Curricula / Programs

Most of our behaviorally-based curricula and programs are based on resources and processes that have proven effective in clinical trials at The Cooper Institute. The following are just a few of our successful programs.

Active Living Every Day (ALED)
Active Living Every Day is designed to promote the adoption and maintenance of physical activity in adults. It is based on groundbreaking research conducted at The Cooper Institute that has resulted in two important discoveries about physical activity and health:

Physical activity need not be strenuous or time-consuming to benefit health. Accumulating 30 minutes of at least moderate-intensity (e.g., a brisk walk) activity on most days of the week can result in significant health benefits.
People are more likely to become and stay physically active when taught appropriate lifestyle skills. These skills include identifying and overcoming barriers to physical activity, learning to incorporate physical activity into a busy schedule, increasing self-confidence, building social support, setting realistic goals, and staying motivated.

Active Living Every Day’s emphasis on moderate-intensity activity, fitting activity into life in realistic ways, and personalizing physical activity programs makes it appealing to just about anyone who wants to become more active. The Cooper Institute developed ALED in partnership with Human Kinetics Publishers (www.humankinetics.com). Program materials include a 20-session participant workbook and interactive online guide, facilitator’s guide, and extensive web-based training and support for facilitators.

To sign up for an Active Living Every Day course or learn how to become an Active Living Every Day program provider, please visit www.activeliving.info.

Healthy Eating Every Day (HEED)
Healthy Eating Every Day is based on research conducted at The Cooper Institute and is designed to promote a balanced and healthy approach to eating in adults.

The 20-session program, developed in partnership with Human Kinetcs Publishers (www.humankinetics.com) focuses on improving total diet quality and presents a realistic and sensible way of healthy eating that is in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Similar to the Active Living Every Day program, HEED helps participants build and use cognitive and behavioral skills critical for making and maintaining changes in eating behaviors. Program materials include a participant workbook and information-packed interactive online guide, facilitator’s guide, and extensive web-based training and support for facilitators.

To sign up for a Healthy Eating Every Day course or learn how to become a Healthy Eating Every Day program provider, please visit www.activeliving.info.

Heart Smart for Women (HSFW)
Heart Smart for Women is a 12-session healthy eating and physical activity curriculum designed to help women* develop behavioral skills important for improving eating and activity behaviors, and thereby reducing risk of heart disease. Program materials include participant manuals written at a 6th-7th grade reading level, facilitator’s guide, and optional training and support for program facilitators.

The Heart Smart for Women curriculum is available by a non-exclusive licensing agreement and has been successfully implemented in public health settings, hospitals, corporations, and community organizations.

* While the Heart Smart program was developed for women, it can be modified for use with other audiences (e.g., men, older adults).