Over the past forty years various changes in the U.S. "built environment" have promoted sedentary lifestyles and less healthful diets. James Sallis and Karen Glanz investigate whether these changes have had a direct effect on childhood obesity and whether improvements to encourage more physical activity and more healthful diets are likely to lower…

The articles in this journal issue provide an overview of ways in which health services are presently delivered to children, youth, and pregnant women; the means by which these services are financed; and some of the major deficiencies in meeting the health needs of these groups. In the first article, the Center for the Future of Children presents…

This issue of "The Future of Children" focuses on efforts to provide publicly funded health insurance to low-income children in the United States through Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The articles summarize current knowledge and research about which children are uninsured and why, discuss ways to…

Focuses on the immunization status of children aged 19 to 35 months. Recommended immunizations are described and contrasted with the actual status of immunization. In response to unacceptably low levels of immunization among very young children, the government is aiming at 90% immunization by the year 2000. (SLD)

Summarizes principal features of 6 bills on health care reform introduced in the 103rd Congress as they relate to children. Proposals are compared on 11 major issues, highlighting the degree to which each bill would achieve universal coverage, access to care, equity of treatment, and quality of comprehensive care. (SLD)

Reviews the practices that characterize contemporary treatment of child victims and evaluates the status of empirical knowledge regarding the efficacy of these practices. The paper also explores the contextual factors that both ameliorate and exacerbate the negative effects of childhood victimization. It concludes with recommendations for…

Examines the demography and the social and health status of Latino children, focusing on the implications for the formulation of public policy and the implementation of programs. Significant health issues by developmental stages are discussed, from infancy through adolescence, as well as issues surrounding access to medical care and health…

Reviews and analyzes findings indicating that exposure to involuntary smoking is detrimental to the health of children, discusses measures taken to decrease their exposure, and explores additional interventions that might be considered. Lessons learned from reductions in active smoking in public places are emphasized, and suggestions are made…

The staff of the Center for the Future of Children analyzes policies to make the U.S. health care system more responsive to the needs of children and pregnant women focusing on (1) efficiency; (2) access; and (3) affordability. Recommendations are made in each of these areas. (SLD)

Reviews evidence on the state of health of the nation's children and youth, identifying common health problems. Findings indicate the need for policies placing priority on the delivery of primary care services and status measures that reflect the interrelationships among health problems and the impairments associated with them. (SLD)

Discusses health care services received by pregnant women and infants, exploring the ways that these services affect child health outcomes, specifically low birth weight and infant mortality rate. Programs that offer the greatest potential to improve newborn survival with the least investment should have high priority. (SLD)

Identifies health risks and other factors that determine the need for health care services among children and adolescents. Recommendations are made to develop reforms through a coordinated care program rather than through competing systems of services. Models for community-based health care monitoring and coordination exist in other industrialized…

Analyzes annual medical expenditures for childhood (conception through age 18 years). A decline in the relative share of children's medical expenditures means that their health care will become more affordable compared to other groups. The least budget impact will result from expanding insurance coverage for 3- to 12-year-old children. (SLD)

Summarizes the private health insurance market, focusing on recent trends. Efforts should be made to preserve the current private health insurance system through comprehensive reforms that reduce cost and shift from public programs; control costs by competition, managed care, and global spending limits; and guarantee coverage for all groups. (SLD)

Provides an overview of the major federal and state health care programs serving children and pregnant women, including (1) Medicaid; (2) the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program; (3) the Community and Migrant Health Center Program; and (4) the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children. (SLD)