Health/Fitness

Health is the fourth “H” in the 4-H Clover (head, heart, hands, health). Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development programs identify and address the wide variety of health issues impacting youth and integrate these components in youth programming.

Health and healthy lifestyles are common topics today. Nutrition, fitness, physical and emotional well-being, and substance use prevention are all components of healthy lifestyles. By helping young people develop healthy behaviors and choices, their short- and long-term health and productivity is greatly increased.

Physical Fitness
A primary focus is physical fitness. Physical fitness is identified by the Center for Disease Control as the major determinant of health for all Americans, including youth. Research shows that youth who have an active, physically fit lifestyle are more likely to continue these healthy behaviors as adults.  Therefore, it is important to promote and encourage physical activity among youth in community and school settings. 
Youth Physical Fitness Research Review (PDF)

4-H develops programs and resources to meet the physical fitness needs of youth.
4-H Health/Fitness Project
Couch Potato Challenge (PDF)
Steppin' Out: Fitness Walking (PDF)

Healthy Relationships
It is important for youth to learn positive ways to communicate and interact with friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, parents and others because these skills contribute to emotional well-being. Youth need opportunities to explore and talk about what it means to have healthy relationships. Missouri 4-H developed a curriculum entitled The Dating Mystery…and All That Relationship Stuff (PDF) to help young people, age 13-18, and an adult leader discuss relationships issues that can be so confusing!

State Conference
Each year 4-H offers Camp Food and Fitness that includes hands-on activities to promote health and well being.  A fun way to learn about healthy lifestyles!