Initiative Description: Teacher-Centred, School-Based Intervention Program on Health Behavior and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Elementary School Children: 29 teaching units per year (30–60 minutes each) and various short activities, which could be implemented in the classroom. Teachers were asked to provide 2 in-class activity blocks per day, lasting 5–7 minutes each. Further, materials for parental information and 6 family homework assignments were included to facilitate parental involvement.

Study Results: Cardio Vascular Disease risk declined. The age-related decline in habitual sports participation was attenuated, and children in the intervention groups displayed higher odds of playing outside. Further, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages declined in the intervention group.

Reference: Drenowatz, C., Wartha, O., Brandstetter, S., & Steinacker, J. M. (2013). Effects of a teacher-centered, school-based intervention program on health behavior and cardiovascular disease risk in elementary school children. ISRN Public Health, 1 8. doi:10.1155/2013/513183

Level of Evidence: Very Good