A partnership for health - working with schools to promote healthy lifestyle
Shah, S.; Patching van der Sluijs, C.; Lagleva, M.; Pesle, A.; Lim, K.-S.; Bittar, H.; Dibley, M.
Australian Family Physician 40(12): 1011-1013
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8495 PMID: 22146334 Document Number: 648686
Childhood obesity is increasing in prevalence. Effective interventions are needed, including those promoting healthy lifestyle habits in children and adolescents. This article describes the development and feasibility of a peer led health promotion program in a New South Wales high school and the role GPs can play in community based health promotion activities. The Students As Lifestyle Activists (SALSA) program was developed by general practitioners, a local community health organisation and a local high school. Preliminary evaluation suggests that a peer led approach is feasible, acceptable and valued by both students and staff.