The Healthy Children Arizona (HCA) program

Initiative Description: The Healthy Children Arizona (HCA) program was developed to promote early, positive exposure to cancer-preventive diet, physical activity and sun safety behaviors. Five lessons delivered weekly were evaluated by classroom teachers while pre- and post-curriculum surveys examined increases in students’ understanding of concepts and self-reported behavior.

Study Results: Improved overall health knowledge, although correct choice of muscle-building foods (25%), whole grain items (78%) and target time for daily exercise (61%) were lower than desired.

Reference: Plattner, S., McCartney, G., Thomson, C., Balderama, A., Alberts, D.S. and Foote, J.A. (2014) Healthy children Arizona: Early intervention for prevention. Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 4, 689-698

Level of Evidence: Good