Overview - HipHop2Health

Family night sessions – Each month youths and parents will participate in a 90 minute session which consists of 3 components: exercise, nutrition education/behavior modification, and family involvement.  

Physical Activity Classes - The physical activity component of the curriculum is designed for youths ages 10-18 and incorporates activities that are multi-dimensional and include movement activity, cognitive elements (such as heart rate assessment before, during and after the activities) and social skill development (such as cooperative or group work).  The physical activity classes will be offered 3 to 4 times a week after school hours at the Boys & Girls Club (Taft St), Catholic Multicultural Center and Meadowood Community Center. The classes will be taught by certified exercise instructors and students from the school of kinesiology.
 
The curriculum is designed to encourage youths to continue their physical activity practices outside of class. Homework assignments will include involvement in physical activities at home or after school with friends. Participants will help develop their own home exercise program and set their own goals. Participants will also be encouraged to share with others their secrets to enjoying and keeping up with some types of physical activity. Investigators and peer coaches will work closely with participants to address barriers such as physical, environmental, psychological and time limitations.

Peer support: Recognizing the difficulty in making lifestyle changes, each youth will be assigned to a peer coach who will  help them face the challenges of leading a healthy lifestyle.