Healthy Conversation Maps

Let’s talk about good health. Trained ProMedica staff, who participate in the Healthy Kids Conversation Map® program, can help start and guide a conversation in your community about making smart eating and exercise habits.

The Healthy Kids Conversation Map® program, developed by Healthy Interactions Inc., empowers elementary school children and their parents to take an active role in learning about a healthy lifestyle and then implementing what was learned through program sessions. A tabletop of visuals creates a game-like atmosphere and helps participants put relevant information into context, and each map focuses on a specific topic related to the main conversation map topic. The program information is up to date and inspires useful, lively conversations to foster lasting change.

Upon request, ProMedica will provide these programs free of charge at a site in your community within our 27-county service area in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

The Healthy Kids Conversation Map®

Includes colorful graphic, game-like maps to lead discussions. Contains scripted guides to aid discussions about childhood nutrition.

Uses half-hour modules that can be taught in flexible time periods.

Uses a Socratic teaching style, developed by educators, psychologists and dietitians, that is rooted in personalized, active engagement. Unlike traditional teaching methods, the Conversation Map® methodology invites direct participation in the learning process.

Encourages children to interact face-to-face with each other in a fun and informal way as they learn about the nutrition and exercise topics that affect their lives right now and in the future.

Allows participants to focus on the information that relates to their own experiences.

Uses active discussions to create the strategies and peer support needed to turn that information into meaningful behavior changes that can become lasting, positive habits.

Eating and Physical Activity – Kids Program (half-hour modules)

The Conversation Map® empowers children in 1st - 6th grades to make good decisions related to eating and physical activity. Half-hour modules are provided to cover key areas related to:

• How the body works
• What to eat
• Reading labels
• Media literacy
• Eating mindfully and portion control
• Planning for, shopping for, and preparing "strong" meals
• The importance of physical activity
• Additional handouts, which can be used in the classroom or at home to reinforce learning

Eating and Physical Activity – Parents Program (1.5 hours)

Using similar subject matter and teaching style, adult sessions empower parents and caregivers to help their children make good decisions related to eating and physical activity. Parent education is highly recommended to support behavioral changes for the entire family.

For more information about how the Keys to Good Health Conversation Maps® can help the children in your community, contact Gaye Martin, manager, community advocacy, at 419-469-3704 or gaye.martin@promedica.org.