|
Ninth graders at Talawanda High School are participating for the second year in an innovative well-being program thanks to a two-year, $125,000 grant awarded to Miami University's partnership office by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation.
The program encourages the Talawanda students to adopt and sustain healthy, active lifestyles through activities that help them discover their unique, self-expressive qualities.
"We know that adolescence is a time of life when dramatic changes in health behaviors occur," said Jay Kimiecik, associate professor of kinesiology and health and director of Miami's Employee Health & Well-Being program. He developed the Well-Being Way based on research and personal experience. "This grant makes it possible to implement a unique well-being program at a critical time in kids' lives."
The Well-Being Way features a self-discovery approach that helps young people experience connections between how they feel about themselves and the choices they make regarding healthy behaviors such as exercise and healthy eating, explained Kimiecik, who is also the author of the YPersonal Fitness Program, an exercise behavior change program that has been used in more than 500 YMCAs.
"The great thing about this experience is that we pair up Miami student mentors from a variety of majors with Talawanda teachers and together they facilitate the well-being experience at the high school with the ninth graders," said Kimiecik. "Last year some of our college students had significant life-learning experiences as a direct result of their interactions and experiences with the ninth graders and teachers."
The 25 Miami student mentors were recruited from various organizations and departments. "Well being - how you feel about yourself and your life - is important for everyone," said Kimiecik. "It doesn't matter whether you are in accounting, foreign affairs or health studies." The students selected are enrolled in a department of kinesiology and health course that introduces them to well being and prepares them to be mentors.
"Feedback from the ninth graders is that they enjoy college students being in their classroom and helping them discover things about themselves and their classmates," said Kimiecik. "It's a great experience for ninth graders, the teachers, and the college students."
|
