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The "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report" ("MMWR") Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data presented by the Notifiable Disease Data Team and 122 Cities Mortality Data Team in the weekly "MMWR" are provisional, based on weekly reports to CDC by state health departments. This issue of "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report" includes the following reports: (1) Bullying Among Middle School and High School Students--Massachusetts, 2009 (M McKenna, E Hawk, J Mullen, and M Hertz); (2) State Smoke-Free Laws for Worksites, Restaurants, and Bars--United States, 2000-2010 (M Tynan, S Babb, A MacNeil, and M Griffin); and (3) Grand Rounds: The Opportunity for and Challenges to Malaria Eradication (KE Mace, MF Lynch, JR MacArthur, SP Kachur, L Slutsker, RW Steketee, and T Popovic). Announcements are also included. Individual reports contain figures, tables and references.

"Catalyst" is a publication of the U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention. This issue contains the following articles: (1) From Competition To Collaboration College Alcohol Prevention in an Era of Competing Risks; (2) A Public Health Approach to Mental Health Promotion; (3) Message From Kevin Jennings, OSDFS Assistant Deputy Secretary; (4) Supporting Mental Health Services at the University of Minnesota; (5) Relaying the Message: "News from the Front"; (6) Syracuse University Trains Gatekeepers to Identify At-Risk Students; and (7) Strategic Planning for Gatekeeper Training and Suicide Prevention.

"Child Care Health Connections" is a bimonthly newsletter published by the California Childcare Health Program (CCHP), a community-based program of the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, Department of Family Health Care Nursing. The goals of the newsletter are to promote and support a healthy and safe environment for all children in child care reflecting the state's diversity; to recreate linkages and promote collaboration among health and safety and child care professionals; and to be guided by the most up-to-date knowledge of the best practices and concepts of health, wellness and safety. Information provided in the newsletter is intended to supplement, not replace, medical advice. Regular features include columns on resources or current information related to infant/toddler care, school-age child care, public health, staff health, nutrition, inclusion, diversity, health consultancy, product information, pending legislation, available resources, and "Ask the Nurse," a Question-Answer column. Lead article of this issue is "Healthy Routines Lead to Healthy Children." Other topics include: Limiting the Use of Triclosan the Chemical in Antibacterial Soap; Problems with Car/Infant Seats and Other Seating Devices in Child Care; Portion Distortion and the Rise in Obesity; Minimizing Exposure to Toxic Flame-Retardants; Folic Acid and Prevention of Neural Tube Defects; Transportation Safety; and Health and Safety Resources. (Individual articles contain references and resources.)

"Child Care Health Connections" is a bimonthly newsletter published by the California Childcare Health Program (CCHP), a community-based program of the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, Department of Family Health Care Nursing. The goals of the newsletter are to promote and support a healthy and safe environment for all children in child care reflecting the state's diversity; to recreate linkages and promote collaboration among health and safety and child care professionals; and to be guided by the most up-to-date knowledge of the best practices and concepts of health, wellness and safety. Information provided in the newsletter is intended to supplement, not replace, medical advice. Regular features include columns on resources or current information related to infant/toddler care, school-age child care, public health, staff health, nutrition, inclusion, diversity, health consultancy, product information, pending legislation, available resources, and "Ask the Nurse," a Question-Answer column. Lead article of this issue is "What is a Child Care Health Consultant and Why are They Important in ECE Settings?." Other topics include: How to Speak to Vaccine Fears; Take a Child's Temperature; Active Commuting and Your Health; Spider Bites; Children with Hemophilia in Child Care Settings; 20 Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Children; and Health and Safety Resources. (Individual articles contain references.)

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about programs and goals of public education in Alabama. This issue contains the following articles: (1) There's a New Challenge for Alabama Schools: Battling Bullying; (2) One School's Solution: Foley Middle School (Baldwin County) Achieves Certified Peer Program Status; (3) Jefferson County Teacher Wins "Education Oscar"; (4) Students Represent America at World Team Competition in London; (5) Meet Your Newly Elected State Board Members!; (6) Failure Is Not an Option (Cathy Bennett); (7) 2011 Superintendent of the Year; (8) Principal is Going the Distance; and (9) Alabama Celebrates Healthy Schools and Healthy Students. Regular features include: (1) Awards, Opportunities, and Professional Development; and (2) Teacher of the Month.

