Health Literacy
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Coastal AHEC fosters healthy behavior in individuals, groups, and communities. By partnering with local entities and utilizing AHEC-trained volunteers, we develop programs that raise public awareness of various health issues.
An overview of some of our most successful programs:
The Children's Oral Health Program:
Coastal AHEC's Children’s Oral Health Program uses a recognizable character, the “Tooth Fairy”, to teach basic dental health concepts. In costume, complete with wings, wand, and tiara, the Tooth Fairy teaches how teeth are constructed, proper brushing technique, and which snacks are good and not so good for teeth. The Tooth fairy visits children from ages 4-9 at daycare centers, elementary schools, and health fairs. Sites are selected throughout our service region with a priority on populations traditionally identified as underprivileged and/or medically underserved.
The Tooth Fairy also provides teachers with a dental resource packet to continue with program instruction. Teachers receive classroom bulletin board ideas, Internet sites, audio resource lists, and a storybook with an oral health focus for the school library.
Each child receives a new toothbrush, toothbrush cover, a 2-minute timer, a picture card of brushing instructions, letter to parent/guardian explaining the Tooth Fairy visit, and a recommendation for the entire family to visit the dentist twice a year.
The Tooth Fairy encourages children to share lessons learned with their families. Adults present during the presentation are encourages to join in and learn proper brushing technique.
Your Health Is In Your Hands: FYIAHEC.org
It is important to think about health issues that could arise if an influenza pandemic occurs, and how they could affect you and your loved ones. The AHECs of Texas and Oklahoma have joined together to improve public health through education to promote healthy behaviors. A joint AHEC Pandemic Flu Task Force has coordinated a campaign to raise public health awareness via a three-pronged approach. Check out the FYIAHEC website for complete information.
Good Eats! - Coastal AHEC's Nutritional Awareness Program:
The purpose of this program is to teach healthy nutritional
concepts while having fun. The Food Pyramid Bingo games
for older adults and diabetics teaches good nutrition
and diabetes prevention. The bingo cards look much like
traditional bingo cards, but instead of numbers have
pictures of healthy foods and portion sizes. Senior Initiative:
Coastal AHEC Program Coordinators and Staff regularly visit senior citizen centers in Galveston County to address health issues affecting the elderly and how to advocate for better healthcare for the elderly.
Smart Stepping:
The goal of this program is to get children and/ or adults active and moving. Teaches the importance of exercise, healthy foods, and healthy choices. Pedometer and journals are used to set goals and document steps.
Diabetes Education and Screening:
This program increases awareness of diabetes in the community. Coastal AHEC provides support groups with information to manage their diabetes and, and provides screenings at health fairs and to adults at high risk.
Diabetic Supplies Access Program:
The purpose of this program is to allow people to buy diabetic supplies at a discount. Coastal AHEC serves only to give clients the required ID number and access information.
For additional information, scheduling, or if you are interested in volunteering for a health literacy program, please contact Terri Dickerson at (409) 933-0021, or via email at tdickerson@cahectx.org.