School Health Programs for American Indian Children

University of New Mexico: Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Topics:
Cardiovascular Health | Diabetes | Nutrition & Physical Activity for Youth | School Health

Pathways is designed to improve nutrition and physical activity among American Indian children by involving them in traditional storytelling, music, games, and holistic health practices. In addition, families participate in fun health events, and school food service workers learn to plan and prepare low-fat school meals. Researchers have brought Pathways to more than 1,700 third- through fifth-grade children in seven American Indian nations. In a follow-on program, the researchers are evaluating Pathways in additional American Indian communities. The research staff is establishing field centers in tribal, state, and regional offices for teaching Pathways to community action teams who will conduct the program in schools and help develop a plan for evaluating the program’s effect on students’ diet, physical activity, and weight.

 

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