Ready...Set...Action! - Obesity Prevention Center,, University of Minnesota

Ready...Set...Action!

Ready, Set, ACTION! (RSA) is collaborative research study that utilizes theater as a vehicle to educate and encourage children and families about healthy eating, physical activity, and body image.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota partnered with Illusion Theater of Minneapolis and elementary schools in the St. Paul School District to test the feasibility of implementation of the innovative theater-based after-school program. Specific topics addressed in the after-school program include:

increasing fruit and vegetable consumption;
increasing physical activity;
decreasing sedentary behaviors (i.e. TV viewing, computer & video game usage);
and feeling good about yourself and your body.

Children, grades 4-6, who participated in this pilot project were educated in program messages as well as basic theater components and assisted in the construction of a play including healthy messages. Parents received postcards sent home with their child that also addressed program messages from a parent perspective, such as help limiting family television time and the cost effectiveness of eating fruits and vegetables in season.

The majority of RSA parents reported that the parent informational sheets were helpful in helping their family eat healthfully and be active. Links to printable versions of the information sheets can be found below.

* This study was supported by Grant R21 DK072972 (Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PI) from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Health.

PARENT INFORMATIONAL SHEETS from Ready...Set...Action!

RSA Information Sheet 1: Introduction to the Ready, Set, ACTION! program. Explains the purpose of the postcards and what RSA is all about.

RSA Information Sheet 2: Information on how to use a pedometer, including a pedometer worksheet.

RSA Information Sheet 3: Struggling to get your kids to eat healthy? Provided are helpful tips for making eating healthy the easy choice, including a recipe easy fruit and vegetable dips.

RSA Information Sheet 4: Feelings good about yourself and your body is any important part of staying healthy.

RSA Information Sheet 5: Breaking the TV habit.

RSA Information Sheet 6: Dancing for family physical activity and fun.

RSA Information Sheet 7: Tips for parents about how to add fruits and vegetables to every day favorites.

RSA Information Sheet 8: Reminders for how to "eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full."

RSA Information Sheet 9: Easy tips for drinking more water.

RSA Information Sheet 10: Unrealistic media images like on TV and in magazines can sometimes make us feel bad about ourselves. This postcard provides lots of helpful information about the media.

RSA Information Sheet 11: Jumping rope is not just for kids, it is a great form of physical activity for the entire family.

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