachers. Subjects were 130 students, grades four-six. Findings indicate the treatment group showed improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance, abdominal strength, and…

Synthesizes 10 school- and family-based studies of cardiovascular health behaviors in youth, including sociodemographic characteristics, study designs, interventions, measures, and results. Use of results as components of school health programs is addressed. (SK)

Findings from a survey of 92 American medical school curriculums suggest that physicians may be unprepared to offer effective counseling on exercise. The survey showed that 67 percent of schools had no formal instruction in exercise medicine. A required course emphasizing cardiorespiratory fitness is recommended. (IAH)

Results of an investigation to evaluate the effectiveness of a portable self-instructional stress management program for college students are reported. Program components (five self-contained learning stations) are described. Program effectiveness was measured, using several instruments, by changes in subjects'(n=150) knowledge, attitudes, and…

Suggestions are made for planning and implementing a walking program for a city or town. (JD)

The AAHPERD Physical Fitness Task Force was formed to develop an effective and appropriate health status test for older adults. This article describes the procedures employed by the Task Force to develop and validate the test. (IAH)

Reviews factors that led to the issuance of official pronouncements on the health implications of physical activity by various prestigious scientific and medical societies, summarizing several statements. Emphasis has shifted from endorsing structured exercise to supporting public health interventions to promote physical activity through…

Little league elbow is a common overuse injury resulting from repetitive valgus stress on the elbow during overhead throwing. Prevention and treatment should emphasize education of athletes, parents, and coaches about its etiology. The paper examines bone development, noting that the condition is highly treatable if diagnosed in early development.…

Learning activities related to visiting a salad bar can help students apply basic nutrition concepts to real-life situations and make healthier choices at restaurants and in food preparation. The paper describes a class activity involving students in setting up a salad bar, making choices among ingredients and dressings, and taking home leftovers.…

Reviews prevention concepts from counseling and college health literature, emphasizing perspectives to help health providers, identifying central elements of preventive programs and intervention formats, and examining how interventions are assembled into coherent programs. An initiative addressing primary, secondary, and tertiary substance use…