Although many factors may influence the initiation of drug or alcohol use, the perception of risk associated with these behaviors also varies by gender, age, and type of drug. Understanding the different patterns of risk perceptions that emerge during adolescent development may help to better target health communication messages and increase the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) asks persons aged 12 to 17 (i.e., adolescents) how much they think people risk harming themselves physically and in other ways when they use cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Response choices are: (1) no risk; (2) slight risk; (3) moderate risk; and (4) great risk. This issue of The NSDUH Report presents information on perceptions of great risk from using various substances; data are examined by age and gender. All findings are annual averages based on combined 2007 and 2008 NSDUH data. The study finds that only 40.0 percent of adolescents perceived great risk from having five or more drinks of alcohol once or twice a week, and just over one third (34.2 percent) perceived great risk from smoking marijuana once a month. Females were more likely than males to perceive great risk from smoking one or more packs of cigarettes per day, from having five or more drinks of alcohol once or twice a week, and from smoking marijuana once a month; males were more likely than females to perceive great risk from trying heroin once or twice. The percentage of adolescents who perceived great risk from smoking one or more packs of cigarettes per day was stable across age groups; however, the perceptions of risk associated with having five or more drinks of alcohol once or twice a week and smoking marijuana once a month decreased with age, while the perceptions of risk increased with age for cocaine use, heroin use, and LSD use. (Contains 4 figures and 1 endnote.)

The Idaho Farm to School Program works towards having Idaho grown food served to students in Idaho Child Nutrition Programs. This important program is emerging at meal times across Idaho and nationwide. Child Nutrition programs are buying fresh food directly from local farmers as a way of improving the quality and taste of their meals. These Farm to School programs have a dual mission: they motivate students to improve their eating habits and health through improving the quality of the food served in schools, and they support local farmers. This issue of "Nourishing News" includes the following articles surrounding this topic: (1) Farm to School Benefits Children (Ed Herrera); (2) Idaho Farm Facts; (3) Celebrate Idaho's Bountiful Fall Harvest (Leah Clark); (4) Utilizing Produce from School Gardens (Rachel Johns); (5) Incredible Edible Idaho Food Posters (Heidi Martin); and (6) 10 Reasons to Eat Local Food.

Idaho Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) released the New Nutrition Standards for Idaho School Meals in January 2009 with the recommendation that all School Food Authorities fully implement the New Nutrition Standards for Idaho School Meals into their programs starting August 2009. Along with the release of the New Nutrition Standards for Idaho School Meals, CNP released a 40-page booklet with detailed information on the new nutrition standards, including: (1) ideas for implementing the new standards; (2) how the commodity program supports the new standards; and (3) a question and answer section. The articles included in this issue are: (1) Tips to Control Costs In a Healthier Meal Plan (Mary Jo Marshall); (2) Make Gains with Whole Grains; (3) Internet Resources to Help Implement the New Nutrition Standards for Idaho School Meals (Heidi Martin); (4) Train, Plan, and Succeed (Anna Mae Florence); (5) Educating Parents on the New Nutrition Standards for Idaho School Meals (Lynda Westphal); and (6) Commodities and the New Nutrition Standards for Idaho School Meals (Ed Herrera).

The primary goal of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is to provide nutritious meals to children in low-income areas when school is not in session. This issue of "Nourishing News" focuses on SFSPs. The articles contained in this issue are: (1) Is Your Summer Food Program Financially Fit? (Jean Zaske); (2) Keeping the "Bugs" Away: An Ounce of Prevention; (3) Summer Food Partnership (Tami Robinson); (4) Getting Volunteers For Your Program (Lynda Westphal); (5) Menu Planning Tips That Can Save Time and Money! (Mary Jo Marshall); and (6) Inside Poster: Summer Food Rules (Lynda Westphal).

The use of marketing can effectively enhance the growth and image of the Child Nutrition Programs. The customer has changed over the years, and today's customer in the Child Nutrition Programs wants the food served to be high-quality at low prices. As a result, many child nutrition managers are looking at what the customer is requesting. This newsletter focuses on how one can develop a comprehensive marketing plan for a nutrition program. The articles included in this issue are: (1) A Message from the Director: Marketing in the Child Nutrition Programs (Colleen Fillmore); (2) Give Your Breakfast a Boost! (Ed Herrera); (3) Tell Your Story--It's Marketing!; (4) Promoting Healthy Eating Habits (Barbara Wilson); (5) Using Nutrition Education in Marketing the Foods You Serve (Rachel Johns); (6) Turning the Lunchroom into a Learning Lab (Mary Jo Marshall); and (7) Breakfast Week Promotion (Heidi Martin).

