Background: This study explored the cardiac emergency preparedness of school employees in Illinois, as well as their attitudes toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training. Methods: One thousand two hundred seventy-six school employees completed an online survey regarding their school's cardiac…

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if waist-to-height ratio (WHTR) or body mass index (BMI) is the better indicator of cardiovascular disease risk in children and adolescents of varying ages. Methods: Data from children and adolescents (N?=?2300) who were part of the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination…

Background: Although the prevalence of obesity is increasing during adulthood, there have been few assessments of obesity, cardiovascular risk factors, and levels of physical activity among adult elementary school staff. Methods: Data were collected from 745 African-American and White female school personnel in a suburban school district in…

Descriptions of the seven most common congenital heart defects occurring in school-age children are offered followed by general precautions and restrictions necessary because of the condition. (JMF)

A pilot study testing the feasability of using the Reflotron blood analyzer for cholestrol screening in the school environment found that the instrument was easy to use and inexpensive. Its quick results allowed for immediate counseling and referral. (CB)

Risk factors related to the incidence of heart disease are identified as target areas for education programs aimed at children. (JMF)

The Framingham Heart Study pioneered the concept of risk factors. This article recaps the history of the study, describes poster and essay contests used to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the study, and outlines the involvement of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in school health research. (Author/MT)

Ways to overcome classroom restrictions, equipment costs, and a lack of knowledge or training in the teaching of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are discussed. (CMJ)

Alyce Annie, a lightweight, portable manikin, was designed to economize classroom time and to provide a method for learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) independently. A study with high school students determined that the students trained in this method could attain the necessary psychomotor skills and knowledge level required for CPR…

An assessment is made of what young persons with heart disease understand about their cardiac status at a time when their health care is becoming their own responsibility. Findings indicate serious gaps in their knowledge, which may contribute to difficulties in social, vocational, and insurance acceptance. (JD)

An experimental curriculum, the Cardiovascular Curriculum Education Project, consisting of a series of independent, self-instructional units focusing on cardiovascular diseases, was developed for a secondary school health curriculum. Study results indicate that the experimental curriculum was successful in improving students' knowledge of…

Because rheumatic fever is a potentially serious complication of a streptococcal sore throat which can lead to permanent heart disease, this article advocates the expansion of school health services in medically underserved areas. (JMF)

This article discusses the development of an instrument to appraise the comfortability level of college students in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Methodology and findings of data collection are given. (Author/DF)

This article discusses a study of what high school students do not know about the cardiovascular system, its diseases, and their prevention. Responses were analyzed by general knowledge area, taxonomic levels of knowledge required to answer, and response patterns within individual test items. Results are presented and discussed. (Author/DF)

A program in the schools for screening children suffering from hypertension is described. (JMF)