As an educator or health professional, you have the unique opportunity to guide others toward healthier lifestyles. With rising rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor nutrition habits, your role is more important than ever. But teaching complex health concepts doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The right resources can make a world of difference in helping your audience absorb and apply the knowledge they need for lasting change.
Here’s how you can use our educational tools to simplify nutrition and heart health concepts in your classroom, seminar, or community workshop.
1. Teach Healthy Food Choices with the DASH Plan
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan is a powerful tool for managing and preventing high blood pressure. Our DASH to Better Health Handout simplifies this approach by breaking it down into practical steps:
- Eating more fruits and vegetables.
- Limiting sodium intake.
- Choosing healthier options from each food group.
Use this handout to introduce the concept of hypertension and offer actionable advice your audience can start using today. Pair the information with a group activity like "build a DASH-friendly meal" to reinforce the lesson.
2. Make Nutrition Easy with the S.T.A.R.T. Concept
Helping learners remember dietary guidelines is easier with a memorable framework. The NCES-exclusive S.T.A.R.T. concept provides just that:
- Solid fats and added sugars should be limited.
- Try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid oversized portions.
- Refresh with water.
- Track your sodium intake.
This four-page handout not only introduces S.T.A.R.T., but it also includes portion guidance, calorie information, and practical tips for incorporating exercise. Engage your audience by discussing the Energy In, Energy Out (E.I.E.O.) theory and brainstorming simple ways to apply it in their daily lives.
3. Demystify Cholesterol
Cholesterol can be a confusing topic, but it doesn’t have to be. Our Cholesterol Handout explains the four types of cholesterol, how they impact health, and strategies for maintaining healthy levels. Use it to clarify good versus bad fats and encourage your audience to set realistic goals for improving their cholesterol through diet and exercise.
For a hands-on approach, create a sorting game where participants match foods to their cholesterol categories.
4. Raise Awareness About Sodium Intake
Many people don’t realize how much sodium they consume daily or its effect on their health. The Salt Handout educates clients on recommended sodium intake, common high-sodium foods, and strategies to reduce intake.
Incorporate this handout into a session where participants analyze nutrition labels to identify hidden sources of sodium in their favorite snacks.
Why These Tools Work for Educators
Each of these handouts is designed with simplicity and engagement in mind. They’re colorful, clear, and packed with actionable information that resonates with learners of all ages. Whether you’re presenting to a group of teenagers, adults managing chronic conditions, or community members eager to improve their health, these resources provide a foundation for meaningful discussions and behavior change.
Tips for Success
- Make it interactive: Use activities, quizzes, and group discussions to bring the material to life.
- Tailor the message: Adjust the focus of your presentation to meet the needs of your specific audience.
- Provide take-home tools: Encourage learners to refer to the handouts at home as they start making healthier choices.
By using these tools, you’re not just teaching concepts—you’re empowering people to take control of their health. Together, we can create a ripple effect of healthier communities, one lesson at a time.