promotion training, development and practice in health promotion in Australia and other countries.Debate and discussion has led to a qualified acceptance of the usefulness of competencies as a powerful and precise language for describing the field and for determining training and development needs. However, this acceptance is contingent upon competencies being used for positive intents rather than as a tool for bureaucratic control.This study has demonstrated that health promotion is now sufficiently established that it is possible to achieve broad consensus about 'core' competencies, as well as 'specific' competencies. In the face of continuing health sector reform and change, these competencies need to be articulated and communicated. Health promoters need to be able to define their practice and training needs in terms of competencies. In doing so they will ensure the survival of health promotion in a complex and changing health system.While the competencies identified in this study have provided a framework for identifying competency standards for health promotion as an occupation or profession, this is beyond the scope of this research. This is a potential area of future debate, research and development.Competencies are evolutionary, and the health promotion field is dynamic. It is recommended that similar investigations are repeated at least five yearly.

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Aerobic forms of exercise have been suggested as one approach to reducing the costly effects of excessive or chronic stress, yet the results of some studies related to this assumption have been mixed. The purpose of this study was to estimate the correlation between emotional states and fitness level among 8 women and 9 men who were recreational cyclists. Fitness was determined by cycle ergometric testing (VO2 max). Psychometric measures included the short version of the Beck Depression Inventory, the internal portion of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Self-control Questionnaire. Significant correlations were observed between fitness and the depression scores, internal locus of control, and self-control measures. These results tend to support previous findings regarding the possible link between physical fitness and improved emotionality.

The purposes of this study were to determine if learning-disabled males referred with hyperactive behaviors could be taught to relax, and to measure the effects of relaxation training on an attention demanding motor task. Subjects were given behavior relaxation training and a modified visual choice reaction time task. There was a dramatic decrease in the number of unrelaxed behaviors (BRS scores) for all subjects across training. A training effect for the response time task for all subjects was noted following the baseline stabilization phase. This study supports the use of behavior relaxation training as a technique for teaching learning-disabled males to relax. Also, it suggests that being in a relaxed state may facilitate performance on an attention demanding motor task.

Funding from a local conversion foundation was used to develop an initiative to extend health education services to medically indigent residents along the U.S.-Mexican border. The initiative included the direct funding of 10 clinic sites, the development of a technical assistance team, and the establishment of a health education network. Strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned are discussed. Recommendations for collaboration between private funding agencies, universities, and practice sites include: developing a support system for health educators, providing ongoing training, and helping health educators develop measurable goals and objectives.