The ability to attain and maintain a body position or balance is considered important in learning and performing motor skills. Static balance is defined as balance in which the body maintains equilibrium for one position; dynamic balance is described as maintaining equilibrium while the body is in motion or changing from one balanced position to…

This report contains national estimates based on findings from the Health Examination Survey in 1963-65 on height and weight measurements of children 6- to 11-years-old. A nationwide probability sample of 7,119 children was selected to represent the noninstitutionalized children (about 24 million) in this age group. Height was obtained in stocking…

In June 1975, 53 men and 56 women living on commercial farms in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania were interviewed regarding their behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes related to preventing cancer and coronary heart disease. Respondents represented about 23% of all adults living on commercial farms in the county. A commercial farm was defined as…

Examines gender differences in body image and its relationship to depression-proneness and self-esteem. Findings indicate a preoccupation with body weight and appearance for both men and women, and a relationship between body satisfaction and depression-proneness. (FMW)

Normal and obese children completed self-esteem and body-esteem questionnaires. Body-esteem was significantly correlated with self-esteem and percentage overweight. Body-esteem and relative weight were correlated; self-esteem and relative weight were not related. The body/self-esteem relation was the same for normal and obese children. (Author/RD)

The interaction of biological and social factors on the mental and psychological development of 114 low-bIrth-weight premature infants from primarily poor and non White urban families was studied. It is suggested that premature infants are more vulnerable to environmental insufficiencies than are full-term babies. Journal Availability: American…

The performance of three relatively inexpensive skinfold calipers were compared with that of the Lange Skinfold Caliper. The instruments were used with 800 students ranging from elementary school to the college level. The Fat-O-Meter and Adipometer calipers compared favorably with the Lange instrument for accuracy and wearability while the…

Investigated weight and body-image concerns of female college students (N=79) using two videotaped simulated counseling interventions: one which attributed weight issues to society's unrealistic expectations of women and the other to poor eating habits. Found subjects' sex role attitudes predicted intervention preference with traditional sex role…

Surveyed secondary school girls in 1984 (n=442), 1989 (n=395), and 1992 (n=367) to assess changes in use of weight reduction/control techniques. Found significant decrease in dieting, fasting, and use of appetite suppressants among high school students. Middle school students reported significant increase in fasting and no change in medication use…

Health professionals suggest creating achievable goals in childhood obesity. The article recommends correcting factors that distort normal growth and providing positive eating and exercise management to slow weight gain. Rather than trying for weight loss, children must learn positive lifelong eating and exercise patterns and attitudes toward self…

Examined the prevalence of eating-disordered cognitions and behaviors among adolescent obligatory exercisers (those for whom exercise is the central focus of their lives). Surveys of 250 male and female adolescents indicated that obligatory exercisers had more eating-disordered attitudes and traits than did nonobligatory exercisers, sharing…

Investigated overweight adolescents' attitudes toward the development of school-based weight control programs, examining their level of interest in participating and noting outcomes they desired. Interviews with 61 adolescents indicated they were interested provided the programs were enjoyable, informative, caring, and supportive; did not conflict…

Evaluated the effects of a drought and temporary food shortage on 248 Kenyan mother-child dyads' energy intake, weight, and behaviors. Found that school-age children were affected more negatively than toddlers, showing significant declines in energy intake, age-corrected weight, activity on the playground, and classroom attention. Behavior…

Measured Mexican American children's understanding of the relationship between health behavior and health status in three areas: (1) nutrition; (2) hygiene; and (3) safety. Results revealed that the children knew the least about the relationship between food consumption and their health and knew the most about beneficial and harmful practices in…

Examined high school and college students' physical activity levels and affinity for food. Surveys on physical activity, eating frequency, weight status, and psychological affinity for food indicated that many students were discontent with their weight, attempted to avoid food, viewed food as a temptation, and occasionally splurged to produce…