Describes the rationale for the School Health Policies and Programs Study developed and implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the health status of youth. The study measured policies and programs at state, district, school, and classroom levels across multiple components of school health programs. (SM)

Summarizes findings from a 1994 report, "Values and Opinions of Comprehensive School Health Education in U.S. Public Schools: Adolescents, Parents, and School District Administrators." Commissioned by the American Cancer Society, the national survey examined adolescent, parent, and administrator opinions regarding comprehensive school…

Presents responses from local health officers in 237 northeastern and midwestern small to medium-sized cities about their priorities for promoting health through prevention. Improving HIV and AIDS prevention, improving maternal and infant health, reducing sexually transmitted diseases, reducing violence and abusive behavior, and increasing…

Describes a geriatric wellness program in which social work practitioners played a major role. Compared results of a telephone screening test to detect depression with the clinical judgment of social workers. The screening instrument proved effective in assessing a population with a high rate of major depression. (RJM)

Discusses recent guidelines on hypertension from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and details the latest management protocols for patients with high blood pressure. The article helps physicians interpret the guidelines for treating active patients, highlighting diagnosis, step care revision, pharmacology, and sports participation…

This study examined parents' attitudes and beliefs following implementation of an HIV/AIDS education program that included condom availability in every public high school. Results indicated that parents supported the schools' role in reducing adolescent HIV/AIDS transmission and believed providing condoms was acceptable within an HIV/AIDS…

Explores how proposed wellness model has special significance for interventions within battered women's shelter settings. This paradigm shift to a wellness orientation emphasizes people's power to make choices toward enhanced growth. Conceptualizes wellness orientation by six dimensions: social, occupational, spiritual, physical, intellectual, and…

The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on participation of athletes with human immunodeficiency virus suggests they be allowed to participate in competitive sports until disease transmission is found to occur in sport settings. The article discusses physician and coach roles and recommends precautions regarding body fluids and…

The article explores motivation as it relates to worksite health promotion participation, addressing incentive use as a motivational means of getting and keeping employees involved in health promotion programs. It suggests various incentives to help program planners, categorizing them as social or material reinforcers. (SM)

Many academic fields claim jurisdiction over health research and practice. The paper examines dominant conceptions of health as a personal quality or state of being, noting the market-oriented, competitive relationship among fields. It presents a socioecological conception of health which emphasizes individuals but also includes societal and…

Essential hypertension is diagnosed with increasing frequency in children and adolescents. Studies indicate exercise can be a clinically useful treatment, though strenuous exercise may be contraindicated for some. The article discusses the physician's role in diagnosis, nonpharmacologic interventions, exercise safety and effectiveness, and…

With the 1990s witnessing a unique type of extended family that is always on the run, public park and recreation departments are providing recreational programs to meet the needs of individuals of all ages. The article examines changing demographics and how they affect physical fitness behavior in American families. (SM)

Although there have been no documented cases of HIV transmission during athletic competition, the possibility exists. The use of universal precaution procedures reduces risk of HIV transmission. Athletic coaches and physical educators need training about such universal precautions to ensure student and staff safety. The article describes the…

Describes the "Unpuffables Program" in which two states tested receptivity to and feasibility of a smoking prevention activity package for fourth through sixth graders and parents. High awareness and participation rates were seen, and "Unpuffables" provided an opportunity to discuss smoking at home, motivating smokers to…

The Texas Comprehensive School Health (CSH) Initiative assessed the status of CSH programs in seven public school districts using a case study approach. Results indicated considerable support for CSH programs but little coordination of programs. The districts were overwhelmed with other health responsibilities, so CSH programing was not a…