To get kids to pay attention to health promotional messages, a subtle approach works best, perhaps using interesting factoids and humor – definitely not focusing on the do’s and don’ts. That’s just one of many pieces of advice provided by students who participated in focus groups at HISD’s student health summit on November 14, entitled “If You Talk We Will Listen: Be a Voice for Change”.

With funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the summit was open to all middle and high school students within HISD and their parents and was hosted at Reagan High School and Sharpstown High School. The student focus groups were sponsored by the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools initiative, a collaborative effort by the school district and various community partners to improve nutrition and physical activity opportunities across HISD.

Students leaders from Chavez High School voice their opinions about campaign slogan.

During the sessions, students were asked to select an effective campaign slogan, logo and messages for an upcoming district-wide, communications campaign to promote health and wellness. They also provided suggestions on ways students can help raise awareness and influence healthy choices among their peers.

In addition to the recent focus groups, the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools initiative sought out the voice of students at the inaugural HKHS Summit and at the Summer Leadership Institute, as well as through classroom visits over the past few months.