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has contracted with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to examine ways to implement the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) into the school meals programs. In the meantime, USDA has requested that state agencies begin proactively implementing the applicable recommendations for the 2005 DGAs into Child Nutrition Programs. In response to the USDA's request, the Idaho Child Nutrition Programs has formed a panel to develop new Nutrition Standards for Idaho Child Nutrition Programs. The new standards can be found in poster format in this issue of "Nourishing News." Articles included in this issue are: (1) Keeping Sugar in Check (Anna Mae Florence); (2) How Fried Is It? (Ed Herrera); (3) Condiments: How Much Is Too Much? (Colleen Fillmore); (5) It All Adds Up: Don't Forget the A La Carte Items (Lynda Westphal); (5) Fruit & Juice Differences in the National School Lunch Program (Mary Jo Marshall); (6) Commodities Are Getting Leaner Too; and (7) Whole Grains Pilot Program (Ed Herrera).

The National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) was formed in 1959 to meet a need to develop science education leadership for K-16 school systems. "Navigator" is published by NSELA to provide the latest NSELA events. This issue of "Navigator" contains the following reports: (1) A Message from the President: Creating Networks of Leading and Learning (Linda Atkinson); (2) Tech Support: RSS (Beth Snoke Harris); (3) Safe Science: Be Protected. Sun Safety in Science! (Ken Roy); (4) Regional News; (5) Informal Science Education: Getting More Science Into Out of School Time (OST) (Cheryl Lani Juarez); (6) Celebrating the Year of Science: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! 2009 New Orleans NSTA Conference on Science Education Update; (7) Update on NSELA's Safety Position Papers; (8) Summary of Fall 2008 NSELA Board Meetings; and (9) ICASE News. Individual reports contain resources and figures.

"Child Care Health Connections" is a bimonthly newsletter published by the California Childcare Health Program (CCHP), a community-based program of the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, Department of Family Health Care Nursing. The goals of the newsletter are to promote and support a healthy and safe environment for all children in child care reflecting the state's diversity; to recreate linkages and promote collaboration among health and safety and child care professionals; and to be guided by the most up-to-date knowledge of the best practices and concepts of health, wellness and safety. Information provided in the newsletter is intended to supplement, not replace, medical advice. Regular features include columns on resources or current information related to infant/toddler care, school-age child care, public health, staff health, nutrition, inclusion, diversity, health consultancy, product information, pending legislation, available resources, and "Ask the Nurse," a Question-Answer column. Lead article of this issue is "Preparing Young Children for Disasters." Other topics include: Emergency Preparedness Plan; Postpartum Depression; Diabetes; Dietary Fat and Healthy Choices; Communication with Parents about Their Child's Developmental Delays; Integrated Pest Management of Rodents in ECE settings; and Health and Safety Resources. [Additional support for this issue was provided by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.]

More than 10 million children from birth through age six in the US live in low-income families. Although large investments in early childhood intervention programs are evident, is the field fully exploiting its potential to address the diverse needs of children and families? One means of addressing this question is to focus on the efficacy of home-visiting as a service delivery strategy. In the US, it is estimated that the field of home visitation serves between 400,000 and 500,000 children and their families across 40 states. Because of its visibility, the field of home visitation is the target of strong debate and scrutiny. With its roots in European countries, home visitation as a service delivery model came to the US in the late 19th century. Today, opinion is divided on the effectiveness of home visitation due to the perplexing nature of the empirical literature. For example, depending on which studies are reviewed, different conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of home visitation programs. Nevertheless, policymakers have proposed federal legislation which would provide a direct funding streamline for home visitation services--the most recent being President Obama's commitment of 750 million dollars over 5 years. The purpose of this report is to present the major concerns and current developments in the field of home visitation. We review US studies of large, established home visitation program models which have been broadly evaluated and point to areas ripe for future research (e.g., home visitation and immigrant communities, the role of implementation fidelity). Overall, stakeholders should invest in programs which are committed to continuous quality improvement as well as rigorous evaluations of efficacy, utilizing diversified methods to assess the complexity of programs nested within their communities. Although challenges exist in the execution of a System of Care approach to early childhood prevention and intervention services, home visitation will play an important role in a network of social supports which can address different developmental stages and outcomes for young children and their families. (Contains 1 footnote, 1 figure, and 1 table.) [Commentaries by Ron Haskins, Christina Paxson, Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, Deborah Daro, Barbara Hanna Wasik and Donna Bryant are included.]

