CDC launches BAM! - Research Updates

Melpomene Journal, Fall-Winter, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Centers for Disease Control has announced the launch of BAM! (Body and Mind), the first issue of an e-zine for kids (www.bam.gov).

Aimed at youth ages 9-13, BAM! was created to answer kids' questions on health issues and recommend ways to make their bodies and minds healthier, stronger and safer. BAM! also provides middle school health and science teachers with interactive activities that are educational and fun.

BAM! was developed based on formative research with youth, teachers and parents as well as on middle school science and health curriculum standards. Research showed that youth usually research health issues as a result of a school assignment. Thus, the site will be promoted to teachers as well as youth organizations that emphasize health such as the Girl and Boy Scouts.

A few of the many goals of BAM! are to:

* focus on health issues that youth care about by providing the real facts through the use of engaging activities that are fact-based and without overriding opinions;

* aid teachers by providing them with interactive activities that are educational and fun to support their health and science curriculums; and

* aim to help youth develop the skill sets to respond to peer pressure, manage conflict, build self-esteem and confidence, and develop communication skills to express their needs and resolve personal conflicts relative to health behaviors and beliefs. Future plans for the site include adding content for parents, teens and younger children.

Centers for Disease Control announcement