Describes basic counseling skills for use in patient education. A study involving activity levels in back patients is described. Variability in patient activity due to random influences in the patient's life is contrasted with maintenance of basics over time. The single-case method is used for evaluating counseling skills. (Author/EMK)

Defines basic group processes such as norms, roles, social support, and the developmental phases of a group, and applies them to physical activity groups. Three kinds of groups are differentiated: (1) on-the-spot information; (2) physical activity; (3) interactive promotional groups. Interactive promotional groups help people adopt health-related…

Elementary students with asthma from 74 Milwaukee schools participated in the Awesome Asthma School Day program to improve their health. Pre- and post-program surveys indicated that participants lived with many asthma-related problems and lacked asthma self-care tools. The program improved their expectations about play and sleep and their…

Research emphasizes the importance of university researchers from different disciplines collaborating with teacher educators and practitioners in schools. This paper outlines the collaborative procedures and outcomes associated with three long-term, multidisciplinary, physical activity and physical education interventions in schools, suggesting…

Explains the role of child care health consultants and suggests whom to contact for health consultant services. Notes that professional child care health consultants should be knowledgeable of pediatric care, child development, injury prevention screening, and state licensing guidelines. Suggests that consultants can provide on-site visits, assist…

Investigated the extent to which a coordinated school health program infrastructure was functioning adequately within a developmental period. The model was implemented in three middle and four feeder elementary schools. Eleven critical performance elements were developed. Results indicated that a combination of four critical performance elements…

Integrating nutrition into elementary mathematics curricula can help students develop skills for healthful food choices that will prepare them for healthy adult life. Nutrition science incorporates numerous mathematical concepts and procedures. Curriculum integration provides a framework for children to apply knowledge from several disciplines and…

Examined the effect of a school-based asthma management program, which featured brief class sessions, for improving the knowledge and self-care of third graders with asthma and increasing parents' awareness. Pre- and postintervention parent and student surveys indicated that brief class sessions were feasible, and children demonstrated increased…

Examined HIV transmission behaviors and health practices among HIV-infected youths over 15 months following participation in a preventive intervention that emphasized coping with HIV and reducing risky behaviors. The intervention resulted in increases in social support coping and reductions in risky sexual and lifestyle behaviors specifically…

A comprehensive school-based prevention program based on an ecological model is recommended. Important components include staff training; classroom interventions; integration of relevant material into the existing curriculum; individual counseling and small group work with high-risk students; referral systems; opportunities for healthy eating;…

Tested hypotheses that severity of arthritis is inversely associated with frequency of activity participation, and arthritis sufferers who maintain higher levels of participation, particularly in social activities, are less likely to experience a decline in well-being. Found well-being is influenced by social activity, whereas solitary and…

A school-based walking program is an inexpensive and amusing way to get young students physically active. The article presents a program that can be adapted for students of any age and implemented as a physical education class unit, after school activity, or recess program. (SM)

To reduce the number of playground accidents, it is important to develop and implement a comprehensive risk management program. The steps in creating a risk management program are develop a missions statement, reduce risks through proper equipment installation, maintain the playground, make timely decisions on risk control, and keep on file…

Working together, schools and families can provide a character-based approach to sexuality education. Schools can give parents a wake-up call, provide historical perspective, share good news, encourage parents to talk with kids, help discuss dangers, identify rewards of waiting, give guidelines, and support chaste lifestyles. (Contains 21…

Documents how to plan and teach critical thinking skills within the framework of a 15-lesson wellness unit for secondary students, discussing theoretical rational and unit development and offering sample lesson plans, describing a four-step format for introducing thinking skills, which involves: introducing the skill, practicing the skill,…