This issue of "Learning Times" discusses how LDA assessments for children and adults provide self-understanding, renewed hope, and improved achievement. It also includes: (1) Where do Your Candidates Stand on Controlling Toxic Chemicals?; (2) ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Tips: Back-to-School (Ty Sassaman); (3) Healthy Legacy: Federal Ban on Phthalates!; and (4) LDA Minnesota's Mission. Regular features include: (1) Parenting Corner: Accommodations Q&A; (2) Visit Us; (3) Upcoming ADHD Workshops & Support Groups; and (4) LDA Minnesota Partners & Community Sites.

"Focus on Basics" is a publication of the U.S. Division of World Education, Inc. It presents best practices, current research on adult learning and literacy, and how research is used by adult basic education teachers, counselors, program administrators, and policymakers. "Focus on Basics" is dedicated to connecting research with practice, to connecting teachers with research and researchers with the reality of the classroom, and by research more relevant to the field. The theme of this issue of "Focus on Basics" is "Health & Literacy Partnerships." Articles in this issue include: (1) Health Literate Doctors and Patients (Anthony Tassi and Fatima Ashraf); (2) The Influence of Low Health Literacy (Lilian H. Hill); (3) Literacy Students as Health Advisors (Barbara Garner); (4) Take Charge of Your Health: A Collaborative Health Literacy Intervention Linking Adult Education and Maternal-Infant Health Care (Ian M. Bennett, Pamela Pinder, Regina Szesniak, and Jennifer F. Culhane); (5) Partners in Training: A Cross-disciplinary Approach to Preparing Adult Literacy Practitioners and Health Professionals (Maricel Santos and Lynette Landry); (6) Partnerships in North Carolina, Wisconsin, and New York (Julie McKinney); (7) Collaborating for the Health of San Diego County (Kelli Sandman-Hurley and Cris McFadden); (8) Health Literacy Curriculum Works for Adult Basic Education Students (Susan R. Levy, Sue Pinzur Rasher, Sarah Deardorff Carter, Lesley Maradik Harris, Michael L. Berbaum, Janice B. Mandernach, Laura Segal Bercovitz, and Laura Martin); (9) The Role of Visuals in Communicating Health Information to Low Literate Adults (Lilian H. Hill); (10) A Second Look at the Health Literacy of American Adults and the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (Andrew Pleasant); and (11) New from World Education. Individual articles contain figures, tables, and references.

The Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families and protecting every child from harm. By publishing a diverse range of views on a wide array of topics, "Children's Voice" seeks to encourage public discussion and debate among those who are committed to helping children and families. The following are included in this issue: (1) Leadership Lens (Christine James-Brown); (2) Clearing a Path to Higher Ed for Dependent Youth; (3) National NewsWire; (4) Reviving the White House Conference on Children (Jennifer Michael and Madeleine Goldstein); (5) Exceptional Children: Navigating Learning Disabilities & Special Education--The Great Indoors: Classrooms that Inspire Learning (Ellen Notbohm with Veda Nomura); (6) Down to Earth Dad: The Power of Play (Patrick Mitchell); (7) Collaborating in the Classroom (Jennifer Michael); (8) Walking the Walk, Not Just Talking the Talk: Eight Steps Toward Implementing Evidence-Based Practice (Sue D. Stelb and Wendy Whiting Blome); (8) Promoting from the Ranks (Jennifer Michael); (9) CWLA ShortTakes; (10) EndNotes; and (11) OneOnOne: Questions and Answers with CWLA Staff (John Sciamanna).

This is the ninth brief in a series of Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) analyses of Head Start Program Information Report data. This brief provides information on Early Head Start programs, staff, and participants; including young children, pregnant women, and their families. It updates a similar brief that CLASP published analyzing data from 2003-2004. The data in this brief come from the 2005-2006 Program Information Reports (PIR), which each Early Head Start grantee is required to submit to Health and Human Services (HHS) annually. An analysis of the 2005-2006 PIR data, highlighted in the rest of this brief, shows the following key findings: (1) Early Head Start supports families with working parents--many parents also had limited formal education; (2) Early Head Start serves children and pregnant women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds; (3) Early Head Start provides a broad range of services to low-income children and their families; (4) Early Head Start provides services through a variety of program options; and (5) Early Head Start promotes better health for young children. (Contains 40 endnotes and 9 figures.)

