Cardi drinks a bottle of 100% pomegranate juice which is advertised as being full of antioxidants. Cardi happens to glance at the nutrition label and sees that it contains 40 grams of carbohydrates, 34 grams of it from sugar. Cardi thinks about her mom’s diabetes eating plan that limits carbohydrates to 45–60 grams per meal. Cardi wonders if she should cut down on juice and drink something else.
Story keywords: chronic disease, genetics, healthy behaviors
Big Sam is a 40-something security guard at the high school Jazzy and Vito attend. Big Sam is worried about his health and recently found out his blood pressure is high. He covers up his worries with jokes. He lives in the apartment above Miss Georgia.
Meet Jazzy
Jazzy is a cheerful younger high school age girl. She is a cheerleader and does gymnastics. She enjoys spending time with older people and loves to bake with Miss Georgia. She has asthma and works hard to control it so she can enjoy her activities.
Meet Cardi
Cardi is a 30-something aerobics teacher at the community center who loves to help people get more fit and healthy but can be a bit too much “in your face” about it. She means well though!
Meet Vito
Vito is a plays-it-cool older high schooler who is sweet-natured at heart. He plays basketball at the community center and is friends with Jazzy. He loves pop and chips and can’t see why eating all he wants of them is a problem.
Meet Pops
Pops is a retired high school science teacher who loves to keep helping people learn about science and health. He likes to check out what everyone is doing or talking about and step in to give his opinion.
Meet Miss Georgia
Miss Georgia is a fun-loving lady in her 50’s who loves to sing, dance, and bake. She is always helping out at community events. She recently found out she has diabetes, and she is learning new ways to cook.