Clifton C. Addison, PhD and Brenda W. Campbell, MPH. Jackson Heart Study, Jackson State University, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive, Suite 701, Jackson, MS 39213, 601-368-4631, brenda.w.campbell@jsums.edu

Objectives: We assessed the teachers’ perspectives of the extent of cardiovascular health-related risk practices and health problems that exist among students at a high school located in the southern region of the United States. The risk factors under review focused on the students’ dietary practices and physical activity habits. We also examined the teachers’ commitment to participating and supporting additional activities and programs to address those health concerns. Method: Data used for this study were gathered from the administration of the School Teachers Health Survey which solicited responses from teachers to provide their estimate of the risk practices of students, students’ current accessibility to preventive and intervention training programs, and the teachers’ willingness to participate in activities designed to reduce the negative practices. Results: The teachers’ responses provided a list of factors that needed to be changed in order to modify the school’s environment to a more heart healthy one. They provided recommendations for improvement, as well as priorities that needed immediate attention. Teachers understand that they should do more to influence more positive behavioral choices among the students through offerings incorporated within the regular school’s curriculum. Conclusions: A wide range of measures are needed to help improve the present health status of youths and to reduce the epidemic of obesity, overweight and Type 2 Diabetes, among others. Educators should accept a bigger role in helping to provide information in a way that would enable children to make wiser choices that would result in a better, healthier quality of life.

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