Helping Delaware’s youth build healthy habits (2020)

ISSUE

According to Delaware academic standards, students in grades 5 through 8 must receive 35 to 60 hours of comprehensive health and family life education. This education is essential to improve both healthy behaviors and long-term health outcomes for students. The percentage of students reporting fruit and vegetable intake at the recommended level is approximately 25 percent. It is important to find ways to partner with schools and other organizations to increase knowledge and the likelihood of behavior change related to healthy living.

RESPONSE

The Healthy Habits program works with schools and community partners to implement a 6-hour series that promotes healthy living behaviors for middle and high school-aged students. The teens-as-teachers model was implemented for teens to assist with teaching while building public speaking and leadership skills. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the team pivoted to virtual opportunities, working with virtual classrooms to implement the new curriculum (Kickin’ Nutrition) and offer Get Experience in Mindfulness (GEM) online sessions.

IMPACT

In 2020, the Healthy Habits program reached 1,897 youth, 1,877 of which received the entire 6 hours of education. Additionally, 15 teen ambassadors were provided the opportunity to teach and develop leadership skills throughout the year. 

With the pandemic, the team also created social media and website content for youth, teens, families and the partners that work with them. Social media reach averaged 700-1000 individuals per post and website information averaged around 100 visits per month, depending on the topic. 

As a result of the GEM online series, 75 percent of students said they would practice the stretches independently and 30 percent said they would practice the breathing techniques on their own. As a result of the Healthy Habits series focused on youth engagement:

• 51 percent plan to eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, 

• 49 percent plan to drink less sugary drinks,

• 78 percent plan to drink the recommended amounts of water, and

• 71 percent plan to stay physically active.