This study will present the health behaviors related to physical activity and nutrition of pre-service heatlh teachers at a central Texas university. Data from a survey administered to pre-service teaching block course sections will be presented and will answer whether teachers going into health related fields have more positive health behaviors regarding physical activity and nutrition than those going into non-health related fields.
This presentation will include data on: a) the current physical activity and nutrition behaviors of pre-service teachers; b) a comparison of behaviors for students seeking primary certification in health and other certification areas; and c) the intention of pre-service teachers to change their health behaviors related to physical activity and nutrition after they graduate.
It was found that a majority of all of the pre-service health teachers are participating in healthy behaviors related to physical activity and nutrition. Data show that 100% have exercised and dieted to maintain or decrease their weight; 0% have used diet pills; 16% (n=1) have vomited to control weight. Students seeking certification in health were more likely to engage in physical activity and on a consistent basis compared to other certifications. For health certification, 83% of pre-service teachers participated in light exercise at least 4-7 days a week and 100% participated in heavy exercise at least 2 days a week compared to 38% and 72%, respectively, for all certification areas. Overall, pre-service health students did not see their health behaviors changing after graduation and upon entering the workforce.
The results from this study have implications for university level students and professionals. It shows the importance of integrating physical activity and nutrition across the curriculum in K-16 settings. When a teacher or pre-service teacher enters the classroom, physical activity and nutrition behaviors may be observed easily by K-12 students. Educators provide an important message through role modeling healthy behaviors.