H.D. Woodson Senior High School “Warriors for Healthy Living” District of Columbia Department of Health Maternal and Family Health Administration

Purpose of the Project To address the growing problem of obesity and diminishing participation in regular activity among adolescents. Identification of barriers to proper nutritional and physical activity habits, coupled with implementation of “mini” initiatives, will aid the District in developing model programs that will ultimately assist in reducing the likelihood of adolescents developing preventable chronic diseases in adulthood.

District of Columbia Demographics, ,059 total population 119,708 adolescents (21%) between years of age 62,480 adolescents (11%) between years of age (high school age) The District is the home of a very diverse population, with many different age and ethnic groups comprising the population.

Obesity and Lack of Physical Activity, United States vs. District of Columbia, 2001 Source: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, United States 2001

The Obesity Epidemic in Adolescents: Adolescents Reporting Being Overweight, United States vs. District of Columbia Source: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, United States 1997,1999, 2001

Five Leading Causes of Death in the District of Columbia, 2000 District of Columbia State Center for Health Statistics Administration, 2003

H.D. Woodson Senior High School Area Demographics Located in Ward 7 64,704 total residents 27.9% of residents under the age of 18 Highest death rate from heart disease Highest death rate from diabetes related illnesses 3 rd highest death rate from hypertension

Woodson Wellness Center: Services Offered Immunizations School physical exams Laboratory testing and referral Individual and group counseling Nutrition and education counseling Health promotion and education sessions

Woodson Wellness Center Nearly 450 students receive services at the Wellness Center each year. Of that 450, about 40% are clinically obese. CLEARLY, THERE IS A NEED FOR INTERVENTION!

Woodson Warriors for Healthy Living Intervention Four Phase Program I. Chart Review and Student Survey II. Student Focus groups III. “Warrior” Sessions IV. Student Evaluation

Woodson Warriors for Healthy Living Goals To spread and promote awareness To positively influence knowledge and attitudes

Phase I Chart Review and Student Survey Woodson Wellness Center client records were reviewed for various health indicators Students were given a short, voluntary 5 question survey regarding attitudes about healthy living, health behaviors, and eating habits

Phase II Student Focus Groups 1-2 focus groups Wellness Center students will talk about and plan programs they would like to see addressing health, lifestyles, and physical wellbeing Engage natural and elected leaders at the high school to become “warriors for health” among their peer groups

Phase III “Warrior” Sessions Nutrition Cooking Right, Eating Right Enrichment Body Image: The Mirror ALWAYS Lies 8-9 breakout sessions throughout the year would occur once a month during lunchtime Results of student focus groups would be combined with three focus areas: Nutrition, Exercise, and Enrichment Some suggested topics for discussion are: Exercise Dance Your Way to Fitness

Phase IV Student Evaluation 1-2 student focus groups Will talk about effectiveness of program Devise ways to change and expand the program to include more students and more effective interventions

Woodson Warriors for Health Living Finish Line The Woodson Warriors for Healthy Living is a unique program which places the focus on the needs of the adolescents by allowing them to shape the curriculum.

Woodson Warriors for Healthy Living Contact Information Deneen Long-White, Project Lead Sally Lawrence, Project Co-Lead 825 North Capitol Street, NE, 3 rd Floor Washington, DC (202)

Acknowledgements Marilyn Seabrooks-Myrdal, Maternal and Child Health Officer, DC Department of Health CityMatCH Data Use Institute HD Woodson Senior High School Administration and Staff HD Woodson Wellness Center Staff District of Columbia Data Use Institute Team Members