Examines the prevalence of self-reported enrollment, attendance, and participation in school physical education, noting dietary patterns among students in grades 9-12 from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Percentages of students participating varied significantly. Males participated and exercised more than females. Very few students…

Evaluation of the University of South Florida Medical School's new (1990) preventive health requirements for matriculants showed that expensive requirements had the lowest rate of compliance and inexpensive ones, the highest rates. Enforcement measures significantly improved compliance. Cost was seen as a major deterrent to compliance. (Author/DB)

Three conventional quasi-experimental evaluations of school-based smoking prevention programs produced no statistically significant effects on children's knowledge and behavior. Complementary evaluations of the implementation process provided empirically grounded hypotheses to justify continued intervention. Results indicate complementary…

Though leanness in athletes is often a natural state, it can pose long-term liability to some athletes' performance and/or health. The physician must determine when leanness is reason for clinical concern. Athletes who do not eat enough to sustain training must either reduce the exercise load or increase nutritional intake. (Author/SM)

Heat-related injuries in aquatics classes are possible, though 100 percent preventable. The article discusses heat-related syndromes; how bodies generate and dissipate heat; how elevated heart rates that burn calories differ from those that dissipate heat; and modification of exercise intensity to provide calorie-burning workouts without…

Surveyed 937 first-year medical students to determine whether variables related to personal and academic stress, propensity for risk, and physical condition could increase predictability of substance use characteristics. Results indicated drug and alcohol use were significantly correlated as was relationship between frequency and quantity of…

Students receiving mathematics instruction relevant to life will understand that mathematics is part of the real world and not just another school subject. Presents an activity that integrates rational numbers with health-related science content as students collect data and engage in decision making. (ASK)

A survey investigated aging in 37 men and 28 women with mental retardation in three age groups: 40-49, 50-59, and 60+ living in group homes and apartments in Israel. Results indicate declines as early as age 40 in physical health. The most common ailment is diabetes, followed by weight problems. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

A cross-sectional sample of three-generation families was used to evaluate life-sustaining medical treatment attitudes and decision factors. Results show that the older generation perceived mental capacity, family burden, and pain as most important considerations. Among the middle generation the type of life-sustaining treatment was important. The…

Presents School Health Policies and Programs Study 2000 findings about state- and district-level policies and practices regarding various school food service issues, e.g., organization and staffing, food service and child nutrition requirements and recommendations, menu planning and food preparation, and collaboration. Also addressed are food…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the work of evening and night home care patrols in Swedish old-age care by examining how staff members view their work and the specific work content. Design and Methods: The authors developed two questionnaires: one that was to be answered jointly by the patrol teams, and one to be completed by…

Many young people in the District of Columbia are failing to make a successful transition to adulthood. Their challenges include poor preparation for the high-skills labor market and long-standing health problems. Recent District government efforts have centered around school reform and early childhood, but these areas are not sufficient to…

Recent examinations of gender differences in physical health suggest that women's disadvantage may be smaller than previously assumed, varying by health status measure and age. Using data from the 1997-2001 National Health Interview Surveys, we examine gender-by-age differences in life-threatening medical conditions, functional limitations, and…

Purpose: Our study identified factors common to a variety of populations and settings that may promote or inhibit uptake and adherence to falls-related interventions. Design and Methods: Semistructured interviews to assess perceived advantages and barriers to taking part in falls-related interventions were carried out in six European countries…

This curriculum guide shows how to develop a cooperative learning, interdisciplinary unit on self-esteem, coping skills, and healthy lifestyles. It offers teachers, using a team-teaching approach, instructions and activities for helping children to become successful in life. The emphasis is on cooperative learning methods. The matrix of lesson…