News Releases
Up to News/Calendar | Media | News Release Archives


SCHERER'S BOUNCE PROGRAM HELPS YOUNG TEENAGE GIRLS ADOPT HEALTHY HABITS

(Houston, Texas, February 5, 2007)   Working with her mentor UH Associate Professor Dr. Olvera, Rhonda Scherer of UH-Downtown is helping young teenage girls incorporate good practices of health and nutrition into their lives.   Scherer, UHD assistant director of sports and fitness, directs BOUNCE, which offers after-school health programs during the school year to selected elementary school girls and their moms, and special two-week summer programs to girls.   BOUNCE features a bi-lingual curriculum on nutrition, fitness, self-esteem and body image for these girls.   In 2006, the program was awarded Best Nutrition and Physical Practices at the University of Houston.

"By providing access to new resources, we are increasing the girls' health literacy," says Scherer.   "I have moms and daughters from two years ago calling to tell me that they are still walking and exercising.   I'm so proud of this program!"

Scherer works with the exercise program.   Other colleagues offer nutritional counseling and health counseling.   During the school year, moms are asked to attend because BOUNCE found that, if they listened to the moms, the moms would listen to them, and moms control food choices.   Some of what BOUNCE learned was eye-opening.   Food, nutrition, exercise and self-image are not just a matter of knowing what is best.   These issues are strongly influenced by cultural boundaries and expectations.   Working with the moms (separated from the teens) has made the difference in achieving changes in behavior for the girls and their families.   This element makes BOUNCE unique.

Scherer hopes to implement the program throughout Houston schools and then beyond to other cities and states.   Early signs are hopeful.   Schools in Nevada and California have already expressed strong interest.   Scherer and group are publishing a manuscript to get the word out and also attract more grant money to support scholarships for participants.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN
UH-Downtown is a public university of nearly 12,000 students, offering a wide variety of bachelor’s degrees, as well as master’s programs in criminal justice, professional writing, security management and teaching. One of four distinct universities in the UH System, Houston’s Downtown University is nationally recognized for its student diversity, wireless campus, outstanding academic opportunities and productive community partnerships. At UHD, the emphasis is on excellence in teaching and student success.

Please use UH-Downtown, UHD or University of Houston-Downtown when referring to our university.