Sociocultural factors that may affect the Mexican-American population's accessibility to and use of health care systems are discussed, including language barriers, socioeconomic status, educational attainment, folk and religious beliefs, and family influence. (CJ)

The American Cancer Society's guidelines, recommending that having Pap tests at three-year intervals is safe for many women, are questioned. Dangers to women with a high risk of cervical cancer, problems with faulty test results, and other gynecological problems that may be detected during pelvic examinations are discussed. (PP)

Describes the past impact of smallpox, cholera, and tuberculosis on American Indians. Outlines AIDS/HIV cause, symptoms, and transmission. Discusses AIDS incidence and risk factors among Native Americans, providing details from North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. Points out the urgent need for AIDS education. Contains 25 references.…

This paper is set against the backdrop of an increasing number of strategies and policies developed by the Department for Education and Skills in the U.K. regarding the promotion of positive mental health in schools and the recognition of the value of improving mental health in relation to children's learning, achievement, attendance and…

Few articles in the professional counseling literature address the healthcare crisis. This paper examines the current state of the United States healthcare affairs. Topics discussed include the problems in healthcare, including an inspection of the uninsured, the underinsured, rising healthcare costs, and the growing inequality in the healthcare…

This Congressional report notes that the aging of the United States population has presented significant challenges to the development of health and social policy. It advocates a better understanding of the heterogeneity of the elderly population as a first step in reframing issues concerning health, aging, and societal responsibilities and in…

Recent reports on the relationship between nutritional deficiencies and reading disabilities include the following findings: many children are undernourished but not underfed; undernutrition may decrease learning time, interfere with learning at critical periods of development, and lead to motivational and personality changes; inadequate diet…

Twelve articles present information on childhood health matters, covering such topics as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, obesity, lead, drug abuse, alcohol use, pesticides in schools, school bullies, and reading resources. (CB)

Describes the role and primary functions of school-based health centers, describes several important issues in developing and implementing the centers, and reviews the effectiveness of services provided through school-based health centers. Notes that participation on school-based health services delivery enables school psychologists to expand…

Examines characteristics of the rural family relevant to professional AIDS-related human service activities. Considers the family as primary American socialization and support resource, the effects of the AIDS epidemic on family function, and the effects of the rural environment on family support for AIDS victims. Contains 21 references. (DHP)

Maintains that the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze spatial dimensions of health care and disease ecology is becoming a realistic prospect for investigators in the social sciences. Contends that enough information is available to provide instructors with materials for classroom units. (CFR)

Examines the claimed advantages and potential disadvantages of managed care plans for children and pregnant women. Although available research does not support most claims that such plans reduce costs and improve care, managed care plans are growing and changing rapidly. Therefore, past experience with managed care may not be a good guide to…

Background: Schools are in a unique position not only to identify mental health problems among children and adolescents but also to provide links to appropriate services. This article describes the characteristics of school mental health and social services in the United States, including state- and district-level policies and school practices.…

Federal legislation supports participation in the public schools by children who are medically fragile and technology dependent. These children require specialized technological health care procedures for life support and/or health support during the school day. Inclusion in safe school environments that facilitate effective learning requires…

Because health promotion is a relatively new concept in Europe, a study was undertaken to gather information on informal and organized health promoting behavior and programs in Europe. The study attempts, through a review of literature, interviews, and surveys, to clarify the meaning of health promotion in both theory and practice and to identify…