Written pre- and posttests were used to assess the smoking-related knowledge of 1,068 seventh graders in three comparable communities. Students in two communities participated in interventions designed to enhance knowledge acquisition, social activism, and non-use of tobacco. The interventions influenced respondents' health concerns, but not…

Questionnaires administered to 2,589 adolescents attempted to determine usage of various substances. Significant relations were found between substance use and (1) susceptibility to peer pressure, (2) self-esteem, and (3) internal health locus of control. (CH)

Reviews trends in the use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana among high school seniors. Previous and current prevention efforts are highlighted and promising prevention approaches identified. (CH)

The need for a code of ethics for health educators is discussed, and results of a survey of school health educators' opinions on curriculum-related ethical issses are reported. Ethical issues of concern include use of scare tactics, efforts to change behavior and attitudes, and appropriate subject matter. (PP)

The need to combat racism and sexism through health education is pointed out, and program/curriculum goals are suggested. Methods for teaching these sensitive topics, for making teachers more aware of their own attitudes, and for creating an atmosphere of openness and trust in the classroom are discussed. (PP)

Pros and cons of making behavior change a primary objective of health education are summarized. The individual's right to choose his/her lifestyle is emphasized; health educators are encouraged to use holistic approaches to health education, emphasizing not only physical consequences of behavior but emotional and social factors as well. (PP)

Research literature dealing with the adoption and diffusion of educational innovations is summarized, and factors important in the adoption-implementation process are identified. A framework for assessing factors that may affect implementation and long-term use of health education curriculum innovations is given. (PP)

The current educational climate demands that more attention be paid to the promotion of health education programs. Opportunities for promotion exist in professional preparation programs, in the schools, and in the community. Examples of different types of promotional activities are given. (PP)

Reasons for cooperation between school health educators and professionals in community and state health education programs are explained. A program in Richland County, South Carolina, where teachers, administrators, a school nurse, college faculty, and representatives of state and community agencies work together to improve school health…

Areas of concern for health educators who work with older Americans are addressed, including: (1) the nature of the aging population; (2) their health status and needs; and (3) impact of federal policies on their care. Health educators should dispel stereotypes, focus on wellness, and advocate consumerism. (PP)

The development of a health fair project, through which older Americans were given health screening tests and health education instruction, is described. The project, sponsored by a multidisciplinary gerontology program at Oregon State University, combined service to the aging with applied learning opportunities for college students. (PP)

A computerized nutrient analysis program, DINE (diet inventory of nutritional experiences), is described. It provides feedback on calorie and nutrient intake to enhance individual responsibility for nutrition. It is used in nutrition education and athletic training programs, and by patients with weight and other diet-related health problems. (PP)

A study was conducted in Ohio to collect information about the educational backgrounds, job responsibilities, and perceptions of current employees of community health education programs and to project future needs. Implications of the study pertain to college programs that train personnel for this field. (PP)

Health educators may be expecting the public to accept too much personal responsibility for disease. Genetic, environmental, and other factors may be as important as health-promoting behavior in avoiding disease. If health educators overstate the role of personal responsibility for health, they may lose credibility with the public. (PP)

Continued and expanded efforts to educate people as to what factors contribute to coronary heart disease will help to decrease its occurrence. Risk factors include: cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, obesity, heredity, psychological influences, and the taking of oral contraceptives or alcohol. (CJ)