Describes two courses utilizing modern American fiction, poetry, and drama in which vivid depictions of the disasters wrought by excessive drinking are found. Posits these as examples of how literature that addresses problems related to drinking and alcoholism can be used in a focused way in alcohol education. (LKS)

Using an ethological framework, explores the ways in which family pets, in particular dogs and cats, provide certain components of attachment that contribute to emotional and social well-being throughout the life cycle. Implications are identified for social policies that will protect and maintain this bond for particular populations. (RJM)

A sample of child-care centers and family day-care homes in Michigan was used to identify what care providers need to know about safe food handling. Their primary concern was to become informed about what causes food to become unsafe and how to prevent foodborne illnesses. Providers preferred printed materials to tapes or workshops. (AA)

A literature search investigated studies that demonstrated the impact of spiritual health programs on health outcomes. Out of 71 articles, 3 studies had high quality methodology and relevant program content with a spiritual component. The three programs produced excellent improvements in health behaviors and reduced morbidity and mortality. (SM)

Clarion University of Pennsylvania has developed and implemented a model health-education emphasis for preservice teachers. The program addresses key issues in health education and offers professional preparation for providing health education as part of an overall comprehensive health program for schools. (SM)

Explores the most effective strategy roles that coalitions can play in the prevention of complex, entrenched, social and health problems such as violence, alcoholism, and other substance abuse problems. The paper also outlines the key internal capacities a coalition will need in order to establish a support system for prevention initiatives. (GR)

The wellness program is applied within the higher education setting as one means to control health care costs. Discussed are the program's design, objectives, content, facilities, structure and staff, financing, and evaluation. It is noted that wellness programs are not only cost effective but can help to improve morale and increase productivity.…

The article presents suggestions for home safety checks, recommending that parents look for harmful agents and safety hazards, and suggesting that they teach their children safety awareness. Safety tips are also offered for visits outside the home. (SM)

Examined relationship between affect, demographics, and health-related lifestyle among 139 public high school students. Data analyses revealed distinctive demographic and affective correlates of different health behaviors. No one variable uniformly predicted adolescents' health behaviors. Demographics and affect showed differential relationships…

Research on women's dental health and on differences between men's and women's dental health issues is reviewed. Factors specifically influencing women's health, including medical, economic, social, psychological, and behavioral factors, are also examined. It is argued that the clustering of risk factors for women indicates a need for more…

Health care reform needs to assure coverage to all children regardless of income level or illnesses; address benefits, financing, administration, and delivery systems; provide substantial subsidies to low-income families; be equitable for all people; provide better monitoring of child health; protect and strengthen health providers who assist…

Examines how health care reform might be structured to provide support for a package of primary care services for children of all socioeconomic strata. An insurance-like financing system, such as the special Medicaid payment system adopted by New York State for public and nonprofit primary health care programs, may be useful as a model for a…

Discusses the implications of the Medicare program's rate setting system on health care reform and considers whether such a procedure could be applied to a health insurance system that included children. Examines desirable characteristics of a provider payment system, special health needs of children, and hospital and physician payment issues.…

Discusses hearing loss resulting from everyday noise. Recent research suggests that noise-induced hearing loss among school-aged children and teens is more severe than parents and teachers realize. Suggestions about what parents and teachers can do about excessive noise are presented. (SM)

Data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey are used to investigate the prevalence of hearing loss and hearing aid use among 1,682 Mexican-American, 441 Cuban-American, and 628 Puerto Rican adults. Hearing loss, very prevalent in the general population, is also highly prevalent in the Hispanic-American population. (SLD)