The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of healthy eating and active living (HEAL). As a community health worker, it’s important to understand the risk factors your clients may have for a poor-quality diet and physical inactivity. You can then address the barriers they may face in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight to avoid preventable, diet-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and overweight and obesity.

You will learn about key elements of healthy eating patterns, shifts needed to align with healthy eating patterns, and that everyone has a role in supporting healthy eating patterns. You’ll also understand how regular physical activity can produce long-term health benefits and learn key exercise guidelines for children and adolescents, adults and older adults. Finally, you’ll identify social and cultural norms and values, sectors and settings, along with individual factors, that affect food and physical activity decisions.

Students are encouraged to complete this module within two weeks. HSM access is for six months. A Certificate of Completion can be printed after successful completion of the course.