"Hypertension Alert," a 1979-80 blood pressure screening-awareness project of the Yonkers, New York Public Schools, is described. Data is analyzed in tables for ethnic composition, and range of blood pressure readings for the high school, junior high school, and elementary school students tested. (Author/JMK)

Gifted children have the same health needs as do other children, but because of their accelerated intellectual abilities, their need for information may out-distance that of peers. Aspects of a special summer health course, designed for academically talented fourth and fifth graders, are described. (Author/JMK)

This article reports on a study undertaken to determine if overweight, mentally retarded students could safely lose weight and maintain their individual losses through a given time period (six months). School personnel and parents instituted minor changes in nutrition and a simple activity program. (Authors/JMK)

Parental attitudes toward the health services provided at their children's school were assessed. Results showed that parents surveyed did accept school health services as part of their child's total health care. No relationship was found between parental expectations and family characteristics. (Author/PP)

A study identified the extent of burnout among 359 teachers and examined to what extent burnout could be associated with the teachers' somatic complaints and physical illnesses. Since burnout represents a considerable health risk, school health personnel should provide teachers with information and skills to deal with occupational stress.…

A hearing conservation program was adopted in industrial arts classes in the Dallas (Texas) Independent School District to (1) protect students and teachers using hazardously noisy equipment and (2) inform students of the dangers of excessive noise. A noise survey conducted earlier indicated a need for the program. (Author/PP)

A study indicates that spending less than nine weeks of instructional time on a death education unit does not change students' attitudes. College students were given three-, six-, or nine-week sessions on death education. Only students in the longest session displayed any change in death attitudes. (Author/PP)

Sixth graders in primary prevention groups were taught various skills--interpersonal, decision making, problem solving and self-instructional--and facts about tobacco smoking to help them avoid cigarette smoking. Follow-up data showed that students trained this way smoked far less than those in a control group a year later. (Author/PP)

A manual on nutrition during pregnancy and lactation was developed and used with pregnant teenagers. Evaluation of the program showed that, while participants' knowledge of nutrition improved, their eating habits did not. The need for behavioral assessment of nutrition education programs is pointed out. (Author/PP)

A survey of college students' perceptions and understanding of the directions and warnings on the labels of over-the-counter medicines was conducted at the University of Southern Mississippi at Hattiesburg. The results point to the need for increased emphasis in health education at all levels concerning self-medication. (Author/PP)

This article defines anorexia nervosa, explains physical and psychological problems caused by this disease, and emphasizes the role of health educators in preventing and diagnosing the problem. Class discussions on self-esteem, self-confidence, and coping with parents can be beneficial. (Author/PP)

Analysis of the foods described or pictured in over 1,600 readers, prereaders, and reading workbooks for the primary grades revealed an undue emphasis on sweets. Reading texts should be screened for unintentional messages about nutrition and sugary foods, and revised to reflect national dietary goals. (Author/PP)

A health education curriculum guide designed for nonhandicapped students was used with special education students in Canton, Ohio. The activity-centered curriculum changed the health beliefs and behavior of some children with learning disabilities but was not effective with those whose Intelligence Quotient scores were below 80. (Author/PP)

Significant gender differences were observed regarding college students' beliefs about the consequences of smoking, their normative beliefs concerning smoking, and their willingness to comply with advice from authority figures. Educational and treatment programs should address males and females differently. (Author/PP)

A study focused on whether self-care instruction in health education can affect locus of control in fifth-grade students. Individual responsibility for self-care was encouraged. Results indicate that the instruction did increase the extent to which the children viewed health as the result of their own actions. (Author/PP)