Web Programs Lead Boy Scouts to Better Health

Houston-area Boy Scouts are learning to eat healthy and be more physically active -- while playing on the Internet to earn achievement badges.

"Our 5-A-Day and Fit for Life Achievement Badge programs are an exciting way for Boy Scout Troop leaders to promote healthy habits among their Scouts," said Dr. Tom Baranowski, a professor of pediatrics and behavioral nutrition at Baylor College of Medicine.

Baranowski's team, which conducts behavior-change research, developed the two badge programs in cooperation with Houston-based Sam Houston Area Council of Boy Scout of America.

"Most of the badge activities are completed through interactive web sites created specifically for each program," he said.

Scouts enrolled in the 5-A-Day badge program learn about fruits, 100-percent fruit juice and veggies while setting and accomplishing behavioral goals to earn points toward their badge. Behavioral goals include such activities as making a recipe at home or eating at least one more serving of fruit or vegetables at a specific meal or snack.

Scouts enrolled in the Fit for Life program learn about physical activity while setting and achieving activity goals, such as playing basketball or walking for a specific length of time, to earn their badge.

In addition to the web site activities, Scouts participate in short badge-related activities led by Baranowski's research staff during eight regular troop meetings.

According to Baranowski, nearly 175 Houston-area Boy Scouts from more than 15 troops have earned a Fit for Life or 5-A-Day badge over the past year. Scout troops also benefited from participating in the programs, with each receiving a check for $1,000 upon completion of the program.

Encouraged by the results, the program is being opened to an additional 26 Houston-area troops for the Fall 2003 programs.

Once the local testing is completed, Baranowski hopes to roll out the programs nationwide through the Boy Scouts of America organization.

"We know that simply telling kids that eating fruits and vegetables and being physically active will prevent obesity, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes won't motivate them to make healthier choices," Baranowski said.

"We believe that programs that link healthy behaviors to something that kids already want - like achievement badges for Boy Scouts, and that delivers the message in a fun, interactive way, like playing on the Internet, will."