States compel children to attend school; in fact, 98% of all school-age children attend schools--irrespective of conditions. Yet the environmental conditions of decayed facilities or facilities close to hazards can damage children's health and ability to learn. At the same time, it is well documented that healthy school facilities can help…

"Spina bifida" is one of the most common birth defects in the United States, affecting some 1,500 babies each year. Spina bifida happens during the first month or so of pregnancy and means that the baby's spine did not close completely. Damage to the nerves and the spinal cord may result. Following a brief story about a child with a…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) "Nation's Report Card": Reading Scores Flat for Fourth Graders; Eighth Graders Improve by One Point; (2)…

This training guide is intended to improve the skills of Head Start staff and families in dealing with communicable diseases. The guide addresses attitudes toward communicable diseases, how to reduce the spread of disease, and how to recognize and manage illnesses more effectively. The guide consists of six working sections. The first three are…

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of periodontal disease among children and adolescents with Down syndrome and the possible repercussions of such pathology in the quality of life of the group in question. Method: The sample consists of 93 individuals with Down syndrome 6-20 years old, living in Brazil (Minas Gerais).…

This booklet was intended to teach parents about head lice, which are small, wingless, crawling insects that feed on human blood. The booklet briefly discusses: (1) physical characteristics of lice; (2) ways of becoming infested with head lice, such as sharing combs; (3) nits, which are the eggs of lice; (4) the difference between nits and hair…

Describes Lyme disease, which is spread most commonly by the deer tick; indicates symptoms, preventive measures, diagnosis, and treatment. (SM)

Head lice affect over 10 million Americans each year. Noting that head lice are becoming resistant to conventional pediculicide (insecticide) treatments, this video combines live action and animation to education parents, children, and health professionals about the use of olive oil for successfully preventing and getting rid of head lice. The…

Noting that each year nearly 11 million children die from preventable causes before reaching their fifth birthday, this handbook contains practical, low-cost ways of protecting children's lives and health. The handbook is directed to those in positions to communicate the information to families, such as health workers, teachers, government…

With its roots in clinical and educational psychology, school psychology is an ever-changing field that encompasses a diversity of topics. "The Oxford Handbook of School Psychology" synthesizes the most vital and relevant literature in all of these areas, producing a state-of-the-art, authoritative resource for practitioners,…

Presented in both Spanish and English versions, this booklet is a guide for parents and guardians of children who have tuberculosis (TB). The booklet is organized around specific questions covering topics such as the causes and spread of TB, demographics of TB sufferers, detecting and curing TB, TB treatment and medications, research on the…

Childhood obesity is a social and health problem that is encouraged by junk food ads and the easy availability of unhealthful fast foods. The article provides guidance for parents to encourage healthy eating by their children; it includes a list of resources and a list of "best" processed foods. (SM)

In line with the National PTA's support of various health topics in the school curricula, the Colorado PTA and Colorado Department of Education formulated this educational booklet for parents and parent groups. Included is general information on the nature of HIV/AIDS and how it is transmitted. Current statistics on AIDS cases in Colorado and the…

This theme issue newsletter presents six brief articles on sexuality education for children and youth with disabilities. Each article presents an overview of important points to consider when providing sexuality education, then concludes with a list of materials for families and professionals. The first article, "The Development of Sexuality,"…

The teaching guide and resource manual present information to help parents and other adults talk to children and adolescents about AIDS. The teaching guide is a resource for conducting parent AIDS education programs. It presents step-by-step instructions for facilitators that explain the activities and objectives and the teaching techniques for…