High school students are being taught to embrace a healthy lifestyle by a new program rolling out across the west.
The CHASE (Community Health Advancement and Student Engagement) organisation recently marked the program’s launch at Essendon Keilor College with hip-hop performances, live street art,
sporting activities and healthy cooking demonstrations.
CHASE spokeswoman Teagan Fink said the idea was to prevent poor health, rather than try to tackle it once it had become a problem.
“CHASE is a community health initiative trying to improve health through education,’’ she said.
“We have got Copperfield College in Delahey and Essendon Keilor College involved and we are looking at expanding to other schools.’’
A pilot nutrition program has involved year 8 students workshopping and performing a song written with mentor and hip-hop artist Mantra.
“Our mentors go into these classrooms, we have a number of university students from a wide variety of backgrounds and study areas and they are all positive role models for the students,” Ms Fink said.
Drew Moir, a third-year medical student at Western Health’s clinical school, said it was crucial to address rising rates of chronic diseases. “This program is breaking down the social barriers to good health.”
