Evidence-Based Strategies at Healthy Kids Challenge


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Tailored assistance and resources are based on best practices and research 

Teachers and youth leaders find Healthy Kids Challenge® ideas simple to teach nutrition and increase physical activity! " Lessons" founded on science-based information and best practices can be adapted for teaching within core-curriculum, health curriculum, afterschool activities or youth programs. 

Administrators and leaders find Healthy Kids Challenge assistance valuable for the development and implementation of feasible actions for healthy environments, policies, and practices. 

Nutrition Education
HKC easy-to-use teaching tools range from creating awareness to implementing a comprehensive (Balance My Day™)  curriculum.  With help and feedback from teachers, HKC “idea” toolkits and curriculum integrate building skills for healthy eating and physical activity into core curriculum.  Easy-to-use ideas put the most current recommendations and guidelines into action.

HKC  tools focus on six healthy behaviors based on research and recommended by Centers for Disease Control (fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity and less screen time) and others identified for academic achievement and wellness (breakfast and balanced intake through healthy snacks, beverage choices and serving sizes).

Best Practices and Research Base

  • Health education standards and guidelines, including CDC Health Education Analysis Tool (HECAT), Institute of Medicine, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and MyPlate.
  • Studies connecting academic performance to eating and physical activity.
  • Measurable objectives that address one or more of the following: knowledge, attitudes skills, behaviors, policy, and environment.  Outcome measures include guide *goal setting.
  • Effective behavior education strategies:  HKC incorporates a HEAR – SEE – DO –approach (Kids HEAR a healthy message; SEE how to make healthy choices; and DO – have hands-on practice of healthy habits) based on social cognitive theory.

Healthy Kids Challenge Strengths
Teachers report the HKC tools provide great new strategies for teaching core curriculum.

Up-to-date information and resources.  Supporter of Let's Move! and HealthierUS School Challenge.

Quote: “HKC shared awesome techniques at trainings that made it easy to incorporate the resources into all activities to make it fun and simple to present powerful messages to children.” Michelle Lock-Gooch, RD, LD

 

*Goal Setting References

  • Cullen KW et al.  Goal Setting is Differentially Related to Change in Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Consumption Among Fourth-Grade Children.  Health Educ & Behav, 2004; Vol. 31, No. 2, 258-269
  • Cullen KW, et al, Using goal setting as a strategy for dietary behavior change.  J Am Diet Assoc. 2001 May; 101(5):562-6.
  • Shilts et al, An Innovative Approach to Goal Setting for Adolescents: Guided Goal Setting. J Nutr Educ Behav. 2004;36:155-156.