STEPS to a healthy teen
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EmailInformation to change youth nutrition behaviors is at their fingertips.
High school youth are making nutrition decisions daily by what they purchase for themselves and what they cook. Often at the heart of their decision making is ease and convenience; however these habits could last a lifetime. Information to change behaviors is at their fingertips through online resources and by engaging them in hands-on activities and research projects. By setting practical goals they can chart a new course not only for themselves, but for siblings, family members and their community!
Michigan State University Extension developed the National 4-H Curriculum, STEPS to a Healthy Teen: Segments To Emphasize Physical activity and nutrition, as a part of the 4-H Healthy Living Mission Mandate. The curriculum consists of 10 activities that target youth ages 14 to 19.
- On the Right Track! – Learning about personal health plans and nutrient-rich foods.
- Getting a Handle on Nutrition – Understanding the functions of various nutrients.
- The Balancing Act – Identifying food groups and understanding portion sizes in a meal plan.
- Label Lingo – Exploring food labels and learning what they tell about packaged foods.
- The Importance of Hydration: Avoiding Energy Drinks – Learning the importance of drinking water and understanding energy drinks.
- Physical Fitness Options – Learning about the five pillars of physical fitness.
- Healthy Body Image – Learning about healthy body image and ways advertisements may help create distorted perceptions of body image.
- Building a Physical Activity Plan or Fitness Plan – Achieving physical fitness by developing SMART goals.
- Building a Nutrition Plan – Using SMART goal setting to develop a nutrition plan.
- In the Zone With YOUth – Understanding community factors that influence food access and physical activity.
4-H Clubs, classrooms and afterschool sites in partnership with MSU Extension nutrition instructors and volunteers will be implementing and measuring the success of STEPS to a Healthy Teen throughout 2014. We look forward to learning alongside youth and watching what blooms.
