The Planet Health Program was successfully implemented as a pilot study in 10 public middle schools with 6th and 7th graders over two years. Teaching units were developed with extensive teacher input via focus groups and lesson evaluation. In addition to the curricula components, the pilot study included teacher training and three wellness sessions for teachers.
Results
Baseline and follow-up data were collected from 1,014 students, representing an overall participation rate of 65 percent. Height, weight and triceps skinfolds were measured on all students. Research on secondary outcomes included self-reporting on television viewing, physical activity, total calorie intake, percent of total dietary intake from fat and servings of fruits and vegetables.
Positive outcomes included:
Following the success of the initial study, Boston Public Schools expressed interest in disseminating Planet Health throughout its system. An additional pilot study tested the feasibility and sustainability of the curriculum in public school settings where resources are constrained. Six inner-city middle schools experienced comparable success to the original pilot study in reducing television viewing and the prevalence of obesity in girls. The Planet Health curriculum is now used in hundreds of middle schools in the Boston area. An independent economic analysis found that every dollar spent on the program in middle school translates to a savings of $1.20 in medical costs and lost wages when the children reach middle age.
Strengths
Implementation
To view table of contents, sample lessons and to purchase:
www.humankinetics.com/products/showproduct.cfm?isbn=0736031057
Resources
Planet Health: An Interdisciplinary Curriculum for Teaching Middle School Nutrition and Physical Activity. Carter, Jill, et al. Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc., 2001. 523 p. ISBN 0-7360-3105-7 ($45).
The School Health Index
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed a self-assessment and planning tool that helps schools identify the strengths and weaknesses of their physical activity and nutrition policies and programs. It includes support in developing an action plan for improving student health, involving teachers, parents, students, and the community in improving school services. The School Health Index is available at no cost and can be completed in as little as five hours. Many of the improvements that a school may want to make can be done with existing staff and resources.
Order from:
CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health Resource Room
Phone: 770-488-3168
Toll-free fax: 888-282-7681
E-mail: ccdinfo@cdc.gov
Download from www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash or
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa
www.hsph.harvard.edu/prc/
Harvard Prevention Research Center on Nutrition and Physical Activity
Planet Health began as a research project at the Harvard Prevention Research Center (PRC). The PRC’s mission is to work with community partners to design, implement, and evaluate programs that improve physical activity and diet and decrease inactivity among children and youth.
Contacts
Department of Society, Human Development and Health
Harvard University Prevention Research Center on Nutrition and Physical Activity
Kresge Building, 7th Floor
677 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-432-1029
