The occurrence of depression, teenage suicide, eating disorders and childhood obesity are public health problems that continue to grow among females. As a preventative public health program, the Marion County Health Department of Indianapolis is employing “Girls on the Run”, a national program that combines lessons in social and emotional skills with training for a 5k race. Through a collaboration with two YMCA’s and one YWCA, a social worker, health educator, nurse and two nutritionists from the Marion County Health Department delivered the program from a public health perspective, offering it free of charge to any girl ages 8-12. Thirty-two girls from diverse backgrounds participated in the pilot program. The program utilizes a group process approach divided into twelve, one-hour lessons, with the climax of the program being a community 5K race. Throughout the program the girls participate in games and workouts that incorporate healthy lifestyle messages. After each activity, the girls process with the coaches and each other how the lessons learned relate to life and decisions they make. In order to reinforce the notion of community and cooperation, the girls design and deliver a community project. The effectiveness of the program is measured by a pre- and post-test administered to the participants and a survey is mailed to the parents at the conclusion of the program. In addition, the ongoing success of the program will be measured by the return rate of participants for the succeeding sessions. See www.girlsontherun.com
Learning Objectives: Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to 1: identify cultural and media influences that project distorted messages of self-worth definitions to females and the consequences of those influences; 2: recognize the importance of implementing a preventative program at the latency stage of development of girls; 3: describe how participation in organized sports and fitness programs impacts children's healthy lifestyle choices.
Keywords: Obesity, Community
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Girls on the Run, Inc.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment