RESOURCE FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS:
Traits of Successful Programs
If you aspire to make a difference by starting, endorsing or enhancing a
health and wellness program for any segment of your community, work to incorporate
the following aspects, based on what ACFN found has worked for programs highlighted
during the TRIUMPH series:
- Incorporate both eating and activity. Teach healthy eating or staying
active — either is good, but teaching both together is better.
- Make
it goal-oriented. Set physical or behavioral objectives that can be met.
- Eschew “diets” and “exercise.” Instead
teach healthy eating choices and regular physical activity.
- Be culturally
sensitive. Understand how a participant’s cultural
background affects his or her choices, and make the program relevant within
that context.
- Make it positive and fun. Make learning engaging and enjoyable,
never restrictive or punitive.
- Incorporate “coaches.” Rather than
instruct, provide participants with empathetic role models.
- Keep it personal.
Work with participants one-on-one as much as possible.
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