"Every Child" is Australia's premier early childhood publication, aimed at anyone involved in the care and education of children from birth to eight years--in particular child care professionals, teachers, child care students and the parents of young children. Published quarterly, it contains informative and entertaining articles on such issues as early childhood curriculum, ethics, health and professional development. Early childhood educators have long recognised the importance of creative activities and are passionate about promoting children's creativity. The theme of this issue of "Every Child" is sustainability. It explores big-picture environmental and sustainability issues and provides some practical ideas. The articles in this issue discuss the sometimes controversial role of zoos in society; building a childcare centre that incorporates sustainability while meeting the diverse requirements of children and staff; and the serious problem of making informed decisions about cleaning products. Feature articles in this issue include: (1) Action across Australia: Working towards a Sustainable Future (Sue Elliot); (2) Water Aware: Making Services Smarter (Barbara Jensen); (3) Indigenous Culture and Sustainability: Exploring the Great Barrier Reef in the Classroom (Fred Nucifora); (4) Sorting It out: A Problem-Solving Approach to Recycling (Sonya Plunkett-Smith and Amy Jones); and (5) Rethinking Equity Environments and Everyday Sustainability (Maria Magiropoulos and Miriam Giugni). (Individual articles contain references.) [This content was produced by Early Childhood Australia Inc., formerly known as the Australian Early Childhood Association.]

"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. Topics of interest in this issue area: (1) Safe Schools: Academic Success Depends on It; (2) Educating the Whole Child; (3) Healthy People 2010: The Nation's Youths Are High Priority; and (4) Food for Thought: Healthy Habits Begin at Home and School. ["The Challenge" is published by Learning Systems Group under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.]

"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 covers topics related to helping children overcome traumatic events. Topics of interest include: (1) Missing Children: Getting Home After Disaster Strikes; (2) Hurricane Relief Efforts For Education in the Gulf Coast; (3) Tips for Helping Students to Recover From Traumatic Events; and (4) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Katrina's Effects Linger. ["The Challenge" is published by Learning Systems Group under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.]

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about programs and goals of public education in Alabama. This issue contains the following articles: (1) Stop in the Name of Children; (2) Torchbearer Schools: Light the Way to Student Achievement; and (3) Federal Programs Staff "Keep on Truckin'" for Local Schools System. Regular features include: (1) Good News in Alabama Schools; (2) Awards, Opportunities, and Professional Development; (3) Calendar; and (4) Teacher of the Month.

"Alabama Education News" is published monthly except for June, July, and December by the Alabama Department of Education. This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the "Code of Alabama", as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of the Alabama Department of Education designed to inform citizens and educators about programs and goals of public education in Alabama. This issue contains the following articles: (1) "Helping Schools" Tags Really Do Help Schools!; (2) Accountability Roundtable Will Serve Students; and (3) Olympic Gold Medalist Visits Alabama Department of Education to Promote May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Regular features include: (1) Good News in Alabama Schools; (2) Awards, Opportunities, and Professional Development; (3) Calendar; and (4) Teacher of the Month.

The U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention publishes "Catalyst," a newsletter covering current Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence (AODV) prevention issues at institutions of higher education. "Catalyst" discusses emerging issues and highlights innovative efforts on campuses that may be helpful to other institutions of higher education. This issue of "Catalyst" concerns campus and community coalitions. Articles in this issue include: (1) College Students and Other Drugs; (2) Environmental Management and the Prevention of Other Drug Abuse (William DeJong); (3) Q&A with R. Vic Morgan; (4) Legal but Not Necessarily Safe (Kellie Anderson); (5) One Step Forward, One Step Back: Reframing the Issue of Collegiate Drinking (Robert J. Chapman); and (6) Activist Coalitions Get Offensive Show Suspended. This issue also includes a message from the Center Director and a list of resources for information on campus and community coalitions and related topics. ["Catalyst" is a publication of the U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention housed at the Education Development Center, Inc. and funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.]

"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 lifetime. Some topics discussed are: (1) Keeping Students Healthy, Physically Fit and Learning; (2) ED Supports Student' Lifelong Health, Wellness; and (3) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a list of "Effective Programs" focusing on the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and mental health disorders. ["The Challenge" is published by Learning Systems Group under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.]

