Development of a Human Growth and Osteoporosis Prevention Curriculum and Computer Program

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a serious health care problem that affects millions of the elderly population, costing billions of health care dollars annually. Education in preventive measures can reduce the incidence of bone fractures resulting from porous bones. Development of effective health-promoting programs to change population behavior of teenagers with respect to calcium intake and exercise is one of the current goals of the national public health initiative. New interactive methods of education using computer programs have given educators more efficient ways to disseminate information to students. Ohio State University has designed and evaluated a curriculum and supplemental series of computer program modules for students in grades 5–9. The Human Growth Program workbook is a middle school science curriculum that combines laboratory experiments and other activities to encourage students to form lifelong healthy choices, emphasizing adequate nutrition, particularly the importance of calcium intake, and exercise, to preserve bone during adolescence and throughout life. Interactive CD-ROM programs included with the curriculum augment the material with the use of computerized demonstrations and simulations in order to aid in the educational process and attract and lengthen the students' interest.