Knowledge for a healthier you: nutrition and fitness curriculum for adolescents

ABSTRACT The purpose of this graduate project was to develop curriculum and a student handbook that could be used to educate adolescents 14-19 years of age, on ways to maintain a healthy bodyweight through physical activity and proper nutrition, at little to no cost, at high schools and/or community-based centers. The Knowledge for a Healthier YOU curriculum and student handbook were designed to complement one another in providing knowledge related to fitness, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle behaviors through lectures and activities no more than 20 minutes in length. To pilot the curriculum and student handbook, both were to be integrated into a twice-a-week/eight (8) week structured community-based physical activity program that took place at a high school in the city of San Fernando, California. Due to scheduling conflicts and an unanticipated relocation of the program, a significant drop out of the target population occurred; thus, the program ended after just 6 1/2 weeks. However, the relevance and overall effectiveness of the curriculum and student handbook were evaluated by a panel of experts with experience working with adolescents (i.e. 12-19 years old), as well as a professional background in nutrition, fitness, general wellness, or high school education. After a formative evaluation of the curriculum and student handbook was completed, each expert acknowledged the validity of the information provided and confirmed that they would recommend the implementation of the curriculum and the student handbook as a means to educate adolescents on topics related to healthy lifestyle behaviors.