Health Professor Honored with State, National Awards

Lisa Alastuey’s Research Focuses on Health and Well-being of Women, Youth

A national health organization concerned with the health of students from kindergarten through college has honored a University of Houston professor with its 2009-2010 University Health Educator Award for her research on the physical and emotional health of women and young people.

The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) has awarded its Southern District University/College Health Educator Award to Clinical Assistant Professor Lisa Alastuey of the department of health and human performance. The award recognizes those who enrich the depth and scope of health-related activities. She will receive the award at the organization's annual convention in February. The group's southern district comprises 13 states.

"I feel fortunate to have a position where the various aspects of who I am can blend," Alastuey said. "I believe my presence in the classroom conveys my passion for health and teaching."

Alastuey has been with the department since 2005. Her research has included studies on the children of alcoholics (The Texas School Health Association Brief), the mental health of youth following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina (American School Health Association) and healthy lifestyles for Latino mothers and their daughters (American Journal of Health Education).

Recently, Alastuey received the organization's Texas Health Educator of the Year Award.

"Dr. Alastuey and her award embody our commitment to provide the highest quality of teaching to our students," said Charles Layne, professor and chair of the department. "Her implementation of a variety of educational technologies keeps her at the forefront of new and innovative teaching strategies. We congratulate her for this richly deserved recognition."

AAHPERD's mission is to promote and support leadership, research, education, and best practices in the professions that support creative, healthy, and active lifestyles.

For more information on the UH department of health and human performance, visit http://www.hhp.uh.edu/.

For more information on the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, visit http://www.aahperd.org/.

For more information on the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, visit http://tahperd.org/.


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