A review of historical and research literature presents various perspectives on the growing controversy surrounding the use of vitamin and mineral supplements to maintain good health and for preventive health care. Several points are made in opposition to many health professionals' opinions that most nutritional supplements are unnecessary.…

Since nearly one million students suffer from diabetes, most teachers are likely to have a diabetic child in class at some time. Though most diabetic children are not likely to require an insulin injection during the day, it is necessary that every teacher be aware of the occasional problems which might arise. (JN)

A restaurant may be an easier place to maintain a wellness plan than at home or at a party. The first step in power eating is to overcome any hesitation or embarrassment in requesting something out of the ordinary. Some suggestions for choosing healthy restaurant dishes are provided. (MLW)

Maintains that sugar intake should be reduced in young children's diets because of its link to dental cavities, poor nutrition, and obesity. Reducing the focus on sweetness, limiting sugar consumption, and using natural sources of sweetness and other treats are ways to help reduce sugar intake. (BB)

On the average, the diet of the elderly in this country is adequate, except possibly in total caloric intake and the intake of calcium. Many deficiencies may exist in specific ethnic, demographic, and economic subpopulations. A number of factors might enter into causing these general and specific problems, of which drug-to-drug and drug-to-food…

Reviews the prevalence, natural history, causes, impact on performance, diagnosis, and treatment of iron deficiency in adolescent and young adult athletes. All athletes should be screened and treated. The best diagnosis involves determining serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels. Treatment requires therapeutic doses of oral ferrous iron for several…

Though leanness in athletes is often a natural state, it can pose long-term liability to some athletes' performance and/or health. The physician must determine when leanness is reason for clinical concern. Athletes who do not eat enough to sustain training must either reduce the exercise load or increase nutritional intake. (Author/SM)

Examines alternate determinants of obesity, evaluates the efforts and results of current weight management programs, offers suggestions for change from traditional weight control programs, and discusses implications for health education. Comprehensive health education must include behavioral, cognitive, social, and nutritional components to…