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Abstract #178457

Rebecca F. Winitzer, MS, MSW¹, Rebecca Anne Rust², Hephsie Loeb, MFA², Dana Sohmer, MA², Jewell Brazelton, MSW², Annie Pope, MSW², Jaamal Conway², and Sarah Gehlert, PhD². (1) Center for Interdisciplinary Health Disparities Research, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, Institute for Mind and Biology, 940 E. 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, 773-504-5861, rwinitzer@uchicago.edu, (2) Center for Interdisciplinary Health Disparities Research (CIHDR), University of Chicago, 940 E. 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637

Background: Research conducted at the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Disparities Research (CIHDR) at the University of Chicago explores the connection between genes and environment to understand black-white disparities in breast cancer. One of the specific aims of CIHDR is to disseminate findings to as wide an audience as possible, including members of vulnerable populations and community based-organizations. Objective: An innovative mini-series, Livin' in Your Body 4 Life was developed by South Side Chicago high school students and professionals to bring awareness to unique health issues facing black teens.

Method: CIHDR's transdisciplinary approach to understanding disparities in breast cancer combines the expertise of investigators from a range of social, behavioral, and biological disciplines and community members to provide a holistic perspective on health. Livin' in Your Body 4 Life was created, designed, and features interviews and performances by Chicago Public High School summer apprentices, CIHDR project leaders and community volunteers. Results: Livin' in Your Body 4 Life is a program developed for schools, community centers, students and parents, that focuses on breast cancer, stress, fitness, allergies, asthma, and overall healthy living for a lifetime. It adheres to the Illinois Learning Standards, and is a one of a kind program developed by teens for teens. Implications: The DVD and curriculum will raise awareness of the neighborhood and community factors that impact health. Finally, Livin' in Your Body for Life will identify strategies and resources to facilitate goal achievement through developing positive attitudes and encouraging health and wellness.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Develop peer-to-peer education around breast cancer, stress, fitness, allergies, asthma, and overall healthy living for a lifetime.
• 2.Identify strategies and resources that facilitate goal achievement through developing positive attitudes and encouraging health and wellness.
• 3.Evaluate research findings from CIDHR research to African-American teens in a community outreach and prevention program in hopes of diminishing health disparities.
• 4.Prioritize awareness of how neighborhood and community factors can affect the health of persons in vulnerable populations, particularly African-American youth.
• 5.Analyze how thoughts and emotions are related to decision-making and overall health.
• 6.Develop a change in attitudes, knowledge, and behavior to impact health disparities.

Related Web page: livin.uchicago.edu/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Research assistant at CIHDR and doctoral student at University of Chicago
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.