Even on paper three decades ago, HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, invoked fear and loathing. Despite increased public awareness and billions spent in search of a cure, the disease still generates fear today. As the disease has morphed into a global pandemic that is still without a cure, Black America battles the highest rate of new HIV infections…

Kazdin is to be commended for his analysis of some current issues surrounding research and clinical practice. He described many important considerations and variables that impact the execution and usefulness of research. However, a critical conceptual issue was left unaddressed, one that is rarely addressed in these pages or elsewhere. In looking…

Japan's Basic Law on Food Education (Shokuiku kihonho) was enacted in June 2005 as a response to various concerns related to food and nutrition, such as food scandals, an increase in obesity and lifestyle-related diseases and an assumed loss of traditional food culture. The Law defines food education (shokuiku) rather vaguely as the acquisition of…

This paper is reformatted and reprinted as part of the 40th Anniversary of the American Journal of Health Education. (originally School Health Review) Health Education--Our Heritage series. The original article appeared in the inaugural issue of School Health Review (Volume 1, September 1969, pp. 4-8). At the time, Joseph H. Douglass, Ph.D., was…

In the 1969 inaugural issue of the "School Health Review", Douglass J.H. examined four major issues he felt were central to the question of choices one has about health: (1) problems with health care delivery methods; (2) persistent poverty in our population and its impact on health; (3) systemic problems inherent in social and institutional…

Comments on the article by J. Owen-Kostelnik, N. D. Reppucci, and J. R. Meyer (see record 2006-05893-002) which reviewed the issues surrounding the police interrogation of minors. This commentary expands on the review by addressing the mental health status of youths who come into contact with police. It stems from two immutable facts: (a) The…

Regulation and deregulation are situational, and public policies are too often linked to industry lobbying efforts. Consumers must be educated about whether their interests are served by regulation or deregulation. (SK)

Examines the cultural and social history of personal cleanliness. Discusses the cultural origins of U.S. washing habits and explores the question of why such practices spread throughout society. Describes how, between 1750 and 1900, washing became a regular practice of most people in the United States. (GEA)

It is not surprising that the expanding American waistline is correlating to a growing need for health information. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity contributes to an increased risk for hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers. And though general medical books that list 100 different…

The Environmental Protection Agency's regulations on use of asbestos in school buildings are not based on an "acceptable level of risk," require action by the consumers rather than by the producers of the hazardous substance and do not extend to other public facilities that theoretically place citizens in similar danger. (Author/PGD)

The importance of adult education to improving health conditions is that it can assist people to learn how to make judgments, how to take the best health action, and how to develop a consciousness about their health priorities and practices. (SK)

Environmental influences can significantly affect (both positively and negatively) the developing child. Three ways in which the environment affects the developing organism are induction, facilitation, and maintenance. In the case of induction the presence or absence of specific stimuli totally determines whether or not a particular developmental…

This publication reports the results of a review of scientific research on office job hazards, survey responses from more than 1,200 office workers in Cleveland and Boston, and in-depth interviews with more than 100 office workers. The report covers the following areas of health hazards for office workers: (1) job stress--physical and…

Although most children in day care are in family day care homes, little is known about their health and health needs. Dr. Chang outlines needed services and gives some practical recommendations for improving the situation. (Author/MP)

Examines current state of health and the increase in criminal offenses among Chinese Americans. Cites a number of causes for the rise in crime, which includes the breakdown of the traditional culture and family structure. (JCD)