|
Back to Search Results | New Search |
 | Title: | Healthy Futures Curriculum | | Pub. date: | May 2002 | | Includes: | Manual | | Audience: | Adults | | Language: | English | | Description: | The Healthy Futures Curriculum features 10 lessons that promote healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention strategies for limited resource households. The large binder is separated into lessons by dividers and includes sub categories of objectives followed by a list of resources that can be used to help the educator prepare for the class. Lessons also include a list of supporting materials for the lesson plans consisting of audiovisuals, handouts, suggested activities and visuals. Visuals are graphic line drawings with captions related to the lesson. Lesson objectives utilize two models of behavioral change: the Health Belief Model and the Stages of Change Model. Suggestions are provided to adapt lessons for families with small children. Visuals have scripts on the back of each page for quick access to the lesson information or for use as a flip chart in a smaller class setting.
The first four lessons in this curriculum focus on healthy food choices and basic food safety. The last six lessons focus on disease prevention and reinforce nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices to decrease the risk of disease. The compact disk and zip disk included with the curriculum allow educators access to lesson plans, PowerPoint slides, references, graphics, visuals, and handouts. Optional handouts for older adults are available in 8 of the 10 lessons. Healthy recipes and recipe alterations are offered as well. | | Funding Source: | USDA Food Stamp Program |
| Developer: | Virginia PolyTechnic University - Ruby Cox | | Phone: | (540) 231-9429 or (540) 231-7556 | | Mail: | rubycox@vt.edu | | Length: | 10 lessons | | Readability: | 4-7th Grade | | Pilot Testing: | Healthy Futures was originally tested as a cancer prevention series, which demonstrated positive changes in almost all parameters studied. Both EFNEP and FSNE participants were involved and collected 24 hour food recall and food related behavior checklists at pre and post intervention. Results have shown significant improvement in both the choices made in the 24 hour recall and the food related behavior checklists after completing this program, per the authors. | | Use Restrictions: | Yes | | Reviewers Comments: | Healthy Futures is a comprehensive curriculum that includes health promotion topics such as breast examination guidelines, stress management tips, and safe hand washing. For purposes of this review we will only comment on the nutritional components.
Each scripted lesson plan focuses on nutrition and the relationship to general health and disease prevention. The objectives and supporting materials are clearly listed at the beginning of each lesson. Clear headings are provided for each new topic and help direct attention to key areas. The materials in the curriculum are accurate and basic. However, enhancements such as additional materials and individualized lessons may provide a more targeted and entertaining learning experience.
Lessons use vocabulary that is familiar to the target group. However, lesson plan content could be more engaging for the class members. Each lesson provides interactive activities for the class, including goal setting and a learning activity, helping participants to apply new concepts. Some lessons offer alternate activities, allowing the educator to choose the best method for their class and to assess if objectives for that lesson are being met. Pre and post tests are available in two of the lessons for educators to evaluate class members’ comprehension of materials. Several lessons include recipes with suggestions for healthy modifications. Recipes are compatible with U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and include low cost, readily available ingredients. Number of servings, cook time and yield are included in the recipes. They appear easy to follow and the format is practical for low literacy audiences. Note: The 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide the basis for the nutrition education messages in this material.
Throughout the manual, main ideas are clear, but the sequence of some information may not flow smoothly in all sections. Some handouts don’t follow the main idea but appear later in the lesson. Lesson 10, “Calcium, Milk, and Your Health,” refers to, but does not include, a handout on lactose intolerance. A number of handouts were different than what was stated in the lesson plan or were missing and some information on the back of the visuals did not correspond with the information in the lesson outline. The disease prevention lessons can be lengthy and may need to be curtailed to meet the individual needs of the audience. CD and zip disk images are in Quark Express®, which may make it difficult to access handouts and visuals if educators do not have access to this program. Typographical errors were found throughout the manual. Graphics, design, and layout are outdated when compared to the current multimedia resources available. Images used in the lessons are selected from standard Clip Art
Note: This resource is no longer available for purchase online. It can be borrowed from the National Agricultural Library. |
Borrow it from the National Agricultural Library (NAL)
SNAP staff/SNAP-Ed providers can borrow materials from NAL through interlibrary loan. | | NAL Call No.: | RA784 .H46 2003 | | Go to Request Library Materials | | | | Contact the Distributor: | | Distributor: | Virginia PolyTechnic Institute and University | | Mail: | 101 Wallace Annex
Virginia Tech.
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0228 | | Phone: | (504) 231-9429 | | Fax: | (504) 231-7576 | | Cost: | 0.00 per | | Avail. in Qty: | No |
|
