Study results indicate that: (1) cigarette smoke allowed to accumulate in a poorly ventilated enclosure significantly increases heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure; (2) the smoking environment's effect upon the children is similar to the cigarette smoke's effect upon the smoker but on a reduced scale; and (3) the male and female…

Background: The school nurse, the school social worker, and the school counselor play an important role in promoting the health of children. Health services in the school setting provide opportunities to appraise, protect, and promote student health. The purpose of this study was to identify parents' or caregivers' perceptions and beliefs…

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the school breakfast environment in rural Appalachian schools to inform school environment intervention and policy change. Methods: A total of 4 rural schools with fourth- and fifth-grade students in East Tennessee were assessed. A cross-sectional descriptive examination of the school food…

Analyzed health care utilization at three New York City school-based health centers (SBHCs), comparing characteristics of frequent and average users. Examination of participants' encounter forms and charts indicated that the SBHCs had a high rate of use. Frequent users were more likely to be older, comprised 28 percent of clinic-users, and…

The "Partners in School Asthma Management" program for inner-city elementary school children comprises (1) case finding; (2) linkage of school nurses, parents, and clinicians; (3) a computer-based tailored educational program; and (4) school environmental assessment and intervention. Case finding identified 1730 children in 60 elementary schools…

A "free" comprehensive health assessment pilot study was conducted in an elementary school district in northern New Hampshire to improve the quality of the school health examination, introduce continuity of the medical record, and involve students in the health care delivery system. (SK)

This article outlines an effective alcohol prevention education program and delegates certain responsibilities to the teacher. (SK)

"Changing the Course," a 15-16 session, behaviorally oriented, activity-based nutrition education curriculum for elementary students was assessed for feasibility of program implementation. The test involved 16 teachers and 702 students in the Northeast. Results showed high teacher satisfaction; student posttests revealed high achievement…

Results of the study show that students have a negative view of illicit psychoactive drugs and that this contrasts to a more neutral view that they have towards alcohol and tobacco. (Author)

Two studies are presented to reflect how children's observable health problems are not significant to teachers. (PD)

An investigation of the possible effects of air pollution on the absenteeism of elementary school children showed that a greater percent of absences occurred in the test group than in a comparable group. There is little question as to the importance that such information should have for educators, informed parents, and other adults in community…

Mass screening of school-age children for ventilatory function was shown to be a useful approach for the detection of obstructive pulmonary disease. (MM)

The purpose of this study was to examine children's physical activity during recess and outside of school. Third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students (N = 270; 121 boys, age = 9.5 plus or minus 0.9 years; 150 girls, age = 9.6 plus or minus 0.9 years) wore sealed pedometers during a 15-minute recess period and outside of school for 4 consecutive…

A relatively new concept is that of "integrating" physical activity throughout the school curriculum, thereby teaching children about lifestyle physical activity in a variety of contexts. One method by which this may be achieved is by utilizing pedometers as a motivational and educational tool for measuring accumulated physical activity. No…

Given the current childhood obesity epidemic, it is especially important to find effective ways to promote healthful foods to children. School public address (PA) systems represent an inexpensive and a replicable way of reaching children with health messages. To test the effectiveness of this channel, messages were created to promote 2 dried bean…