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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Clifton C. Addison, PhD, Monique S. White, MPH, Brenda W. Jenkins, MPH, and Lavon Young, MPH. Jackson Heart Study/Project Health, Jackson State University, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive, Suite 701, Jackson, MS 39213, (601)-368-4631, mswhite427@yahoo.com

Objective: The main objective of this study was to examine the impact of a school-based, controlled physical activity intervention program on the physical fitness of children. Methods: The Physical Education Department of a Mississippi Elementary School decided to engage the school as a participating school in the President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program. The elementary school also embarked on a collaborative project with Project Health, a school-based health prevention program located at the Jackson Heart Study, Jackson State University. Project Health developed a health curriculum to be used by the health teachers for classroom instruction. Results: The data revealed that 2.2% of the student body at the elementary school had a BMI level that was classified as overweight. Results of a paired t-test showed that the number of sit-ups completed the second time was more than the first time and the students' average time in the mile at the second mile run was faster than the first. Conclusion: The implementation of these controlled, school-based prevention strategies are quite feasible and demonstrate that schools can play a major role in addressing the prevalence of overweight and obesity and reducing their impact as a major public health problem. It is recommended that the school continue with this program and complete evaluations at regular intervals during the year to carefully monitor student progress as they strive to attain maximum fitness and improve the quality of their lives.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning Objective
• Participants will be able to recognize the need for CVD prevention programs in elementary schools.
• Participants will be able to develop a strong heart healthy school environment
• Participants will be able to assist organizations to combat negative health outcomes among children

Keywords: Child Health Promotion, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered