Premature morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases account for a major proportion of expenditures for health care cost in the United States. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of a disease management program on physiological and behavioral health indicators for Medicaid patients in Florida. A two-year prospective study of…

Traditionally, vaccines have been associated with childhood. Historically, many of the most-feared communicable diseases attacked infants and toddlers, and those who survived were generally protected from those diseases as adults. During the past century tremendous advances in vaccination spared millions the morbidity and mortality associated with…

This "Five Kids & a Monkey" health education series intended for elementary age students, takes readers on all kinds of adventures. In this first series, the characters explore the inner workings of a human mouth, take a wild ride through a virus command center or race all around town to save their pal Munchie from a terrible case of…

In the United States, there is a schedule of four immunizations and several boosters against communicable diseases for children, but many children are not immunized against preventable communicable diseases. The article examines reasons for low immunization percentages, barriers to immunization, and possible solutions to the problems. (SM)

Noting that a quarter of a million children in the developing world die each week and that millions more live with ill health and poor growth, this handbook presents practical, low-cost ways of protecting children's lives and health. It is directed to those people who are in the position to communicate this information to families, such as health…

Examines elements of programs that have been successful at changing long-term outcomes among disadvantaged children and their families: delivering a wide array of services, building relationship of trust and respect, dealing with children as part of a family, and responding to those most at risk. Suggests ways to overcome barriers to multiplying…

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics developed a statewide project, the Early Childhood Education Linkage System (ECELS), to provide health professional consultation, training, and technical assistance to improve the quality of early childhood education programs in Pennsylvania. The early childhood programs targeted by…

This article highlights key portions of the National Institutes of Health's National Asthma Education Program. Guidelines for understanding asthma triggers and medications are provided, and approaches to controlling environmental factors are suggested. (Author/PB)

The childhood immunization schedule includes at least 17 scheduled immunizations prior to the age of 24 months. Immunization laws require childcare centers to maintain immunization records and enforce immunization standards for children who attend these centers. Childcare providers generally receive little formal education about infectious…

This book is designed for those who work with children and who believe that children, in schools and as family members, need to be considered partners in spreading health messages as well as benefiting from them. It contains the messages included in "Facts for Life," a handbook that presents practical, low-cost ways of protecting…

Presents strategies for Head Start programs to use to help parents ensure their children's health, safety, and well-being. Recommends creative approaches such as lending libraries, bulletin boards, displays, take-home information sheets, conferences, small group discussions, and newsletters. Describes the parent health education program at the…

Examines Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), including: (1) story of a victim's family; (2) risk factors; (3) known preventive measures; (4) change in traditional behaviors to ensure infants are put to sleep on their backs; and (5) the role child care providers should play to educate and ensure the safety of clients. (SD)

Provides activities to help children learn good health habits and reduce illness. Specific activities, including songs, finger play, teacher-directed activities, stories, art, snacks, discovery, and references, are included in the five basic health building activities of: (1) hand washing; (2) covering sneezes; (3) bathing and shampooing; (4)…

In many low-income communities, children are not properly immunized and are left vulnerable to completely preventable illnesses. This report provides information gained as a result of a 1-year funding project in the Chicago area to determine why so many children were not being immunized and how to increase immunization rates. The project tested 5…

Addresses the health of young children and how to safely and effectively care for children with diarrhea in the home and in early child care settings. Discusses specific intervention and program activities, including specially designed materials for mixing homemade oral rehydration usage. (Author/SD)