A study examined the relationship of psychosocial variables (self-efficacy, coping, locus of control, and social support) and attendance at a hospital-sponsored smoking cessation program with smoking cessation. Questionnaires and interviews with participants indicated self-efficacy and number of classes attended related to smoking cessation. (SM)

Discusses the differences between exercise alone and exercise with medication (e.g., diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors) for treating hypertensive patients. Guidelines are presented for physicians wanting to change the therapeutic regimen or to step down from medical therapy, noting exercise must always be part of the program. (SM)

In discussing pharmacologic control of hypertension in children and adolescents who participate in sports, the second of two articles emphasizes drugs with few side effects and that usually do not alter heart rate (e.g., long-lasting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium channel blockers). Such drugs allow continued sports…

British researchers surveyed secondary schools to examine how they handled alcohol education, noting the use of personal and social education strategies and examining which commercial resources were the most popular. The article discusses the range of responses and suggests areas to address in curriculum planning. (SM)

Researchers examined college and university graduate bulletins to determine titles, admission information, and graduation requirements for master's degree health education programs. Degrees most common in nonschools of public health were master of science and of education. In schools of public health, master of public health degree were most…

Based on a British study of exercise among girls ages 14-15, the article identifies influences and constraints affecting their physical activity levels in and out of school. Interviews with adolescent girls indicated a scope for developing more appropriate ways to encourage physical activity and facilitate the process. (SM)

Tuberculosis is on the rise in the United States. The article discusses its background, factors contributing to its increase, the likelihood of children and teens developing tuberculosis, how to prevent the disease from spreading, and what schools and states can do. (SM)

Successful physical fitness programs are geared toward independent fitness maintenance. Today's revised national fitness tests cover overall fitness concepts (emotional and physical), recognize individual needs, and develop a life process strategy. The article provides a summary of physical fitness program components, suggestions for teachers, and…

Lists 13 criteria for design and performance of comprehensive school health education. Uses Canadian provincial health curriculum guidelines to illustrate the extent to which the criteria are being met. Finds need for improvement in commitment to the comprehensive approach, teacher qualifications, inservice training, evaluation, and community…

Describes the development and implementation of a health promotion curriculum for four- and five-year-old children in a preschool class. The curriculum emphasized the use of the visual arts, drama, and music as learning strategies for health promotion. (BB)

The weeks just prior to conception and the early weeks of pregnancy are extremely crucial. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, parents can give their babies a head start toward a healthy life. Both men and women play an important role in preconception planning and behavior. (SM)

African-American adolescents (n=195) completed measures on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) knowledge, condoms, health locus of control, vulnerability to human immunodeficiency virus, peer sexual norms, sexual behavior, and contraceptive preferences. Girls were more knowledgeable about AIDS, reported fewer sexual partners, held more…

Describes the state of scientific knowledge and research regarding the benefits of leisure. The review focuses on physiological, psychophysiological, economic, environmental, psychological, and sociocultural benefits. It discusses the need for documentation on the magnitude of benefits leisure provides as well as lists of benefits to compete for…

Interviews with 15 Sikh women immigrants to Canada explored household structure, division of labor, child care strategies, and parenting concerns. Results suggest factors to consider in using a health promotion framework with immigrants who have experienced social and economic dislocation. (JOW)

Lyme disease may be one of the most commonly misdiagnosed diseases of this decade. Health educators should be knowledgeable about this new disease and be able to share with the public information about prevention, early signs and symptoms, and treatment of the disease (Author/IAH)