"Every Child" is Australia's premier early childhood publication, aimed at anyone involved in the care and education of children from birth to eight years--in particular child care professionals, teachers, child care students and the parents of young children. Published quarterly, it contains informative and entertaining articles on such issues as early childhood curriculum, ethics, health and professional development. This issue of "Every Child" presents science, innovation and investigation as the highlighted subjects. There are so many great scientists about and so much happening in science and technology in early childhood settings. Science is often neglected--but children love it and it gets them thinking in flexible, creative ways about their world, how it is constructed, and how it functions. The "Every Child" science writers are well known for producing great science ideas and materials. They inspire teachers to think about how to strengthen their science programs and why investigating one's environment is so important. Some of this issue's feature articles are: (1) Mini-beasts and secret wildlife; (2) Co-sleeping: Sharing a bed with your baby; (3) Interactive wonders at the museum; (4) Superhero Play; and (5) Mud Pies and daisy Chains: Young Children and Nature. [This document was produced by Early Childhood Australia Inc., formerly known as the Australian Early Childhood Association.]

"Every Child" is Australia's premier early childhood publication, aimed at anyone involved in the care and education of children from birth to eight years--in particular child care professionals, teachers, child care students and the parents of young children. Published quarterly, it contains informative and entertaining articles on such issues as early childhood curriculum, ethics, health and professional development. Today, many young children still miss out on early education opportunities. Thousands of families and children, particularly in isolated and disadvantaged communities, cannot access quality formal early childhood care and education services. Australian Bureau of Statistics data show that only 83% of four-year olds participate in formal early childhood education and care and most for less than ten hours a week. Yet the evidence is clear--children with limited opportunities for rich social, literacy and thinking experiences in the years before school are the most vulnerable to school adjustment problems, including behavioural difficulties. This issue of "Every Child" contains some issues of value to parents, families, and educators including: (1) Values in Public Education; (2) Early Childhood Under the Spotlight: The Importance of the Early years; (3) The Making of Play School; (4) Managing Challenging Behaviour; and (5) Classroom Collaboration-Teachers and Students Learning Together. [This document was produced by Early Childhood Australia Inc., formerly known as the Australian Early Childhood Association.]

Only 25 percent of Americans participate in recommended levels of physical activity, despite the health benefits associated with physical activity. Physical activity promotion is an important public health issue. Several research studies indicate that physical activity interventions using theoretical frameworks such as the Stages of Motivational Readiness for Change Model (SOC) increase physical activity behavior among sedentary adults. The SOC Model posits that different intervention strategies should be applied depending upon the individual's current stage of readiness for change. The first section of this digest presents an overview of the SOC, in which individuals move through a series of stages as they adopt and maintain a new habit. The second section examines the efficacy of the SOC, focusing on targeted interventions; tailored interventions; delivering a stage-targeted intervention (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance); tailoring the intervention to the individual; and delivery channels and settings. The brief concludes that physical activity interventions based on the SOC Model have been shown to increase physical activity behavior among adults, and it can be applied in a variety of settings (Contains 39 references.) (SM)

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 percent of cases of heart failure in men and 14 percent in women are attributable to obesity alone. More than half of adults over age 45 years are inadequately active. Injuries to seniors are costly to the health care system and often have serious consequences for the seniors themselves. Aging is associated with marked alterations in body composition and joint structure. Research indicates that regular joint loading and motion are necessary to maintain articular cartilage function and synovial joint range of motion. There is growing recognition of the importance of strength training for all adults in light of the loss of muscle mass in midlife due to sedentary lifestyles. There is no age limit to the benefits of exercise, and regular activity can often slow or reverse the decreased mobility that contributes to disease and disability in old age. Research shows that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of subsequent depression in older adults. Overall, regular enjoyable exercise is the most significant route to better health. (SM)

This digest provides basic information designed to help people determine which of the many physical activity guidelines are most appropriate for use in specific situations. After an introduction, the digest focuses on: "Factors to Consider in Selecting Appropriate Physical Activity Guidelines" (group credibility and purpose, benefits to be expected if guidelines are followed, and people for whom the guidelines are intended); "Interpreting Existing Physical Activity Guidelines" (the early years: a fitness focus, and 1992 to the present: the emerging health focus); and "Making Sense of Current Recommendations": the physical activity pyramid, which offers one method of classifying guidelines and includes lifestyle physical activities; active aerobic, active sports, and recreational activities; muscle fitness and flexibility exercises; and inactivity; prevention of premature health problems; and other recommendations (e.g., physical activity recommendations for children). (Contains 34 references.) (SM)

