This article discusses health issues and problems involving school-age children. Defines the population of concern, discusses societal changes and their factors influencing childrens' health, describes the scope and resources of health services, defines system organization and interrelationships, and suggests priorities for future action. (DF)

A study investigates the relationship between an activity-centered health program and positive health attitudes, future use of cigarettes, and changes in smoking behavior of parents. Results show that the experimental group posessed more positive health attitudes, and parents reported favorable changes in their own smoking behaviors. (Author/DF)

Health educators can use children's literature to help develop an awareness of personal and public health. Evaluation techniques are suggested for selecting both fictional and informational books. A bibliography dealing with nutrition and environmental issues is included. (DF)

A case study reports on a community-wide effort to reduce fragmentation and duplication of child health services. Existing resources were assessed and a decision made as to where service would be performed. This plan offers a way to maximize school health services as funding declines. (Author/DF)

A committee of parents and school personnel used Oregon Title IV-C curriculum guidelines to develop a "Health Skills for Life" program that was used in Oregon schools. Curriculum components included student goal structure, classroom level changes in methods and materials, assessment procedures and instruments, and school district-level changes.…

The worth assessment procedure was used to evaluate secondary education textbooks for information on sexually transmitted diseases. It was found that sex education textbooks are more likely to contribute to sexually transmitted disease control objectives than health science textbooks. This article relates the details of the procedure and its…

This paper presents the authors' experience in designing and teaching a parenting class for adolescent parents who returned to the high school setting after having a child. A detailed discussion relates the salient developmental characteristics of adolescence and early parenthood to the use of specific classroom strategies. (Author/CJB)

This article addresses the issue of adolescent sex education as a means of preventing sexuality-related disorders, including: sexual dysfunction; sexual deviance; physical health problems often contracted from sexual activity; and various psychological and sociological ill effects resulting from unplanned pregnancies. (Author/CJB)

Nutrition knowledge tests were administered to 1,193 adolescents in Oregon prior to instructional units on nutrition in health and home economics classes. Mean scores on the tests were low. Guidelines for nutrition educators of adolescents are presented. (Author/CJB)

A health screening program, piloted in 14 school districts in Texas from 1977 to 1979, was evaluated to determine the outcome of the screenings. Questions concerning the effectiveness of comprehensive health screening in the schools are raised. (Author/CJB)

This article calls for a refocusing of alcohol education to facilitate the adoption of low-risk lifestyle choices regarding decisions about abstinence and quantity and frequency of alcohol use. Five goals are presented as a focal point for lifestyle risk-reduction education about alcohol. (CJB)

This article describes an annual program, for teachers and nurses of elementary school cancer patients, that: (1) facilitates understanding of the educational and social needs of such students; (2) provides updated information about childhood malignancy; and (3) addresses the concerns of teachers and nurses. (Author/CJB)

Relationships among ethnicity, sex, and father's occupation with heart health knowledge and nutrition behavior were studied in Texas seventh- and eighth-grade students. Findings indicated a strong need for heart health education and for culturally relevant nutrition education. (Author/CJB)

To determine university requirements of health education, a survey was sent to colleges and universities listed in "A National Directory of College and University Health Education Programs and Faculty" (1981 edition). Results indicate that only 10.7 percent of the universities in the United States require general health education of all its…

School personnel in California were surveyed about family life education efforts. Although such programs exist in many districts, less than one-fourth of the ninth and one-third of the tenth graders received instruction. Recommendations for implementing, improving, and evaluating family life education programs are offered. (Author/DF)