We report on material designed to break silences about hair concerns and exercise. Hair Care Tips for Sisters on the Move: Looking Fit & Feeling Fine offers ideas for Black women who want to be more physically active. This material was conceptualized by members of the Sisters Together Coalition, a model program addressing physical activity and nutrition for Black Women, now being replicated in several states. A first of its kind, this booklet focuses on active women and contains advice for caring for natural and relaxed hair worn in a variety of styles. All of the "models" in the booklet are women from the local communities, photographed while on the move in local areas. Rigorous formative evaluation shaped the design and content. Sixty-seven women, as part of an intercept interview, agreed to review a booklet and set a phone meeting for the following week. All of the participants examined the booklet; half had already talked with others about it; 24% had given it to others to read. Although only 25% of the reviewers agreed that hair concerns kept them from excercising, 85% reported that they intend to exercise more in the following month, with 54% claiming that the booklet was an influence. The hair booklet was widely distributed as part of Sisters Together and is currently being made available on the web. We share comments from the web and from postcards included in the distribution. We discuss the processes and findings for a three level evaluation.
Learning Objectives: Participants will examine an innovative booklet designed to break silences. Participants will be able to define strengths, limitations, and findings of a three-stage evaluation designed to assess community materials
Keywords: Exercise, Wellness
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.