Too many California children suffer from high rates of preventable chronic conditions associated with childhood obesity and dental disease. The state is experiencing a crisis in both areas. Fortunately, common factors that contribute to both conditions--including the rates of breastfeeding, access to healthy food and the consumption of…

The potential health benefits of early childhood education programs are quite large, especially for children living in poverty. In this report, authors Allison Friedman-Krauss and Steve Barnett set out the evidence regarding the short and long term health benefits to children from early childhood education programs, identify the features of…

Despite decades of research and prevention efforts, low birthweight (less than 2,500 grams, or 5 lbs., 8 ozs.) remains a major public health challenge. Preterm birth (before 37 weeks of gestation) is by far the most common reason for low birthweight (LBW), and trendlines for LBW tend to parallel those for preterm birth. Since 1990, the U.S.…

While data sources exist to measure and monitor the health of children in the United States, few take into account the many contexts in which children grow and develop, including their family and community environments. The National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), conducted in 2007, addresses multiple aspects of children's health and…

Discussion is presented concerning fluoridation of water supplies. Correlation between fluoride in drinking water and improved dental health is reviewed. Relationship is expressed between fluoridation and reduced tooth decay. Use of fluoride in treating skeletal disorders is discussed. Author advocates fluoridating water supplies. (SA)

Life expectancy in Northern Ireland continues to increase and it is expected that mortality due to heart disease, stroke and some cancers will continue to fall. The infant mortality rate, once higher is similar to that of the other UK and European countries. However, in common with neighboring countries, Northern Ireland has low levels of physical…

This forum considers preventive health care to include not only good physical and dental care, good nutrition, and good sanitation, but also adequate housing, quality education, sufficient clothing as well as opportunities to experience love, achieve self respect, participate in play and become meaningfully involved with others. Several population…

This comprehensive school health education program offers a planned sequential curriculum for grades K-12 based on student needs, current and emerging health concepts, and social issues. It integrates the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of health. The 10 areas covered are: (1) consumer health; (2) dental health; (3) disease…

This health education guide for grade five is divided into six sections. A statement of the sub-goal for each section prefaces an outline for achieving that goal: (1) social-emotional well-being: to enhance self-awareness and increase skills that promote personal development and successful relationships; (2) physical well-being: to increase…

This health education guide for grade seven is divided into six sections. A statement of the sub-goal for each section prefaces an outline for achieving that goal: (1) social-emotional well-being: to enhance self-awareness and increase skills that promote personal development and successful relationships; (2) physical well-being: to increase…

These hearings before the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs of the United States Senate include testimony on the subject of research into the use of phosphates to prevent dental decay. The purpose of the hearing was to explore certain dental health questions raised during the committee's recent hearings on the Television Advertising of…

This is a collection of highlights from the documentary history "Children and Youth in America" (prepared by the Harvard School of Public Health under the auspices of the American Public Health Association). Brief histories of developments in child health care are given, such as treatment of children's diseases, national and state health…

This health education guide for kindergarten through high school contains concepts and learning activities appropriate for each age group. The following major units are included: 1) personal health, 2) family health, 3) nutrition, 4) mental and emotional health, 5) use and misuse of substances, 6) diseases and disorders, 7) consumer health, 8)…

Intended for teachers and administrators in special education, the curriculum guide offers information on planning a health education program for emotionally disturbed or learning disabled children at the primary level. Sections preceding the actual guide include information on specific goals of and elements necessary for a successful health…

Intended for teachers and administrators in special education, the curriculum guide offers information on planning a health education program for emotionally disturbed or learning disabled children in intermediate grades. Sections preceding the actual guide include information on specific goals of and elements necessary for a successful health…