Health promoting behaviors have become increasingly important as Americans attempt to retain their youth and health. This study collected self-reported data from 559 participants in the Southwest United States using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II to compare the health promoting behaviors of older adults (60-92 years), middle-aged adults…

Background: Persons with an intellectual and developmental disability frequently face barriers in accessing preventive services in community-based health care systems. As they age into middle years, they are at increased risk for functional decline. This paper presents a description of an advanced practice nurse (APN) intervention used in a pilot…

Key findings from a wellness survey conducted with University of Minnesota civil service employees are discussed. The survey was designed to provide information to guide future campus health and wellness programming. Four topics were covered: physical fitness/exercise, nutrition, self-improvement/psychological health, and general health/preventive…

Adopting a wellness program for school personnel can reduce health insurance costs, workman's compensation insurance costs, absenteeism, and staff turnover while improving productivity and morale. Wellness programs focus on improving health and reducing the risk and impact of disease rather than on curing illnesses already contracted. Successful…

This curriculum guide combines language arts skills development with health concepts for kindergarten through third grade students. Instructional emphasis is placed on preparing students to maintain or improve their health. Specific objectives dealing with values awareness, inquiry, problem solving, communication, and decision making related to…

The results of a study to determine whether health behavior contracting was effective in changing health styles among 190 college freshmen are reported. Methodology is described. (JL)

An elective course focusing on exercise physiology and cardiovascular fitness offered at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine consists of weekly lectures and student self-designed fitness programs. Student participation correlates with significantly increased levels of student maximum oxygen consumption, a moderate training effect.…

The social factors that impact Caucasian middle-class women's practice of breast self-examination (BSE) were examined through in-depth interviews with 15 women who were selected to represent a mix of women who practiced BSE monthly, occasionally, or never. The meaning of BSE was analyzed in relation to body image and the social definition of being…

This paper reviews the literature related to wellness. Wellness is reviewed in terms of definitions, theoretical perspectives, and research approaches. The definitions of wellness by six theorists are outlined. Regardless of definition chosen, today's conception of wellness has been fostered by disillusion with traditional medicine and the growing…

This paper describes HealthWorks! Kids' Museum, an education center designed to help K-8 students understand and make healthy lifestyle choices. The museum includes an exhibit floor, interactive classrooms, a teacher resource room, and interactive exhibits for children. These exhibits include the Main Brain theater, the Skin Crawl Wall, and All…

Wellness programs emphasize positive motivation and usually include health awareness campaigns, behavior change programs, and cost containment strategies. Guides are offered for beginning wellness programs in school districts. (MLF)

Describes the workplace model offered by the Wellness Councils of America (WLECOA) and suggests ways for applying the model to the community college. Wellness is measured in social, physical, occupational, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual terms. Also describes the wellness program at Blue Ridge Community College, North Carolina. (Contains…

Focuses on the need for self-care for those who work with troubled youth. Uses the concept of "wellness" and its role in personal integrity, exemplary behavior, the ability to talk with youth, professionalism, and administrative practices. The process emphasizes boundaries, dialog, intimacy, and genuineness. (RJM)

The Discordance Hypothesis suggests that the human genetic makeup has only changed one-hundredth of one percent in the last 10,000 years. In that time the world has changed dramatically and the environment has become hazardous to our health. The goal is to emulate our ancestors' diet and lifestyle. (MLW)

Addresses issues such as dropouts, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, suicide, and other health-damaging behaviors. Presents a theory of youth development and learning, and an integrated, interactive and reciprocal model for the prevention of health-damaging behavior. Addresses the role of the schools in prevention. (Author/BH)