A school-based fluoride program promises to decrease the amount of dental decay among elementary school children. (JD)

A description is given of an exercise program designed to improve the physical condition and health of older adults. (JD)

Some children in American schools have known and unknown communicable diseases, including herpes, cytomegalovirus, AIDS, mononucleosis, pinworms, and hepatitis. This article examines major public health issues, school responsibility, preventative measures (like basic hygiene), and the need for more effective community education programs. A disease…

The properties of three critical elements in the human diet are discussed. In the first section, the functions of sodium in the body and in the diet are considered. The relationship between sodium and hypertension is explored, and recommendations from professional health groups on the sodium consumption are presented. In the second section, the…

Disease education is a content area included in most health education curricula. The disease unit assists the student in developing an understanding of specific communicable diseases. Following the unit, students should be able to describe the etiology, process, and treatment of specific diseases. (JN)

Focusing on innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional, custodial, and institutional health care systems, the papers in these proceedings identify the contributions of nursing and the benefits for patients of the new national emphasis on cost-effective health care. The proceedings contain: (1) "Trends in Health Promotion:…

A physician and a teacher taught medical self-care skills to first and second graders. Content was based on students' own questions about physical examination techniques and basic health care. Appended is a discussion of school health education by a self-care advocate. A related article begins on page 86. (SJL)

A brief report on the rationale for and procedures involved in the development of a Heart Health Curriculum Guide by teachers of the Peabody Public Schools under a Massachusetts Public Health Grant is given. (YG)

Courses in intercultural drug use, tailored to individual cultures, are recommended to enhance pharmacy students' understanding of the influential role of cultural aspects of health care in patients' health care decisions. A course is described that highlights the cultural aspects of disease prevention and treatment of different populations. (MSE)

Two Michigan elementary schools attempted to make the health curriculum a more meaningful experience for the students by encouraging them to take responsibility for their own health care. During a one-month period a variety of health-learning experiences were offered in a multidisciplinary approach. (JN)

The components of a prescription physical fitness program include a physical examination, fitness and dietary assessment, consultations to determine the fitness and diet prescriptions, instructional sessions, and periodic reviews of the individual's prescription. (CJ)

The development of a health fair project, through which older Americans were given health screening tests and health education instruction, is described. The project, sponsored by a multidisciplinary gerontology program at Oregon State University, combined service to the aging with applied learning opportunities for college students. (PP)

Rising health care costs can be minimized if public health education can induce individuals to adopt a wellness-oriented behavior pattern. (LH)

Investigates the nature and causes of performance-related injuries among young musicians. Briefly reviews injuries and health problems associated with specific instruments and gives tips for avoiding and treating these. Includes information on related reference works and journal articles. (MJP)

Discusses what is currently known about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), including routes for the transmission of the AIDS virus, the prevention of AIDS, and some of the non-issues regarding the disease. Urges community leaders and teachers to become more involved in AIDS education. (TW)