Fact or Quack, Grade 8 Health

Charles Lakeman facilitated a video conference for Diane Diambrosio’s grade 8 health class with The McMillen Center for Health Education.

Ms. Harvey, registered nurse, certified diabetes trainer, and health educator talked to students about healthy eating habits and attitudes.  She described the devastating effects of anorexia, bulimia, and other extreme diet control methods, giving the example of Luisel Ramos, a Uruguayan model, who died at the age of 22 because of severe dieting. Students learned strategies to make healthy choices and how to spot scams in the health and dieting market. If it’s too good to be true, it is probably a scam. Who will benefit financially from you buying into a diet or supplement program (i.e. The Special K diet)? These products and programs often fall between the cracks in FDA monitoring before the dangers are flagged.  The Fact or Quack game tested students’ ability to spot a scam. For more information on healthy eating, go to The United States Department of  Health’s mypyramid.gov

Program Description:
This program will empower students to differentiate between marketing scams and healthy lifestyle choices. Fad diets and the harmful effects of anorexia, bulimia, and obesity will be examined. Interactive activities will provide accurate guidelines for diet and exercise. Come join the fun and learn vital information about fitness for life.

Many thanks to Charles Lakeman for facilitating the questions and answers, and to Debbie Harvey for delivering an important and informative program on health for our students.