Selected chronic disease 'risk factors' in two elementary school populations. A pilot study
C. L. Williams, B. J. Carter, E. L. Wynder and T. A. Blumenfeld
Ninety-five first-grade elementary school students (aged 5 to 6 years) in
two New York City area schools participated in a pilot test of a chronic
disease primary prevention program stressing nutrition, antismoking, and
physical activity. Program components included a health knowledge
questionnaire; measurement of height, weight, skin-fold thickness, total
serum cholesterol level, and blood pressure; and a modified Harvard step
test of pulse rate recovery after exercise and subsequent classroom health
education. The proportion of students with test values higher than
specified critical levels was much greater in school M compared with school
S. These measures will be repeated after one year to determine the
feasibility and potential effectiveness of certain classroom health
education activities.
