The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58300

Cheri L. Collier, MS, RD, LD, Nenita Clemente, MS, RD, LD, Ana Maria Gaviria, MS, RD, LD, Katherine Koch, MS, RD, LD, Ophelia Scott, MS, RD, LD, and Jessica Tilton, MS, RD, LD. Department of Nutrition Services, MetroHealth Center for Community Health, 2500 East 79th Street, Cleveland, OH 44104, 216-391-3200, ccollier@metrohealth.org

The Center for Community Health provides health, specialty, and social services to individuals and families living in the east and west-side communities of Cuyahoga County. Through a collaborative effort with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Case Western Reserve University Center for Adolescent Health, and the Children and Family Health Services Program, the Department of Nutrition Services has remained active in addressing state sponsored initiatives for obesity management in children. The department has been successful in the development and promotion of health, nutrition, and physical activity among children served in the clinic. Furthermore, the department has been responsible for bringing opportunities for education and offering resource assistance to the community. However, to impact the eating and lifestyle behaviors of the child/adolescent population we must begin with the environment in which these decisions are being made and with the support systems surrounding them. The goal of the program is to impact the epidemic of obesity in children by providing an intervention program to a group of school age children to promote healthy eating and lifestyle habits. By evaluating and incorporating current successful efforts and promotional activities within the school and providing resources and support to parents, we should promote a positive change in their behavior with regard to nutrition and activity. Results and effectiveness of the intervention will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

Evaluate current approaches to promote appropriate eating and lifestyle behaviors in the schools and identify utilization and appropriateness of educational resources provided to parents and educators through surveys. At the conclusion of the program, the participant (learner) will be able to:
• Identify appropriate portion sizes.
• Increase intake of calcium rich foods and/or beverages.
• Choose appropriate low-fat, nutrient dense snacks.
• Make appropriate fluid and beverage choices.
• Identify healthy choices when eating out.
• Increase intake of fruit and vegetables.
• Show an increase in or maintenance of an appropriate level of physical activity (decrease in sedentary activities such as television viewing).

Keywords: Child/Adolescent, Obesity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.