Main Menu | Introduction | Goals and Objectives | 28 Initiatives | Monitoring and Evaluation
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Linda S. Austin, MD College of Medicine |
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Specific Aims:
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Health problems in South Carolina include heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, violence, alcoholism, cigarette and drug use, sexually transmitted diseases, and teenage pregnancy. Healthy lifestyles which begin in childhood can prevent many of these diseases, especially if the changes are made early in life. Schools can play an important role in teaching children about health. Dr. Austin's project provided training workshops for teachers in problem-based learning to teach children the basic principles of healthy behavior and how cultural, social, and economic factors affect lifestyle and health. Health professionals from MUSC faculty and alumni participated in programs at schools that both educate students about science and health and increase their interest in future health careers. Students shared their new knowledge and understanding with their families, peers, and communities by designing their own programs to improve healthy behaviors in their own environment. Teachers submitted their projects to a contest which will identify the best projects at each of three grade level clusters, and prizes were awarded to the participating teachers. Project evaluation analyzed data from teachers and students on the effectiveness of teaching children fundamental concepts of healthy lifestyles. |
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Results: This program provided training to over 200 teachers. It was discontinued when Dr. Austin left MUSC for another position. |