Early symptoms of lead poisoning in children are often overlooked. Lead poisoning has its greatest effects on the brain and nervous system. The obvious long-term solution to the lead poisoning problem is removal of harmful forms of the metal from the environment. (JN)

Epilepsy is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized disorders in society. A four-hour workshop was conducted over two days with the first two hours discussing types of epilepsy, causes, treatment, and medication. The second part of the study focused on social and psychological implications of epilepsy. (JN)

A study was conducted on nonmedical drug use among college undergraduates enrolled in selected health science classes. A questionnaire was administered to measure drug use in relation to age, sex, and grade point average. Areas covered by the questionnaire involved patterns of marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, and barbituate use. (JN)

The nurse practitioner can assist in the diagnosis of the learning disabled child by evaluating health and family history, and by performing basic physical and neurological examinations. (JMF)

Research on the effects of education on adolescents' contraceptive behaviors is summarized and 27 teaching strategies, each related to a particular contraceptive problem adolescents encounter, are outlined. (JMF)

Motivational factors affecting self-responsibility for health are analyzed and the relationship and importance of ability and effort as causal factors in health outcomes are examined. (JMF)

Cystic Fibrosis and its effects on children are described as well as one child's means of coping with a chronic illness such as this in a school setting. (JMF)

The basic components of PL 94-142, which provides for free, appropriate education for all children, regardless of handicapping condition, are summarized and the resulting responsibilities and opportunities for school nurses are outlined. (JMF)

Auditory screening programs designed to detect hearing problems among school children are outlined, including the test environments, equipment and personnel, and cost factors. Despite criticism of pure-tone audiometric screening programs, there is evidence that they have been generally successful. (JMF)

The Massachusetts Health Council's School Health Task Force guidelines to assist adults and parents in assessing the school health education activities are summarized. (JMF)

The problems arising in using nurse practitioners as school nurses are discussed, including the training program involved, the individual's self-concept within the position, and the faculty's attitude. (JMF)

A drug prevention curriculum for use in school health education programs is outlined. The curriculum is based on the premise that schools should actively participate in students' social and emotional development. (JMF)

Eight educational activities based on social learning and social support theory were used as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular risk reduction program for families with children in the elementary grades. Activities focused on changing behavior with regard to diet and exercise. (Author/PP)

A school nurse recorded the characteristics of elementary school children who visited her office over a six-month period. Observations showed that: (1) health-seeking behavior is a learned process; (2) no differences were apparent in how often boys or girls visited the office; and (3) recurrent health problems contributed to visit frequency.…

A survey of the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of secondary school students in British Columbia, Canada, revealed misconceptions about breastfeeding and beliefs that breastfeeding was not acceptable in social situations. Information about breastfeeding and lactation should be integrated into school courses and health programs. (Author/PP)