The application of evolutionary thinking to human physical and psychological medicine suggests several pathways through which evolutionary processes affect risk of disease. Among these is the concept of mismatch between an individual and its environment, either because the environment has changed for the whole species ("evolutionary novelty") or…

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage and an opportunity to set a positive course for future health and well-being. Adolescence may be the "last best chance" to address some of the behaviors that can have significant repercussions for an individual's health trajectory, specifically the path to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Why should…

Research conducted on youth exposure to violence has generally focused on documenting the prevalence of community violence and its emotional and behavioral implications. However, there is a dearth of information related to the impact of violence on the implementation and evaluation of community and school-based programs. This commentary examines…

The prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity has tripled in the past three decades. This increase has been accompanied by a dramatic rise in obesity-related health complications among American youth. Thus, many obese youth are now experiencing illnesses that will threaten their life expectancy in the absence of significant weight loss.…

The purpose of this review paper, "Adolescent Sexual Education: Designing Curriculum That Works", is to present some basic curriculum necessities for developing an in-school sexual education program that results in decreasing the number of teenagers initiating sex, thus reducing the number of teen pregnancies and cases of sexually transmitted…

President Barack Obama has proposed an end to abstinence-only-until-marriage funding as Americans have known it for the better part of the last decade. This marks a significant change in direction, one that finally brings science and evidence back into government policy. His leadership on this new direction will be essential in the coming…

This guide is aimed at improving health services for people with developmental disabilities by educating people presently training as health practitioners and persons working in community service programs. It contains information on health care needs of people with developmental disabilities and recommendations for health care practices adapted…

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be considering a new vaccination recommendation for the prevention of invasive "N. meningitidis" infection when meningococcal conjugate vaccines are licensed in the United States. The CDC has also updated the Working Group…

This essay contends that the school as a social institution must be challenged to initiate or strengthen instruction on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), as school instruction is potentially one of the most effective and efficient means for achieving a reduction in the rate of future HIV infection. The…

Teens encounter a barrage of messages about sexuality in popular culture--messages that shape their identities and schooling experiences in profound ways. Meanwhile, teen sexuality, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) increasingly arouse public panic. To date, however, schools do little to help teens make sense of their…

This report explores policy initiatives, priorities, and plans of action recommended to policymakers with respect to a commitment to education for youth on prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Young people with AIDS/HIV infection, can be offered compassion, hope, and support.…

Access to and availability of contraceptive methods in stores play an important role in the prevention of AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Although teens are generally knowledgable about birth control, many encounter barriers when attempting to obtain contraceptive. Forty-five drug stores and 15 convenience…

To help disabled teenagers make the transition from the school-to-work environment, professionals must understand how chronic illnesses and disabilities affect the development and mastery of some important psychosocial tasks of adolescence. It is recommended that rehabilitation counselors use a holistic approach to counseling chronically ill and…

This paper focuses on new developments in medicine and in the courts that may have crucial implications for existing policies related to the educational placement of the HIV-infected student. Salient medical and legal aspects related to the educational placement and school attendance of HIV-infected children are reviewed. Recommendations for…

Most adults would agree that the AIDS threat has reached crisis proportions and that strong measures are required to control the spread of HIV among adolescents. Although abstinence offers the best protection, teens exposed to risks must protect themselves with knowledge, skills, and access to latex condoms. High school condom distribution is…