In order to begin to compensate for a lack of data on the effects of athletic participation in the development of adolescent mental health patterns, as well as to assess general health of the adolescent population, the Juvenile Wellness and Health Inventory (JWHS-76) was administered to 1,769 high school students. Our results indicate that sports participation is associated with self-reported lower total risk scores, mental and physical health benefits, and an increased risk of injury. This suggests a positive role for organized sports participation in youth populations. Prospective studies are needed to assess the impact of different sports, mounting performance pressure, and transition into collegiate levels of participation.

In 1992, the number of vacuum deliveries overtook the number of forceps deliveries performed in the USA. Most clinical experiences report that the vacuum is safe for both the fetus and the mother when used properly. Correct cup placement on the fetal head and knowing when to abandon the procedure, appear to be key components to conducting a safe and successful vacuum delivery. However, the focus and training that has been afforded forceps deliveries in the past has not been given to the vacuum, because of its perceived 'ease of use'. This apparent lack of understanding has led to increasing numbers of complications associated with its use. In addition, because forceps are being taught less in training programs, fewer and fewer physicians are being trained in the essential skills of operative vaginal delivery. This review is intended to emphasize the correct techniques and skills of vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery in an attempt to increase the success and decrease the complications associated with its use.

This paper addresses and compares the impact of organized, more intensive sports participation with lower intensity participation among high school student-athletes. Subjects included 770 high school students who reported being active in organized school sports. Mental health, physical health, and coping skills were assessed as indicated by factor scores derived from the Juvenile Wellness and Health Survey (JWHS-76). Results indicate that compared to students who were less active, competitive sports participation was associated with fewer mental health problems, fewer total risks, and fewer eating and dietary problems for both girls and boys. These results provide initial support for the association between youth participation in competitive sports and mental health.

In 1992, the number of vacuum deliveries overtook the number of forceps deliveries performed in the USA. Most clinical experiences report that the vacuum is safe for both the fetus and the mother when used properly. Correct cup placement on the fetal head and knowing when to abandon the procedure, appear to be key components to conducting a safe and successful vacuum delivery. However, the focus and training that has been afforded forceps deliveries in the past has not been given to the vacuum, because of its perceived 'ease of use'. This apparent lack of understanding has led to increasing numbers of complications associated with its use. In addition, because forceps are being taught less in training programs, fewer and fewer physicians are being trained in the essential skills of operative vaginal delivery. This review is intended to emphasize the correct techniques and skills of vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery in an attempt to increase the success and decrease the complications associated with its use.

There has been a dramatic rise in the frequency of cesarean sections, surpassing 30% of all deliveries in the US. This upsurge, coupled with a decreasing willingness to allow vaginal birth after cesarean section, has resulted in an expansion of the use of vacuum assistance to safely extract the fetal head. By avoiding the use of a delivering hand or forceps blade, the volume being delivered through the uterine incision can be decreased when the vacuum is used properly. Reducing uterine extensions with their associated complications (eg, excessive blood loss) in difficult cases is also a theoretical advantage of vacuum delivery. Maternal discomfort related to excessive fundal pressure may also be lessened. To minimize the risk of neonatal morbidity, proper cup placement over the “flexion point” remains essential to maintain vacuum integrity and reduce the chance of inadvertent detachment and uterine extensions. Based on the published literature and pragmatic clinical experience, utilization of the vacuum device is a safe and effective technique to assist delivery during cesarean section.