Describes the association between stress and maladaptive coping and stress-related mental disorders; the severity of problems due to stress and stress-related mental disorders; and the need for primary prevention that teaches coping skills. Recommendations are given for providing cognitive-behavioral coping-skills training and educating consumers…

A needs assessment was conducted to explore the educational interests of 28 residents of a retirement community in the Niagara region of Ontario. Most were interested in education for leisure and personal development, specifically related to health maintenance and quality of life. (JOW)

The health needs and challenges of performers who travel from campus to campus are examined, and recommendations are offered for promoting better health through good sleep, good nutrition, exercise, and using medications. Considerations concerning health insurance and maintaining spiritual and emotional health are also discussed. Actions that…

Examined the attitudes of key participants in a telehealth project, conducted by the Kansas University Medical Center and one school district, which brought health care into the schools via interactive video technology. Archival data and participant interviews indicated that initial challenges and negative attitudes were overcome to effectively…

Analyzes correlates of marijuana use based on 3,690 effect sizes coded from 86 prospective longitudinal studies. Summarizes findings on strength of relationships for categorizing predictor variables, and implications of these relationships. Findings are relevant for intervention programmers and policymakers since they identify characteristics of…

Examines the significant events in the history of mental health care that have contributed to the development of a specialty within the counseling profession referred to as mental health counseling. Discusses the development of credentials for the specialty and the issues currently facing mental health counseling, and offers a perspective on…

Clarifies some recent recommendations about how much physical activity is enough, and answers common questions such as what the recommendations are and what they are based on, what is meant by moderate intensity physical activity, who is responsible for the recommendations, and when to use the different guidelines. (SM)

Research shows a relationship between older adults' leisure involvement and life satisfaction. Individuals who participate more frequently and in a greater variety of activities experience greater psychological well-being. The paper discusses successful aging and leisure participation, provides current definitions, and examines perceptions of…

Describes a mobile needle-exchange program in New York's South Bronx that employs the latest in computer and telecommunications equipment in its mission of controlling the spread of HIV. A brief overview of New York City's drug and HIV problem is provided and of the "underground" effort it created to reverse the problem. (GR)

Federal researchers are investigating whether mandatory breakfast served at school will improve children's academic performance. In six districts, entire elementary schools are receiving school breakfasts. To remove stigma, all students receive the food. This paper describes the research, discusses the pros and cons of breakfast programs, and…

American cultural diversity makes it difficult to promote one single fitness and health program. Health disparities exist between racial and ethnic groups. Healthy People 2000 and 2010 are designed to encourage physical activity for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status. Physicians need to understand these inequities and consider…

Tested the efficacy of a computer-assisted counseling intervention to reduce diet-related cancer risk. Healthy female HMO members were randomly assigned to nutrition counseling or attention-control interventions. Women completed dietary recalls and eating behavior questionnaires. Four-month follow-up results indicated that this moderate-intensity…

Recounts the life of Leah Widtsoe, who lobbied for women's and family life programs in extension and for passage of the Smoot Bill, eventually folded into the Parnell Act, which supported home economics education. (SK)

Describes the 1995-1997 evaluation framework and activities of an evaluation of HIV-prevention efforts. This framework is offered as a platform for future efforts to determine the most effective ways to prevent HIV transmission, and it may be generalizable to other disease-prevention and health-promotion programs. (SLD)

Examined cultural beliefs regarding the use of influence strategies in heterosexual relationships of 40 Mexican immigrant couples in stable relationships. Cultural consensus analyses reveal a common cultural model. Discusses the implications for health promotion and health-education activities. (SLD)