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Learning Objective 1: The learner will identify strategies for teaching cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathology and CV risk factors to underserved high school (HS) students
Learning Objective 2: The learner will identify how increases in fruit and vegetable consumption, exercise, and healthy-heart lifestyle behaviors reduce CV risk in underserved HS students
Background: The increasing prevalence of chronic disease is a major concern in the United States (Barlow, 2007). Poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and other negative health behaviors place adolescents at risk for CVD and associated comorbidities. Obesity and other modifiable risk factors for CVD in adolescents are linked to adult development of CVD (Hayman et al., 2004). Increasing rates of poverty among US youth will likely exacerbate the development of CVD risk factors (Hendricks & Duggan, 2005). The American Heart Association has called for prevention programs for adolescents promoting lifestyle changes that decrease risk factors (Hayman et al., 2007). Evidence suggests that high school teachers are effective at engendering measurable lifestyle changes among students (Aquilani et al., 2007).
Approach: Knowledge comprehension will be measured via pre- and post-tests. Health indicators, such as baseline blood pressure and BMI will be measured at the start of the program, and at 3- and 6-months post-intervention. Student journal entries will be reviewed for self-reported changes in attitudes and behaviors towards adopting healthier lifestyles.
Expected Outcomes: The impact of these lessons will be evaluated by measuring: student learning outcomes, reported changes in health-related behaviors, and changes in health indicators (BMI, blood pressure) at 3- and 6-months post-intervention. Additionally, we expect higher scores on knowledge comprehension post-tests.
Conclusion: We expect the lessons will facilitate high school students’ engagement in healthier lifestyle behaviors, and increase awareness of CVD and associated risk factors.