Teens hip-hop for health

Griffith's School of Public Health has earned some street cred with Logan youth recently, after hosting an innovative health promotion project using hiphop and street dancing.

The HYPE hip-hop health project brought together Logan high school students with a number of health, dance and youth agencies to help inspire a healthier lifestyle.

Head of Public Health, Professor Don Stewart said many young people, especially those from different cultural groups, were not interested and do not participate in regular sporting or physical activities.

"We are hoping to show that offering street dance and hip-hop is an effective strategy to encourage young people into physical activity. It is also a possible mechanism to engage with them on related issues such as good nutrition," he said.

Sport nutritionist Dr Michael Leveritt found the average heart rate of students during the hour long classes was 64 per cent of their maximum heart rate - considered to be moderate intensity physical activity.

"The current physical activity guidelines for 12-18 year olds recommend one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day so the hip hop classes are of sufficient duration and intensity to provide health benefits," he said.

Professor Stewart said dancing also offered young people an opportunity to engage with their peers and build self esteem and social connections.

Pro Vice Chancellor (Community Partnerships) Professor Max Standage, who attended the final showcase event held in the Logan Gardens, said the energy and enthusiasm exhibited on stage was a credit to the young people of Logan.

"This project goes right to the heart of the community and to the health and wellbeing of local youth. I see a big future for this event and Griffith University has offered to host it next year on the Logan campus."

The project was funded by Logan City Council and involved students from Kingston College, Mabel Park, Loganlea, Marsden, Shailer Park and Woodridge State High Schools.

Other agencies involved included Industrie1, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland Health, Blackbeat, Ellaways Music and DrugArm.