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Healthy Eating for Life Curriculum Development and Pilot Evaluation
The Healthy Eating for Life (HE4L) curriculum was developed as a program for adults for are learning English as a second or other language (ESOL), with the goal of encouraging healthy living for cancer prevention. Specific behaviors targeted in this program include learning about healthy eating and making positive changes to individuals’ lifestyles and diets; identifying and developing planning skills to make healthy lifestyle choices and manage setbacks; and developing basic and advanced language and literacy skills.
Peter Salovey is the Primary Investigator for this project, along with Co-Investigators Susan Rivers, Lindsay Duncan, and Amy Latimer; and Team Member Michelle Bertoli. In fall 2010, a pilot study of the HE4L curriculum took place in 23 ESOL classrooms across the state of Connecticut. Initial feedback from the pilot study showed that the HE4L curriculum is successful in increasing its target behaviors. Currently, the HE4L research team is in the process of expanding the curriculum, adapting it for the needs of community health clinics, and developing a technology component that will enhance the learning experience for participants.
The Self-Efficacy, Lifestyle, and Fitness Study
Research has demonstrated that physical exercise can have important health implications for breast cancer survivors; it has been linked to reductions in many physical and psychological limitations often reported by survivors, such as nausea, fatigue, weight gain, and sleep difficulties. An individual’s self-efficacy, or confidence in their ability to complete a task, is a strong predictor of health behaviors like exercise. The Self-Efficacy, Lifestyle, and Fitness (SELF) study will demonstrate the potential for self-efficacy-enhancing statements included in informational materials regarding the benefits of exercise for cancer survivors. The project is headed by Primary Investigator, Peter Salovey. Joining him are Co-Investigators Lindsay Duncan, Susan Rivers, and Amy Latimer; as well as Team Members Michelle Bertoli and Mariam Girguis.
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