In 1970, Americans spent about $6 billion on fast food; and in 2000, they spent more than $110 billion. According to the book "Fast Food Nation", Americans now spend more money on fast food than on higher education, personal computers, computer software, or new cars. They spend more on fast food than on movies, books, magazines, newspapers, videos, and recorded music - combined.
No surprise then that over a third of our nation’s youth is over weight - a figure that has been slowly increasing in recent years, and has been linked closely to heart disease, hypertension, liver disease, certain cancers and diabetes. Encouraging young adults, especially in urban America, to adopt better habits has become a crucial and critical task. In this module, participants focus on the four essentials for healthy physical living: 1) eating well (emphasizing whole foods, fruits, and vegetables); 2) eating proportionately; 3) being active; and 4) not smoking. Participants begin to make the connection between their eating habits and looking good and learn that their physical health has a direct effect on how they feel.
For those living in cities, there may be fewer opportunities to exercise. Schools may not offer sports programs, communities may not have sports leagues. Many young people just don’t take the time to exercise or just aren’t aware of its positive impact. In Healthy Living, young people learn to create opportunities for exercise, no matter where they are, because they understand that they will look and feel better.
In the Healthy Habits Module, participants become informed about deceptive product advertising that influences their eating habits and use of tobacco. They begin to see how big profits are made by the fast food industry and tobacco industry at their expense; and learn the facts about the health risks associated with fast foods and smoking.
HEALTHY HABITS GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Be able to analyze the influence of culture and media on health attitudes and the impact of processed foods on America’s eating habits
Examine eating and exercise habits and their impact on health
Understand how the body’s function is a direct result of regular exercise and nutrition
Learn the food pyramid, the value of each type of food to the body’s function, and the negative impact of foods with “empty calories”
Identify toxic substances and avoid their use to prevent long-term health risks
Identify the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the consequences of an unhealthy one
Formulate lifestyle goals and fun and practical ways to carry them out
Get involved in initiatives that promote and sustain healthier lifestyles in the community
