"Heart Smart," a research-based health promotion program for elementary schools, was tested in four elementary schools. The program's objectives, strategies, curriculum, and other components are described. (Author/MT)

This paper describes prenatal education classes offered at Teen Pregnancy Service. Outcome data for 66 pregnant teens shows significant changes in prenatal knowledge following the classes. (Author/MT)

A sample of 356 matched cases of overfat, overweight, and obese students were tracked for three years during high school to test the hypothesis that obese ninth grade students were more likely to be obese as twelfth-grade students than non-obese ninth graders were. Results are presented. (Author/MT)

Using the Framework for the Development of Competency-Based Curricula for Entry Level Health Educators, the health education faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham reviewed and modified their undergraduate health education professional preparation program. The process, which produced seven core courses to be required of all education…

The Go for Health project uses interventions based on school change and social learning theory to facilitate changes in diet and exercise behavior by elementary school children. A summary of both school and student outcomes is given, and the intervention model is described. (Author/MT)

Results of a survey of how teachers in Illinois administer medication to trainable mentally retarded children for seizures and behavior disorders are reported. Legal implications regarding school involvement in medication administration are discussed. (PP)

Health education was an important part of the screening phase of a large epidemiological survey of school children's blood pressure. After children's height, weight, and blood pressure were measured, they were directed to displays of educational materials which explained the cardiovascular system and stressed the importance of blood pressure…

Many males still perceive contraception as a woman's responsibility. This paper describes male contraceptives and their effectiveness and draws implications for school and community health education professionals. More equitable sharing of the responsibility for contraception might result in more effective contraception. (PP)

By consciously applying evaluation techniques before they adopt a new program, health educators can increase the likelihood that the program will meet their needs. Guidelines are provided for posing questions about the new program, that are normally raised at the program's end, as part of summative evaluation. (Authors/PP)

Characteristics of pregnant students attending the Family Center, an alternative educational program in Arlington County, Virginia, are described. Investigated are variables such as family configuration and relationships, substance use, special problems, and outcome of pregnancy. (CJ)

Study data indicate that secondary school students lacking the presence of both parents exhibit higher risk health behaviors than do students with both parents. Variables such as smoking behavior, blood pressure levels, and weight gain and loss were studied. (CJ)

Two studies assessed the effectiveness of a health education curriculum geared toward teaching resistance to pressure to smoke. One study investigated pupil ability to identify persuasion and resistance skills portrayed in videotaped recordings. The other study examined the effectiveness of videotapes as a teacher training device. (CJ)

An experimental, prevention-based alcohol education program for ninth graders is described. Study data indicate that the preventive alcohol education program, which used the Inoculation Theory, is effective in achieving desired outcomes. (CJ)

A study examined reading, demographic, social, and psychological factors related to preadolescent smoking and nonsmoking behaviors and attitudes. Variables studied included reading achievement, family involvement, and racial and sex differences. (Authors/CJ)

An investigation assessed the relative importance of parental behavior and perceived parental attitudes about smoking as factors associated with whether youths chose to smoke. Results, indicating that parental attitudes may be a more significant factor than is parental behavior, are discussed. (CJ)