Health News & Views with Dr. Deas
Youth Page
Young People, Health Education and Acheivement
Over 40 Years of Health Education Dr. Gerald W. Deas is an associate professor of preventive medicine and director of health education communications at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, in New York. Over the course of 40 years, he has spearheaded numerous youth and adult health education programs marked by his unique mode of communication. He has been recognized and honored for his health education and advocacy work by the United States Food and Drug Administration, former President Bill Clinton, the New York State Medical Society, NYU College of Dentistry, St. John's University, the Kellogg Foundation and the City Council of New York City, just to name a few.
Second Recipient of the Gerald W. Deas New York University College of Dentistry Scholarship
Dr. Gerald W. Deas with Ms. Krista McKenzie, the second recipient of the Gerald W. Deas NYU College of Dentistry Scholarship. Ms. McKenzie is a graduate of St. John's University. Dr. Deas personally identified and successfully nominated her to receive the $100,000 scholarship.
Devotion to Young PeopleDr. Deas has devoted a large portion of time and energy to the youth population. He is well know for creating poetry and music designed to inspire and motivate urban youth. He has lectured at countless public schools and universities in the New York Metro area and around the country. In addition to these independent lectures, he has developed several health education programs which are administered in multiple public schools throughout the metropolitian area. These programs are delivered in partnership with the RICH organization.
More About the RICH Program
Reach Into Cultural Heights, Inc. (RICH) is a 501 (c) (3) Nonprofit Organization located in Queens, New York.The the organization focuses on building character and developing leadership skills of urban youth by engaging them in self-directed activities using communications technology. Learn more about RICH here. Below are four of our health education programs offerred in public schools in partnership with RICH.
The Philosophy, Leadership and Critical Skills (PLCS) Workshop
The PLCS workshop is divided into three segments. These segments consist of two sessions each focusing on Philosophy, Leadership and Critical Skills. The sessions are suited for children between grades 8 thru 12. Two thirds of the workshops aim to establish the proper mindset for academic achievement by encouraging students to think critically about the positive and negative influences in their immediate environment and the impact that these influences have on their perception of self and others. The remaining third of the sessions focus on an innovative approach to essay writing for all occassions. The full program consist of six 45 minute sessions.
The PLCS workshop is divided into three segments. These segments consist of two sessions each focusing on Philosophy, Leadership and Critical Skills. The sessions are suited for children between grades 8 thru 12. Two thirds of the workshops aim to establish the proper mindset for academic achievement by encouraging students to think critically about the positive and negative influences in their immediate environment and the impact that these influences have on their perception of self and others. The remaining third of the sessions focus on an innovative approach to essay writing for all occassions. The full program consist of six 45 minute sessions.
Health Elementary Education Program (HEEP)HEEP is a musical and poetry program revolving around the animated character “Dr. Do It.”™ “Dr. Do It” is a mild-mannered, spectacled healer with a penchant for storytelling, singing and poetry. He was named in a creativity contest won by an 11 year-old public school student. HEEP focuses on children between grades K thru 6. Research indicates that children in this age group are best suited to assimilate the lessons and to adjust behavioral patterns suited to long-term wellness. HEEP requires that participating schools identify a period of time during the school year to deploy the five-week curriculum. In schools, teachers serve as lesson facilitators. Children learn songs and poems to reinforce wellness lessons. Songs highlight four major organs (heart, lungs, eyes and teeth). Children earn a prize and certificate of recognition upon their completion of the program. All children receive pledge certificates, to be signed by parents, indicating that they have reviewed their child’s health project. The program instills the routine and pattern recognition practices that are essential to cultivating healthy habits in youth.
Drinks that Drain the Brain Campaign
Drinks that Drain the Brain is a community and school based education program that focuses on educating elementary school aged children in urban communities about healthy beverage choices. Scores of creative literature have been distributed throughout area schools, places of worship, and other venues. As part of this program, Dr. Deas and his staff have lectured at hundreds of elementary schools on this topic.
Hip Hop to Hip Hope
The Hop to Hip Hope Project is a community education program which encourages children to look beyond some of the negative messages that many are besieged with through today’s rap music lyrics. Through challenging mental exercises, the children are encouraged to use their verbal creativity, thus expanding their command of the English language.
If you are a public school administrator and are interested in these or other programs we have to offer contact us here.
