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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
 APHA 2005
 
4254.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 3:24 PM

Abstract #106477

Good health looks good - folic acid every day - the Girl Scout project in Tennessee

Todd Grantham1, Terri Geiser, MPH1, Cindy Chafin, MEd, CHES2, and Barbara Shields3. (1) Tennessee Chapter, March of Dimes, 1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 201, Nashville, TN 37212, 615-399-3200, tgrantham@marchofdimes.com, (2) Tennessee Folic Acid Council Coordinator, 2000 Dunedin Cove, Old Hickory, TN 37138, (3) WIC/Nutrition Services, Tennessee Department of Health, Cordell Hull Bldg., 5th floor, 425 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37247-5310

The “Good Health Looks Good – Folic Acid Every Day” Girl Scouts project is a statewide collaboration between the March of Dimes Tennessee State chapter, the Tennessee Folic Acid Council (TFAC), and the Tennessee Department of Health to educate young adolescent women about the importance of folic acid and vitamin supplementation. The goals of the project are to increase the number adolescent girls who are aware of the need for folic acid (400 mcg) daily and who take a folic acid supplement daily. Studies show that if all women consumed the recommended amount of folic acid before and during early pregnancy, up to 70 percent of all neural tube defects could be prevented.

The project provides opportunities for learning through ‘badge workshops', leader training, and other programs. TFAC members are trained to work with troop leaders on development and facilitation of learning activities. The folic acid badge project has been implemented by regional Girl Scout Councils representing 53 of Tennessee's 95 counties, and 48,000 girls and leaders. Approximately 1,515 girls have completed the requirements for the badge by participating in 6 of 11 designated learning activities. Girls may write a folic acid commercial, cheer, or rap song, develop a folic acid newsletter, compile a ‘food diary', or practice recipe modification along with other activities. In addition to the 1,515 girls earning badges, many more girls and their leaders have participated in other folic acid educational activities.

The presentation will share innovative strategies for reaching young women with this important health message.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the end of this session participants will be able to

    Keywords: Vitamins, Adolescent Health

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    Folic Acid Education and Promotion Programs Aimed at Various Targets

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA