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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Mildred R. Naquin, PhD¹, Marie Zannis, PhD², and Angelle Lowe, BS¹. (1) Health Studies, Southeastern Louisiana University, SLU - 10845, Hammond, LA LA, 985.549.5251, mnaquin@selu.edu, (2) Lafourch Parish School Board, 312 Melrose Drive, Thibodaux, LA 70301

Significance: An essential component of coordinated school health is health promotion of faculty and staff. Not only can this component increase employee attendance but with rising health care costs, health promotion for employees is imperative (CDC, 2006). Methodology: Over 400 individuals were sent an online survey consisting of sixteen items about the development of a health promotion program. Potential respondents included employees of three high schools and a local school board, school board members, and retirees. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings: Of the 116 respondents, 27% were male and 73% were female. Over 59% were faculty members, 26% were staff, 3% were retirees and 12% indicated “other”. Employees reported 1-38 years experience in public schools. Over 62% cited physical activity or exercise as the most important program component, while over 20% chose stress management and 17% nutrition. Seventy-four percent said they would likely attend the program. Choosing specific activities, respondents expressed most interest in walking (78%), weight lifting (54%), and Pilates and yoga (35% each). Other activities of interest were learning relaxation techniques (59%) and attending presentations by nutritionists or chefs (56%). Conclusions: The idea of a two day after-school health promotion program was well received. Over 74% said they would be willing to exercise a third day per week on their own to enhance their physical fitness and weight management. Eighty-one percent of the respondents were willing to receive some instruction via the internet. Ninety-five percent were interested in well-tested recipes for preparing healthy foods.

Learning Objectives: