Abstract:

The SI! Program is a school intervention that provides a holistic strategy for promoting heart-healthy habits, with the aim of preventing the development of behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, and smoking. The program includes 4 components: diet, physical activity, emotions, and the knowledge of the human body. The Program focuses on children and involves their immediate environment (teachers, families and school). This work describes the SI! Program educational strategies and activities targeted at children aged 3 to 5. Educational strategies and activities were evaluated in 16 schools through reports, questionnaires, and focus group discussions (March/June, 2010-11). A second evaluation was conducted in 7 educational centers with comparable socio-economic characteristics through reports, questionnaires, and group interviews (March/June, 2013-14). The strategies most highly valued were the inclusion of a character called ‘Cardio’ as a motivational mascot, teacher training, a health awareness week, a large variety of activities and resources, the flexible structuring of activities, and an integrated multi-component vision of cardiovascular health. The SI! Program is structured, and sufficiently flexible so as to allow its large-scale implementation in a diverse range of educational centers.

Keywords:

Children, Cardiovascular Health Promotion, Health education, School Program, Focus groups.