Effectiveness of youth programs developing
healthy attitudes and behaviors to become self-responsible for
their health is dependent upon delivering evidence-based, culturally
sensitive as well as age-appropriate information in entertaining
formats. To achieve this goal, we developed a comprehensive, 360° health
education resource targeting youth
(ages 8-12) with funny, edgy story lines to become self-responsible
for their health.
- Develop healthy youth behaviors to establish
healthy weight, reduce tobacco use and chronic disease,
- Consider youth as today’s leaders
capable of initiating change in themselves, their family and
communities,
- Present evidence-based information in entertaining
formats.
Utilizing an ethnic diverse team of X-treme
athletes in a comic book series, we present the concept of "energy" as
currency gained by practicing a healthy lifestyle;
“
Be An Action Hero!™” Six issues present evidence-based
information motivating lifelong Physical Activity, Behavior-focused
Nutrition, and preventing Tobacco-use, thereby lowering risks of
CVD, Diabetes, and Osteoporosis as well as Tobacco-related diseases.
This comprehensive solution was founded upon evidence-based information
and encompasses CDC recommendations. Input from ethnic diverse,
youth focus groups was utilized to develop characters and story
lines that appeal to boys and girls as well as ensuring transfer
and retention of information.
This powerful comic book format is reinforced
by auxiliary materials including; parent brochures, leader guides,
activities, posters,
and temporary tattoos, providing a 360°complete solution
to develop self-responsible healthy attitudes and behaviors in
youth while bringing a smile to their face. Youth respond overwhelmingly
to our “Be An Action Hero!™” resources!
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