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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Nancy L. Rothman, EdD, RN¹, Marilyn Wood, MA², Rita Lourie, MSN, MPH, RN¹, Brenda Seals, PhD, MPH³, and Robin Dunn². (1) Department of Nursing, College of Health Professions, Temple University, 3307 N. Broad Street 602-00, Philadelphia, PA 19140, 215-707-5436, rothman@temple.edu, (2) Temple University, Center for Intergenerational Learning, 1601 N Broad, Suite 206, Philadelphia, PA 19122, (3) Department of Public Health, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad St., Room 304, Philadelphia, PA 19122

The Center for Intergenerational Learning and the Temple University Department of Nursing have developed an intergenerational approach to increase the knowledge of young children about environmental triggers for chronic health conditions and help them develop action steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. Twenty older adults (60 +) from Philadelphia communities were recruited and trained to become Environmental Health Coaches. The 12 week curriculum for the coaches was focused on the relationship between environmental hazards and chronic diseases using interactive and artistic techniques that have been successful in working with both older adults and youth. The coaches used one shot cameras to document environmental strengths and hazards in their communities and the photographs were also used in the presentation. This project, funded by the EPA and the Philadelphia Corporation on Aging impacted 5 area schools (over 280 students in Year One) and members of fifteen senior centers (300 older adults). Tapes of the performances, qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the impact and outcomes for both the senior citizens and the youth in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 will be included in the presentation.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, the Participant will be able to

• Evaluate interactive theater techniques used in teaching children the benefits of clean healthy environments and positive choices.
• Analyze evaluation methods used to measure awareness in inner city children concerning the relationship between health and environmental hazards.
• Examine approaches used to increase both leadership skills and potential for environmental health advocacy in middle school children.

Keywords: Environmental Health, Public Health Nursing

Related Web page: www.fullcircletheater.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation