Six Southside Chicago high school students, tired of the same old health lectures telling them what not to do, had a great idea. Ask the experts about the unique health issues facing African-American teens. The result? A five-part mini-series called "Livin' in Your Body 4 Life!"--a program for schools and community centers, students and parents, that focuses on positive aspects of health and wellness. Honest and frank, this is a one-of-a-kind video program--written by teens for teens--that will help you live in a healthy body for the rest of your life.
00:01:30
View the trailer that screened at the 3rd annual Centers for Population Health and Health Disparities Grantees meeting.
  Watch video
  • One type of breast cancer is more aggressive and can strike teens?
  • Allergies/asthma affect African-Americans more than other races?
  • Carrying yourself confidently can prevent you from being victimized?



    • Filled with interesting facts and real-world anecdotes, the Livin' in Your Body for Life! series is an entertaining approach to peer-to-peer education. Each episode can be viewed independently or all five episodes can be watched together as a series. Designed to spur conversation, each video contains question screens that provide the perfect opportunity to pause and open the class to discussion. More resources for teachers:

    Teacher welcome letter (.pdf)
    Episode summaries (.pdf)
    Classroom worksheets (.pdf)



    Interns of the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Disparities Research at The University of Chicago:

    Jaamal Conway, Paul Robeson High School (Englewood)
    Shonquana Hamilton, Young Women's Leadership Charter School (Douglas)
    Jerome Scarborough, III, Harlan Academy (Roseland)
    Cherish Pittman, Paul Robeson High School (Englewood)
    Daja Nicholson, South Shore High School of Entrepreneurship (South Shore)
    Malika Petty, Kenwood Academy (Hyde Park)

    Produced by:
    Matthew Howard, Renee Basick, Chicago Media Initiatives Group


    To request information or a set of DVDs for your school/organization, please email Laura DeSousa (Center Administrator) at: ldesousa@uchicago.edu.
    Episode One: Breast Cancer
    00:22:10  
    Meet a breast cancer survivor who was originally diagnosed at the age of 16. Find out how she discovered she had cancer and learned to cope.  
     
     
    Episode Two: Stress and Fitness
    00:25:29  
    Learn techniques for dealing with stress and how exercise can improve your ability to cope with difficult situations. This episode includes original poetry readings.  
     
     
    Episode Three: Your Body
    00:22:25  
    Taking care of your body is one of the most important things you can do. You need it for the rest of your life! Coach Sattersfield walks us through the basics.  
     
     
    Episode Four: Allergies & Asthma
    00:16:42  
    African Americans are genetically more prone to asthma and allergies than other ethnic groups. Learn how to live a full life even with these health issues.  
     
     
    Episode Five: Stuck on it? Don't Let it Stick on You!
    00:14:53  
    Addictions can range from being relatively harmless to debilitating. Learn how to manage your activities and spot the warning signs so you can live a healthy life.  
     
     


    = QuickTime*

    * Version 7.0 or higher required. The most recent version is available with iTunes or version 7.0 is available as a standalone player .)