Description of the project: “Utilizing Technology to Combat Obesity” examines how current technology can aid in addressing obesity with a particular focus on the Puerto Rican population. Various types of technology, such as fitness applications, wearable gadgets, and interactive games, are beneficial in encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The project highlights the tools’ accessibility and use, proving their ability to engage people in sustainable health habits while addressing a serious public health issue. Implementing the technologies can contribute to student achievement by increasing energy levels, attention, and general wellness, resulting in improved academic and extracurricular performance. Such findings can help institutions develop health promotion initiatives, improve campus well-being, and build a better learning environment. The initiative takes a data-driven approach to obesity prevention, allowing public health stakeholders, such as educators and administrators, to implement evidence-based strategies. The integration of cost-effective technology promotes decision-making that leads to long-term health gains. The MyFitnessPal app and Scosche Rhythm 24 fitness bracelet are affordable and convenient solutions for complete health tracking and tailored insights. Gaming systems, such as the Nintendo Wii, mix entertainment with fitness, encouraging regular movement without the need for costly gym subscriptions. Addressing obesity in Puerto Rico, particularly in the San Juan metropolitan region, considers the cultural and socioeconomic factors of Hispanic communities, providing different methods to help integrate physical activity into their lifestyle. This project emphasizes the need to incorporate user-friendly technology into public health efforts to highlight how easily accessible tools may empower communities to effectively address serious health concerns.
Presenter:
Patricia St. Fleur is an undergraduate student at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology and minoring in Music. After graduating, Patricia plans on applying to graduate and medical school to complete her MPH/MD degrees. Patricia’s goal is to become a physician focusing on addressing public health disparities, combining clinical practice to improve access to care for underserved populations.