Stress-related growth following sport injury: Examining the applicability of the organismic valuing theory.

This study explored the applicability of organismic valuing theory (OVT) to stress-related growth (SRG) following sport injury. Specifically, the direct and indirect relationships between need satisfaction (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness), SRG, and subjective well-being (i.e., positive affect) were examined. Previously injured athletes (n = 520), ranging from 18 to 59 years of age (Mage = 23.3 years; standard deviation = 6.5), completed three measures: needs satisfaction scale, stress-related growth scale, and positive affect scale. Structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation revealed a significant positive relationship between competence and relatedness and SRG, and between SRG and positive affect. In line with OVT, SRG was also found to mediate the relationship between need satisfaction (competence and relatedness) and subjective well-being. The findings offer preliminary support for the applicability of OVT in aiding our understanding of the antecedents and consequences of SRG. Future avenues of research are discussed, together with recommended methodologies to further extend and refine knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon of SRG following sport injury.

The influence of cultural heritage on the health status of Puerto Ricans.

The problems of poor health among Puerto Ricans today are compounded by their cultural traditions. Many Puerto Ricans still rely on folk medicine to cure their ills. One study by Suchman found that compared with persons of other ethnic groups in New York City, the Puerto Ricans are more suspicious of scientific medical care, tend to use general health services less, have more limited health horizons than any other ethnic group. Aside from the unsophisticated health practices stemming from a knowledge of Puerto Rican folk medicine, the cultural phenomena of spiritualism plays a significant role in retarding the health status of the Puerto Rican. Puerto Ricans who view illness as possession by evil spirits will consult a medium or curandero(a) for treatment instead a physician. The hot and cold theory of disease has a profound influence on the Puerto Ricans' health status. In the attempt to achieve equilibrium of the four body humors, Puerto Ricans will often disregard a physician's advice which does not conform to this theory. Also, machismo, the concept of male dominance and superiority leads to sexual promiscuity, over-population, venereal disease, family breakdown, early marriage, and a variety of health related problems.

Foundations of health education.

Health education is "the process of providing or utilizing experiences for favorably influencing understanding, attitudes, and practices relating to individual, family, and community health. As an applied science it draws its content from a variety of sources. The paradigm which depicts the foundations of health education can be visualized as five vertical pillars consisting of sociocultural, educational, psycho-behavioral, legal, and scientific foundations supporting the work of the health educator. While the components within each pillar may be altered with new developments and advances over time, the model is broad enough in scope to incorporate the changes without altering its purpose. The foundations of health viewed in this light can easily display the depth of the health education profession and will serve to orient the novice and future health educators of the underpinnings of their profession. This framework could easily be adapted for study on the college level and should serve as an orientation to those students planning to major in health.

Linking health screening to health education learning modules for elementary school students: a feasibility study.

The purpose of this study was to develop and assess an elementary health education curriculum based upon health screening procedures. A modular format was used which enables students to progress at a self-determined pace. Mastery of subject matter is insured, since progression to other modules is based upon satisfactory completion of preceding packets. A total of 60 fourth grade students from two classes were selected by a block randomization process to participate in the study. An experimental and control group were designated and pre-tested. The experimental group was subjected to the prototype curriculum, while the control group was exposed to the traditional health screening program routinely implemented in the district. Upon completion of their respective units, both groups were post-tested to assess gains in achievement. No significant (p less than .01) pre-test differences existed between each group of students. While both groups made gains in health knowledge on post-test scores, the experimental group scored significantly (p less than .01) higher than the control group. It appears the prototype curriculum is a more effective approach in teaching health than the traditional approach at this grade level. The authors suggest that this study be replicated on a larger scale and include the entire complement of modules.

The role of the school in consumer health education.

Ethical consumer health education is education that is noncoercive and facilitates an individual's voluntary adoption of health improving behaviors. Patients and consumers attempting to utilize the medical marketplace for cure or prevention may be ill-prepared to do so because of the complexity of the marketplace, the strong marketing influences of the marketplace, and their own lack of fundamental preparation in the rudiments of decision-making, valuing, assertiveness, data collection, and other skills necessary to be a good consumer. For this reason, school-based consumer health education is necessary to prepare current and future consumers to safely and efficiently use the medical marketplace.

Health education and sensitivity to cultural, religious, and ethnic beliefs.

Health education at times can conflict with the cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds of students. This article examines the dilemma by using the religious teachings of Judaism to illustrate conflicts that can arise. Other cultures, religions, and ethnic origins are discussed, and some dilemmas health educators face with these groups are described. Suggestions for health educators are offered to prevent health instruction from leading to conflict between home and school concerning cultural, religious, and ethnic values.

An organizational model of community health agencies for health education internships.

An essential element in the preparation of aspiring health care professionals is the internship experience. It is usually identified, by student and professionals alike, as the single most important aspect of training. The selection of any agency which provides such a vital function, however, can be confusing. There are thousands of different community health agencies which are specifically concerned with a particular aspect of human health for some designated subset of the general population. These agencies range from the well known giants like the World Health Organization, the American Cancer Society, and the National Institutes of Health, to the less well know but equally important agencies like Compassionate Friends and the National Atoxia Foundation. The purpose of this article is to identify a classification system that will organize the seemingly disparate health care industry. It is hoped that this system will enable users, such as aspiring young professionals seeking field placement or employment, or local consumers seeking assistance for a health problem, to distinguish among the plethora of agencies, institutions, and organizations concerned with health/medical care and make intelligent choices concerning their selection and utilization.

[The cost of energy and cardiovascular expenditure in basketball players during a game]. / Stima dell'impegno energetico e cardiovascolare del giocatore di basket nel corso di una gara.

Energy expenditure was evaluated for 6 Basket players while exercising on a cyclergometer. Oxygen consumption (VO2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), heart rate (HR), respiratory quotient (QR) and other parameters were estimated at various levels of load (25 Watt each step of 3 minutes duration), till to submaximal load of 175 Watt. The same subjects participate to a regular Basket game and their heart rate was continuously stored on a tape recorder (Holter). Arterial blood pressure was also taken whenever possible (timeout, etc). From the laboratory and field data, estimates were made for the oxygen consumption together with energy cost of the game. This can be assume a net value of 0.1339 Kcal X Kg-1 X min-1.