Several books for children that deal with some aspect of health are reviewed. Topics covered include care of the body; weight control; coping with illness; and alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. (PP)

There is no component of the school program that has as its declared objective the enhancement of the health and quality of life of the child, the elimination of health problems that impede learning, and the prevention of disease and illness. The author finds this situation objectionable. (MM)

Since children as young as seven years old can suffer from hypertension, all children should have blood pressure checked during physical examinations. Guidelines for testing children's blood pressure are presented along with suggestions about what schools and parents can do to help deal with the problem. (PP)

The results of a survey of approximately 9,000 teachers reveals three major areas of health concern--stress and tension, the physical environment of the school, and diet and exercise. The majority of the respondents indicated that the principal could do the most to initiate improvements in these areas. (Author/DS)

School health education programs and health services can directly help meet 34 objectives of the national disease prevention and health promotion strategy and can contribute to the attainment of 33 others. Objectives of the disease prevention strategy are discussed, and evolution of the project is recounted. (PP)

The quality of air inside the schoolhouses of America may have a profound effect on students' ability to concentrate on their lessons. The environmental hazards that influence the quality of the indoor air (IAQ) of our schools have not been well understood. Research evidence suggests that school age children and youth (especially those under the…

A study identified the extent of burnout among 359 teachers and examined to what extent burnout could be associated with the teachers' somatic complaints and physical illnesses. Since burnout represents a considerable health risk, school health personnel should provide teachers with information and skills to deal with occupational stress.…

Chronic stress can affect the health of children and adolescents when their resources are insufficient for coping with demands placed upon them. Harmful behavior patterns can lead to poor health. Students should be taught to mobilize their physiological, cognitive, and social resources in ways that promote good health. (PP)

The responsibility for community health should be shared and coordinated among schools, parents, and health agencies. Children's knowledge and skills should be developed so that they too can promote personal good health. Issues and strategies are discussed. (BJV)

This Staff Brief was prepared for the Joint Legislative Council's Special Committee on School Health Services, which was established to study pupil health services within the public school system. Part 1 provides background information on selected federal initiatives and programs, including a joint statement on school health, and a discussion of…

Schools are expected to assume increasing responsibility for the health of children, but teacher education programs have been slow to include a substantial health component in the curriculum. An outline is given of a teacher education program that incorporates studies in the following areas: (1) observing for health; (2) recognizing symptoms of…

Nearly 20 percent of all migrant farmworkers are adolescents, and as many as half of these may be unaccompanied by their families. These youth clearly have special health and educational needs that require commitment from social institutions and agencies. In June 1991, a conference held in Delray Beach, Florida by the National Coalition of…