AIDS is the leading cause of death among African Americans age 25-44 years. About half of all new U.S. HIV cases are African Americans, though African Americans make up only 13 percent of the population. Most U.S. children living with HIV are African American. There exists a strong pattern of resistance and denial of the disease in the African American community. Since the black church remains the cornerstone of this community, it is uniquely positioned to significantly affect knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors within the congregation. Through personal linkages to community members, ministers can often get messages across without encountering resistance. Some religious leaders nationwide are talking the lead in addressing HIV and AIDS within the African American community. This newsletter also includes articles on: "OMHRC Presents Internet Poster at Internet AIDS Conference"; "Maintaining a Direct Line to the Latino Community: Spanish Language Education Programs"; "Getting Youth Involved: NAFEO Pioneers HIV/AIDS Education Program at HBCUs"; "Addressing the Risk: HIV in Young African American Men"; "Helping Close the Treatment Gaps: AIDS Drug Assistance Programs"; "Border Health Initiatives: Preventing Cross-Border HIV Infection in Men"; "Hepatitis C Coinfection: A Dangerous Trend"; and "CDC Calls for New Health Promotion Strategies Study: Intentional Unprotected Sex Increasing among MSMs" (all articles by Aimee Swartz); and "Caribbean Women Organize against HIV: Group Provides Services for Region's Immigrants" (Ellen Schnepel and John Glover). (SM)

This report explores the potential of a simple pedometer for physical activity measurement and motivation, explaining that physical inactivity is one factor that has contributed to the recent obesity epidemic. After a brief history of the pedometer, the report discusses measurement, focusing on how to measure physical activity in free-living populations; what pedometers measure; the best type of pedometer to use; how to collect pedometer data (what unit of measure to use, how long the pedometer must be worn, and how to record step counts); and how many steps people take per day. Finally, the report discusses issues related to motivation, including how many steps people should take, how pedometers can be used to motivate and promote physical activity, and basing programs on theory. It notes that the essential elements of a program theory are problem definition, critical inputs, mediating processes, expected outcomes, extraneous factors, and implementation issues. The report concludes that pedometers are practical, accurate, and acceptable tools for measuring and motivation in physical activity and may be of practical importance in the war on obesity. (Contains 92 references.) (SM)

This question-and-answer sheet defines health literacy and its importance in the United States, discussing implications for adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners, instructors, and programs. It also offers recommendations for addressing health literacy in the ESL classroom. It focuses on what health literacy is (a constellation of skills, including the ability to perform basic reading and numeric tasks required to function in the health care environment); how literacy and health professionals are responding to health literacy needs; obstacles that ESL learners may encounter (e.g., lack of access to basic health care due to language barriers and lack of information, lack of language skills, and lack of awareness of the U.S. health care culture); challenges for ESL instructors (e.g., lack of knowledge about health issues and unfamiliarity with students' cultural beliefs on health issues); types of activities to develop health literacy (e.g., practice dialogues); and how programs can use a participatory approach to health literacy instruction. A list of relevant resources is included. (Contains 15 references.) Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education) (SM)

This document contains three issues of the 2002 Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health newsletter. The newsletters disseminate information about the national and local initiatives for intervention and prevention of mental health problems. They also provide information on upcoming workshops and conferences to assist with ongoing professional training for mental health professionals. Guest editorials and articles include "Walls without Bricks: Social Connectedness and Social Exclusion" (Lou Morrow); "Spirituality and Suicide Prevention" (Graham Martin); "Building Healthy Lives: Partnerships to Promote Aboriginal Child Health and Wellbeing and Family and Community Resilience" (A. Robson and S. Silburn); "The Djirruwang National Indigenous Mental Health Pilot Project: Addressing Promotion and Prevention" (A. Basseer Jeeawody and Jane Havelka); "Are We Approaching Mental Health in the Right Spirit?" (Craig Hassed); "Self-Injury as Meaning" (Megan Johnston); and "Self-Injury in Context" (Graham Martin). Model projects for intervention are detailed and reviews of books and other resources are presented. (GCP)

This document consists of the two 2002 issues of a UNESCO newsletter addressing topics related to adolescent well-being in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly reproductive and sexual health. Each issue includes news from the region on various initiatives related to adolescent health and education, as well as Web links and publications on the subject. Countries covered in the two issues include Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. The brief articles provide various statistics, program descriptions, guidelines, concerns, and recommendations related to improving adolescent reproductive health and general well-being in the region. (KB)

