Introduction: Service-learning is a unique way of engaging faculty and students with community partners in structured opportunities to meet educational objectives while addressing community needs .As stated by Bringle and Hatcher, 1995,” service-learning is defined as a “course-based, credit bearing educational experience in which students (a) participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs, and (b) reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of personal values and civic responsibility”(p. 112) . Service-learning is often confused with volunteering or community service. While both activities
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Inter-disciplinary in nature, this program is co- directed by a Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Peter Morelli from Columbia University and Physical Therapist Dr. Sharon Martino from Stony Brook University and employs experts in nutrition, yoga, and behavioral modification. Additionally students from several different disciplines (OT, PT, medical students, athletic training, pre-med) are recruited and trained to work with the participants as fitness and lifestyle change coaches. The FFFL program meets twice a week for 10 weeks for a total of 20 sessions two times a year. The program is held at a local high school (Ward Melville High School) in Setauket, New York, and to date, the FFFL program has been offered to nearly 900 children and their families who reside both here in Suffolk County as well as Nassau County, NY. The Fit Families for Life program addresses screening, intervention and family involvement for the treatment of obesity and related health issues. Treatment includes nutritional education, physical activity training, yoga and stress reduction, and behavioral modification strategies. Student Volunteers across a comprehensive set of disciplines (occupational therapy, physical therapy, medical students, athletic training and pre med) are actively involved in the program and play an important role to help teach and motivate children and families to engage in a healthy lifestyle. The Fit Families for Life program is serving as interdisciplinary service learning project for a diverse group of students and provides an opportunity for these students to collaborate and work as a
Inter-disciplinary in nature, this program is co- directed by a Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Peter Morelli from Columbia University and Physical Therapist Dr. Sharon Martino from Stony Brook University and employs experts in nutrition, yoga, and behavioral modification. Additionally students from several different disciplines (OT, PT, medical students, athletic training, pre-med) are recruited and trained to work with the participants as fitness and lifestyle change coaches. The FFFL program meets twice a week for 10 weeks for a total of 20 sessions two times a year. The program is held at a local high school (Ward Melville High School) in Setauket, New York, and to date, the FFFL program has been offered to nearly 900 children and their families who reside both here in Suffolk County as well as Nassau County, NY. The Fit Families for Life program addresses screening, intervention and family involvement for the treatment of obesity and related health issues. Treatment includes nutritional education, physical activity training, yoga and stress reduction, and behavioral modification strategies. Student Volunteers across a comprehensive set of disciplines (occupational therapy, physical therapy, medical students, athletic training and pre med) are actively involved in the program and play an important role to help teach and motivate children and families to engage in a healthy lifestyle. The Fit Families for Life program is serving as interdisciplinary service learning project for a diverse group of students and provides an opportunity for these students to collaborate and work as a