Health Educators

Last updated January 01, 2015

Did you know that one in every three children in the United States is overweight or close to it? Why? The reason has a lot to do with overeating and lack of exercise. If you become a health educator, you may help unhealthy children grow into healthy adults.

As a health educator, you’ll promote and improve the health of your community.  Whether you work in schools, senior centers, or public health institutions, you’ll find creative ways to educate people about healthy lifestyles.

Health educators study the latest health information and design programs to encourage healthier behavior and practices in their communities.

Did You Know?

Health educators are often behind the cautionary ads you see on TV about heart disease, diabetes, and addiction.

Are You Ready To...?

  • Spread the word, in person and in writing, about disease prevention, proper nutrition, and other health information
  • Create and conduct community health surveys
  • Work on projects with health professionals, as well as community leaders
  • Promote health discussions and training in schools, industry, and community agencies

It Helps To Be...

Interested in health and helping people from all walks of life. You should have a genuine desire to help the average person make sense of complicated and often-conflicting information.

Make High School Count

  • Take as many math, health, and science courses as you can.
  • Sign up for statistics.
  • Pay attention to your teachers' strategies and teaching styles. Which seem most effective in reaching out to students?
  • Volunteer to tutor other students and learn what it feels like to teach.
  • Participate in any student health awareness programs at your school.
  • Volunteer after school or during the summer at a local hospital or clinic.

Did You Know?

According to the National Institutes of Health, teenagers whose parents smoke are more than twice as likely to smoke as teenagers whose parents don't.