The Contemporary Health Series is intended to help teachers address critical health issues in their classrooms. It is designed to provide educators with the curricular tools necessary to challenge students to take personal responsibility for their health. This learning module, directed at middle school teachers, focuses on several health and…

This book attempts to systematize and generalize the data of world literature concerning the advantages of fast walking and slow running for persons with various cardiovascular diseases. The information and the fitness program outlined are based on experience and research conducted at the Nadezha Health Club in Smolensk, Russia. Major risk factors…

This book describes the "Wellness Institute," a program developed at the University of Central Florida. Materials from the program may enable instructors to utilize successful formats for testing, programming, management, promotion, and evaluation. The book addresses the dimensions of wellness: physical, mental, and spiritual. Some specific topics…

This manual outlines physical fitness tests that may be used in the schools. The tests are based on criterion standards which indicate the levels of achievement at which health risk factors may be reduced. Test theory, protocols, and criterion charts are presented for: (1) muscle strength and endurance, (2) body composition, (3) flexibility, and…

These papers focus on four themes: (1) young children: active learners; (2) physical education: the forgotten aspect of early childhood education; (3) dance: bringing movement as art into the early childhood curriculum; and (4) the child as an energetic, moving learner. Common threads of emphasis were woven through the content of the…

"The Challenge", a publication of the US Department of Education's office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, provides critical information and resources to assist schools in creating safe and healthy environments for young people. This issue presents topics designed to help schools play a key role in teaching students good habits that can last a…

This newsletter highlights the importance of strength training in keeping older adults healthy and fit, explaining how it can forestall declines in strength and muscle mass, along with their attendant negative impact upon other metabolic functions and activities of daily living. Physical inactivity is common throughout the nation. Approximately 11…

Findings are reported from a survey of 33 disabled university students which sought to identify perceptions of these students about their fitness levels. Implications of these findings for implementation of curriculum modifications, mainstreaming, and practicum experiences for preservice physical educators are discussed. (IAH)

Presents an update on the Year 2000 objectives for the nation that establish targets in 22 priority areas. The article offers information from a study on exercise by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, reviews Healthy People 2000 data, and lists Year 2000 physical activity and fitness objectives. (SM)

Study examined self-motivation and selected physiological characteristics as predictors of whether employees would complete a structured corporate exercise/fitness program. Researchers surveyed employees regarding physiological health, self-motivation, and adherence. They found no significant positive relationship between self-motivation scores…

Describes a study investigating the effects of age and sports participation on functional loss. Data on 756 adults who underwent maximal exercise testing during the 1985 World Masters Games indicate even moderate sports participation may enhance functional capacity. Older people may maintain independence in later life by increasing physical…

National School Population Fitness Survey data were reexamined to assess fitness in U.S. children and youth, comparing numbers meeting norm-referenced standards and criterion-referenced health (CRH) standards. Using CRH standards to view fitness had advantages over norm-referenced standards. Results did not indicate a decline in fitness levels.…

Describes a physical education fitness/wellness course that uses classroom lectures on wellness plus laboratory sessions where students strive to achieve physical fitness through one specific aerobic activity. An assessment evaluated 1,500 students' knowledge gained, attitudes toward the course, current lifestyle, and physical fitness changes. It…

Describes Ohio's Westgate Alternative School of Academic and Physical Excellence which focuses on physical education. Westgate's philosophy is based on educating the total child--physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Physical education, critical-thinking skills, health, self-concept, self-esteem, the writing process, and lifetime learning…

Argues that a physical fitness center may help in fostering in-school and out-of-school physical activity among high school students. A center, with an appropriate system of accountability and focusing on individual exercise and personal responsibility, may facilitate student participation and attainment of fitness objectives. (GLR)