This study determined the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among high school students in selected rural communities in Arkansas and identified factors associated with initiation and maintenance of use. Implications for health educators are discussed. (Author/MT)

Blood pressure readings were obtained for 1,680 low-income Mexican-American children aged 10 to 14 to determine distributions among the ethnic group. Results are discussed. (Author/MT)

Traditional pregnancy prevention strategies employed with older teens and adults do not recognize significant developmental differences between early adolescents and other age groups. Methods that compliment, reflect, and are consistent with the developmental needs of the young teen provide the best approaches to teen pregnancy prevention.…

Aging education needs to begin early, preferably in preschool and kindergarten, and continue throughout the school years. A description is given of the components of an effective elementary school mini-course on aging. (JD)

Attributions by elementary and junior high students about "staying well" vs. "getting sick" were examined. Health and illness seemed to be understood as reciprocal aspects of the concept "health" by older children but not younger children. The study is discussed in relation to attributions at different age levels. (Author/JD)

Future Fit was developed to provide a low-cost, heart health education and fitness program that could be incorporated into existing after-school programs. Outcomes of a 12-week demonstration project with elementary students suggest the program can be an effective complement to the education provided within the school setting. (JD)

A study was conducted to determine the extent to which multiple physical, psychological, social, and lifestyle measures differ among 386 high school males classified according to cigarette smoking status (nonintenders, mild intenders, strong intenders). Test instruments used and comparisons of results are discussed. (Author/CB)

A study examined an assumption commonly held by many smoking prevention programs that social skills can affect the onset of tobacco smoking. Data from 129 sixth graders were used to predict smoking behavior 15 months later. Five skill variables emerged as the best predictors of future smoking. (Author/CB)

This study attempted to estimate the prevalence of bulimia among a sample of high school students and to identify demographic variables associated with the disorder and possible personality variables associated with bulimia. Results are discussed in the context of mental health needs among adolescents and high school students. (Author/CB)

The vision screening program has a long and interesting history involving educators, pediatricians, optometrists, and ophthamologists. This historical review of vision screening in the schools includes a discussion of amblyopia and screening of preschool students. (Author/CB)

A study was conducted to identify future employment trends for school nurses and how these trends compare with those for other school personnel. Results of the study indicate that the profession showing the greatest decrease is the classroom teacher and that school nurses were not identified to have a greater decrease in employment than other…

Ethical consumer health education is noncoercive and facilitates an individual's voluntary adoption of health improving behaviors. School-based consumer health education is necessary to prepare current and future consumers to safely and efficiently use the medical marketplace. (Author/CB)

As much as 13 percent of the adolescent population may suffer from chronic insomnia, which can impair the victim's daily existence and affect personal life, school performance, and school attendance. The prevalence of adolescent insomnia, and its cause, diagnosis, and treatment are examined. (Author/CB)

This paper describes a survey of the level of health-related training among a sample of elementary school teachers in Michigan, with the teachers' perceptions of their ability to recognize and deal with selected student health problems. Several recommendations are offered relating to the need for health training. (Author/CB)

A sample of 540 ninth-grade students in Oyo State, Nigeria were administered the 60-item Health Education Test Form 3A to obtain baseline data concerning the students' health knowledge. Recommendations are offered concerning curriculum, teacher preparation, and international cooperation to assist in the development of effective health education…