The therapeutic use of animals with specific populations has gained increased attention and interest. Pet placement in special settings such as prisons, mental institutions and hospices have shown beneficial results. Development of a pet visitation program requires specific planning and organization. (JD)

The relationship between contraceptive education and teenage male contraceptive behavior was investigated. Findings indicated that brief or moderately in-depth contraceptive education had little effect on contraceptive behavior. The teenage pregnancy and other sex-related problems may make parents and schools more amenable to comprehensive…

This article focuses on common errors associated with true-false, matching, completion, and essay questions as presented in textbook test manuals. Teachers should be able to select and/or adapt test questions which would be applicable to the content of their courses and which meet minimal standards for test construction. (JD)

This article provides an overview of cholesterol education and cholesterol-modified eating patterns. Technical sections on chemistry, pathology, and drugs are included to provide an understanding of the terminology commonly used in this field. (JD)

Health educators of 2001 will be well-informed, complex, yet caring professionals. They will be versed not only in computer applications but also will represent a new breed of professionals because of new challenges they will face. (JD)

Self-care programs and information sources should serve as a catalyst to facilitate appropriate care seeking behavior in college students and improve communication with health professionals. Health professionals in self-care provide proper encouragement, skills, and resources to enable individuals to involve themselves in appropriate self-care…

Health educators should teach positive mental health skills. Mental health should deal with communication skills, decision making skills, values, awareness, and self esteem. Such an approach should not only describe the importance of each component, but how students can use these skills in everyday living. (JD)

Health educators need to recognize potential of microcomputer in school health program and become familiar with its application in order to function effectively within next decade. Applications for software packages can be used for two general purposes in the school health program: classroom and school-wide management and delivery of instruction.…

Many employers are creating healthy workplaces and enjoying the short-and long-term benefits of a healthy work force. Interviewed is an executive who has had great influence on the Worksite Wellness movement. (JD)

Attribution theory is offered as a theoretical framework for generating and testing hypotheses about how people perceive and respond to the behavior of impaired driving. In general, the seriousness of impaired driving is related to the consequences produced. (JOW)

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are consistent situational factors associated with driving while intoxicated and riding with an impaired driver among youth, and to ascertain whether the situational factors vary as a function of demographic variables. Results indicate that the two situations are a function of the role of…

Taking an ecological perspective of individuals within their social and physical environments, a diagnostic framework is employed in reviewing the literature on factors associated with drinking and driving injuries and on interventions to prevent injuries due to drinking and driving. (JOW)

Researchers administered the Perceived Family Environment Questionnaire to college students to assess family traits and child rearing practices as predictors of drug and alcohol usage. Results indicated significant differences in perceived family environment between low, heavy, and addicted drug users. Family atmosphere and parenting style…

This paper describes fraud and health risks to consumers from the unregulated weight control industry, reviews safe weight loss guidelines, notes the role of health educators, and argues for increased regulatory control measures. (SM)

Discusses the empowerment approach in health education, emphasizing the role of health educators as collaborators sensitive to each participant, group, and context. Empowerment programs do not blame the participant or the environment, but instead work collaboratively to enhance growth and change in the facilitators, participants, and environments.…