Heart Smart Discussion Activity

Developed in conjunction with the Heart Smart University of Miami Research Team and the Miami Science Museum

The Heart Smart Discussion Activity addresses the following National Health Education Standards Performance Indicators:

1.12.1 Predict how healthy behaviors can affect health status. 1.12.7 Compare and contrast benefits of and barriers to practicing a variety of healthy behaviors.

6.12.2 Develop plan to attain a personal health goal that addresses strengths, needs, and risks.

DISCUSSION ACTIVITYStandards

Physical activity, nutrition and stress affect your heart health.

FACT

SURPRISING FACTS

Hispanic American teenagers born outside the US eat healthier diets than those born in the US.

SURPRISING FACTS

33% of all US deaths each year are due to physical inactivity, poor eating habits, & tobacco use.

SURPRISING FACTS

Watching TV two hours or more per day is associated with weight gain.

SURPRISING FACTS

A regular cheeseburger and a large order of fries have 750 calories. You have to walk for 3.5 hours to work off these calories.

Cutting out 1 regular can of soda a day will lower your weight by almost 15 lbs a year.

SURPRISING FACTS

SURPRISING FACTS

Autopsies of healthy teenagers killed in accidents show early evidence of heart disease.

SURPRISING FACTS

Too much stress can damage your blood vessels and heart over time.

To get you talking and thinking about your health.

To get you to decide what you can do for a healthier heart.

DISCUSSION ACTIVITYActivity Goals

Facilitator keeps the group on track and promotes

discussionRecord keeper

uses the Opinion Record pad to record the final numbers of students who agree and who disagree with each Discussion Statement

DISCUSSION ACTIVITYRoles

DISCUSSION ACTIVITYActivity Board

PROCEDURE

1. Read aloud DISCUSSION STATEMENT.

2. Place HEART on the AGREE or DISAGREE side of the board and state why.

3. Read aloud AGREE and DISAGREE cards and discuss.

4. Facilitator reads LET’S TALK card to encourage further discussion.

5. Move HEART to indicate change of opinion.

6. Record keeper records final number of HEARTS on AGREE and DISAGREE sides.

7. Retrieve HEART to use for next round.

8. Place all used cards at the bottom of each stack, and go to the next DISCUSSION STATEMENT.

9. Repeat steps 1-8.

Don’t forget –five minutes per

statement!

WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR A HEALTHIER HEART?

Your plan should be challenging, but something you can achieve.

Choose one behavior you want to change about your diet, exercise or stress management.

Be realistic and specific. Example: I will start walking 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Keep track of your progress to see if you are reaching your goal.