The national PTA president discusses the importance of keeping children healthy. She describes the school's role in children's well-being, noting that PTA has advocated legislative protection for children's health for years. (SM)

Presents a history of comprehensive school health education (CSHE). Though history records an interest in health from the beginning of time, the first movement toward CSHE occurred in the 1960s. Before the 1970s, no rigorous studies examined the effectiveness of CSHE curricula. The 1990s are witnessing strong support for CSHE. (SM)

Discusses hearing loss resulting from everyday noise. Recent research suggests that noise-induced hearing loss among school-aged children and teens is more severe than parents and teachers realize. Suggestions about what parents and teachers can do about excessive noise are presented. (SM)

Health professionals now understand that child and adolescent depression constitutes a major public health problem. Children's depressive symptoms can be subtle and varied. Adolescent diagnosis is complicated by behavioral manifestations related to hormonal changes. Etiology and treatment remain controversial. Recent pharmacotherapeutic…

Highlights issues facing teachers who have mentally ill students in their classes and ways for teachers to address the issues. Discusses in-school interventions, out-of-school treatment, and the role of the teacher as mediator in helping students relate to other mentally ill students and in offering support to parents. (MAB)

Public education systems are mandated to give students the opportunity for intellectual development and to teach positive human relationships. Health clinic staffs and programs associated with the schools are the most effective way to come to grips with the dimensions that sex gives to the adolescent life. (SLD)

The contribution of school health programs to disease prevention among children and youth has included immunizations, screenings, referrals, and in some instances, treatment for potentially health-threatening conditions. State and community policymakers, as well as children and youth advocates, have been prompted to consider a broader role for…

By acquiring health-related knowledge, values, skills, and practices, children can be empowered to pursue a healthy life and to work as change agents for community health. This report of the WHO Expert Committee on Comprehensive School Health Education and Promotion reviews the global state of school health; identifies opportunities for and…

Changes in the overall conditions of children as indicated by income, family structure and background, health, and other measures warrant a reassessment of the delivery of children's services and a reconsideration of the school role. Children's conditions and their implications for educational administrative policy are examined in this paper. The…

The article describes children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), noting it can contribute to school underachievement, learning disabilities, difficulties in social adjustment, and emotional disorders. It examines diagnosis, neurobehavioral factors, and outcome and discusses coping via behavior modification at home, classroom…

Discusses reasons childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and the numerous health problems that can result. Suggests parents incorporate physical activity into their family's lifestyle; advocate for daily outdoor recess at school; provide healthful meals; respect their child's appetite; not use food for comfort or as reward; and limit…

This article offers the opinion that school mental health services should be built around the question: "What useful roles can schools play as part of a concerted social effort targeted to the enhancement of children's wellness?" The article suggests that there are many important roles: practical, repair-oriented roles, and new roles…