Discusses the controversial use of continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring as a safety measure in cardiac rehabilitation exercise programs. Little evidence substantiates its value for all patients during exercise. In the absence of empirical evidence documenting the worth of this expensive procedure, it is recommended for use with high-risk…

This paper presents epidemiologic evidence on the contributions of physical inactivity and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness to risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The types and dose of physical activity to reduce risk of CHD and plausible biologic mechanisms for the partial protective effect are reviewed. (Author/SM)

In a random sample of 1,088 men in the Charleston (South Carolina) Heart Study, differences in all-cause or coronary disease mortality rates were not significant for African-American and white males when socioeconomic status was controlled. Socioeconomic status appears to be an important predictor of mortality. (SLD)

Current studies suggest that children today are less physically fit, are more obese, and have less healthy cardiovascular systems than their peers of 10 years ago. Obesity affects more than fitness; it is a major health problem. Physical education specialists, teachers, administrators, parents, and business leaders can cooperate to change this…

In a roundtable discussion, a panel of experts address how physicians can identify active patients for whom exercise poses the risk of serious heart complications, how useful stress tests are, what exercise intensity is best, and what physicians can tell patients about the risks of exercise versus its benefits. (SM)

Conducted seven-year cohort study of adolescents in two communities, one of which had school-based intervention on cardiovascular health promotion. Physical appearance was most valued characteristics of adolescents in both communities and was only value which grew in importance over time. Students in intervention community tended to retain…

Follow-up of 55 adults who completed the Healthy Heart Program, which focused on heart disease risks, cholesterol, and diet, found that attitudes and knowledge were significantly higher after the program; fat intake, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were significantly lower. Locus of control did not change. (SK)

Examines the health of young Native American males using data from a survey of existing literature, noting that studies of the current health status of healthy young Native American men are rare. The article presents information on accidents, suicide, homicide, cancer, heart disease, and alcohol use and abuse among young Native American males. (SM)

Improving the effectiveness of written information to promote compliance with therapeutic regimens is essential, particularly among older adults. Guiding their development and evaluating their effectiveness with an accepted communication theory or model may help. A preliminary test of written materials developed within the context of the Extended…

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…

Initial studies have suggested that a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) may improve the physical and psychological functioning of participants. However, these studies have generally addressed a relatively young group of employed adult males. Three studies were designed to target an older, generally retired Veterans Administration population for…

A study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of direct mail appeals in a heart health campaign and to explore the effects of three appeal types (positive, negative, and informational) on knowledge levels and behavior patterns. Seven-hundred fifty randomly selected households were mailed brochures representing one of the three appeal types.…

The document presents, in table form, information on over 100 resource materials written in Spanish on exceptional children. Materials are divided into eight sections: autism; general handicapping conditions (arthritis, asthma, brain damage, cancer, cerebral palsy, cleft lip/cleft palate, developmental disabilities, epilepsy, general, heart,…

Provides an overview of research on the biobehavioral antecedents of coronary heart disease, including stressful occupational settings characterized by high demands and little control over the job, and the Type A pattern, particularly hostility and mode of anger expression (anger-in). Discusses research on physiologic responsiveness (reactivity)…

This article describes how, by using a paper-and-pencil, multiple-risk-factor assessment instrument referred to as the Heart Health Assessment Questionnaire, the specific educational needs of an aging veteran population were more clearly identified. Findings are discussed in relation to the pivotal role of the health education professional for…