Thanks fellow classmates for supporting me with ideas, questions, and insights about my advocacy plan. I really wish everyone luck in there teaching and advocacy adventures.

Questions about my presentation Module 4

I am excited about my health and fitness presentation, but have questions about my approach. For example, what word tactics should I use that are non-judgmental and deliver resolve for change? I do not want to use scared tactics for my families to want to change their lifestyle. However, I do want to inform them about some of the dangers of eating fatty foods and not doing some form of movement or exercise at least three times a week. Maybe instead of telling them what they are doing wrong I could encourage them to replace some of what they are doing with healthier alternatives?

I am seeking resource and information outside of the internet. I have looked in my local yellow pages for health and fitness programs for lower income families. Does anyone else know of any local programs that would support my cause? Does the YMCA have a good program? What about any private sectors?

I found these two resources on the internet very helpful and with a wealth of information. Some of the resources are: Advocates for health in Action http://www.initiative.org/category/community-resource-category/be-our-voice-health-care-providers-advocating-fight-childhood-o and Be Our Voice http://www.nichq.org/advocacy/shareyourstory/stories.html

'Health is the key to happiness"

This is my Quote from a unknown source. "True enjoyment comes from

activity of the mind and exercise of the body;

the two are ever united."

My advocacy is about living in an healthy environment. This covers a large area, but I decided to mostly focus on teaching my families about nutrition and fitness for a healthy lifestyle.

What excites me most about my advocacy is to show my families the positive aspects of a healthy lifestyle and that it is not about a lot of hard work. Additionally, I am excited about showing them fun activities and yummy, but healthy recipes they can try.

My challenges probably outweigh my excitement because it is difficult to change people’s lifestyle, especially if they think what they are doing is fine.

What will be most effective is to find out how they feel about what they are doing on a daily basis in regards to diet and exercise, and ways to allow them to open up

about making any positive changes. I will not want to force any information on them, but instead gradually implement new ideas and strategies.

Others in my advocacy program can learn with me the best nutritional plan for a family who is considered poverty level. However, keeping in mind the family structure, cultural background, and health concerns, such as, high blood pressure or diabetes. How I can be encouraged by others is to brainstorm activities and healthy recipes that are low in sodium and rich in vitamins. Additionally, I will keep in mind where my families shop for groceries, and where they can go for doing daily activity. Many of the professionals I am observing under know where their families shop and where the closest parks, and recreational areas they are able to transport to easily.

Thanks to the professionals I am working with they will be able to offer me insight to what is practical and attainable to the families in the program.

Welcome to my blog

Hi Everyone, my name is Mollie and I am excited to learn more about our assignments and my fellow classmates.