The Story of Human Body Detectives
My "Aha!" moment for creating the Human Body Detectives series came while I was making breakfast for my daughters, Merrin and Pearl. Before that moment, I had been trying to find accessible information for kids to supplement the talks on digestion and nutrition I was giving at local elementary schools, but I was coming up empty-handed. The material I found was too advanced for the kids I was teaching. I wanted entertaining and educational information on the different physiological systems within the body that also addressed how kids can live healthy lives.
As I flipped the pancakes, I realized that I needed to create what I had been searching for. And the Human Body Detectives were born. I joined a local writing group and began writing and editing.
More writing, more editing. I had a blast, and Merrin and Pearl enjoyed listening to the stories and helping to make them better.
Dismayed at statistics about the epidemic of childhood obesity and increased illnesses among children as a result of malnutrition, I consulted a woman who holds a master's degree in education from Stanford, and she helped me create a comprehensive elementary school curriculum for third through fifth grade based on the Human Body Detectives books. At this point, HBD felt complete and, I had what I'd initially been looking for—a fun, interactive way to engage students and aid them in understanding their body functions and healthy lifestyle choices.
The process has been nothing but rewarding, and I am constantly scheming about the next adventure for the Human Body Detectives.
Why HBD is Important?
Kids need this information, and here are a few reasons why:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 17% of kids and adolescents in the US are obese.
Immediate effects of unhealthy eating patterns include malnutrition and obesity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics Journal indicates an increased prevalence of chronic diseases among children.
80% of children do not get the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables daily.
How can we expect our kids to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle
if we do not teach them to be aware of how food affects our bodies?
We teach them in an entertaining way that connects their body to the food they eat. In addition, we bring in the element of "kids teaching kids." This is a powerful way for kids to learn, create healthy habits, and build health resilience for their tomorrow.
