Science and Culture Come Together to Tackle Diabetes Epidemic
To address a growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes, researchers developed a program to empower American Indian children with knowledge to prevent or delay the disorder and to live healthy lifestyles.
The K-12 curriculum, called "Health is Life in Balance," weaves together inquiry-based learning, exposure to science and health-related professions, and American Indian/Alaska Native cultural teachings.
"To make diabetes education reflective of Native youth, programs need to embody the depth of cultural contributions among our people and the relationship to scientific discovery," said Carolee Dodge Francis, director of UNLV’s American Indian Research and Education Center.