This digest addresses the need for school-based sex education (SBSE), identifying recent curricula that have made a positive difference in the lives of U.S. youth. Many sexual behaviors place U.S. youth at great risk for a multitude of negative health outcomes. Every year, approximately 3 million adolescents acquire a sexually transmitted disease, with HIV infection and AIDS the greatest threat. Currently, SBSE programs are grounded in science and psychosocial theory and have been rigorously evaluated. Specific characteristics that make them effective include: giving a clear message about sexual activity and condom/contraceptive use and continually reinforcing that message, and incorporating behavioral goals, teaching methods, and materials that are appropriate to students' age, sexual experience, and culture. The abstinence-only-until-marriage movement gained momentum with a 1996 Congressional Act allocating $250 million over 5 years to fund state abstinence education programs. Few evaluations of abstinence-only programs have occurred, and the available studies are inconclusive. The digest concludes that schools and communities must acknowledge that most youth will be sexually active before high school graduation and must respond proactively by providing students with the comprehensive sex education curricula needed to prevent detrimental outcomes. (Contains 17 references.) (SM)

This digest describes the uniqueness of one of the youngest service provider professions in existence, mental health counseling (MHC). A history is given of how the founders of this profession were able to establish a professional organization and identity. The identity of the mental health counselor is described as an aggregate of educational, scientific, and professional contributions from the disciplines of education, psychology, and counseling. Mental health counselors use scientific processes to strengthen or restore clients' mental health. Their framework for conceptualization integrates the person as a gestalt of various domains along with the person's position in the family and socio-cultural matrix. Mental health counselors are concerned with health and with the variety of circumstances, socially and individually, that can impair or inhibit the functioning of a person's life. (JDM)

Each issue in the 2001 edition of the Australian Transcultural Mental Health Network (ATMHN) newsletter represents a theme critical to mental health practitioners. The Spring/Summer 2001 issue features articles on building communities of support for refugees, providing support to these families in cultural transitions, and studying depression among refugees. The Autumn 2001 issue presents articles on gender, culture, and child mental health in South Africa, as well as mental health care giving in immigrant communities. The Winter 2001 issue focuses on the mental health of young people and contains a critical exploration of cultural diversity and infant care, and a description of a health project for youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The issues contain reports on current ATMHN-funded projects and lists of additional mental health resources. (Contains 65 references.) (GCP)

This document comprises the two 2001 issues of a UNESCO newsletter addressing topics related to adolescent well-being in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly reproductive and sexual health. Each issue contains news from the region on various initiatives related to adolescent health and education, as well as Web links and publications on the subject. Countries covered in the two issues include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Central Asia Republics, China, India, Iran, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The brief articles provide various statistics, program descriptions, guidelines, concerns, and recommendations related to improving adolescent reproductive health and general well-being in this region. (EV)

This document contains two issues of the 2001 Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health newsletter. The newsletters disseminate information about the national and local initiatives for intervention and prevention of mental health problems. They also provide information on upcoming workshops and conferences to assist with ongoing professional training for mental health professionals. Guest editorials and articles include "Language and Mental Health Promotion: In Search of a Way Forward" (Lou Morrow); "Towards a Model of Interactive Learning in Transcultural Mental Health" (Mohammed Amirghiasvand, Riya Engelhardt, Arthur Moutakis, and Nicholas Procter); "Social Capital: A Relevant Concept for Mental Health in the Workplace?" (Lou Morrow);"Workplace Stress: How Large is the Problem?" (John M. Shephard); and "Healthy, Happy Young People Don't Suicide, Do They?" (Graham Martin). Model projects for intervention are detailed and reviews of books and other resources are presented. (GCP)

This paper reviews the relationships between physical fitness and body composition and their combined effect on health. After discussing the epidemiologic evidence for a protective effect of physical fitness on the health risks associated with obesity, it describes the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, an ongoing observational study that provides data on the relationships between physical fitness and a variety of health outcomes, as well as other studies. Epidemiologic evidence demonstrates a strong protective effect for physical activity and physical fitness on the health risks associated with obesity. Probable mechanisms for the protective effect of physical activity include the reduction and/or reversal of the development of a progressive disease process known as insulin-resistance syndrome, which is closely associated with obesity. A major benefit of physical activity is that it leads to specific reductions in levels of abdominal obesity and induces beneficial metabolic changes that limit the underlying disease process related to fat and dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, reduced glucose sensitivity, and ultimately non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Overall, research suggests that the health risks of obesity are largely controlled if a person is physically active and physically fit. (Contains 28 references.) (SM)