“Healthy Families”Thursday Classes

Spring Lake Magnet Center

Deb Raven, R.N.Department of Pediatrics

Creighton University

Childhood Obesity

“Epidemic Proportions”

Childhood obesity has been increasing in U.S.

33% of Nebraska children are overweight based on data from 2002-2003

Class Format:A Typical Thursday Night

Enthusiastic welcome! Counseling FUN physical activity by PT PRACTICAL nutrition Goal Encouragement!

Class Format

Class Format:One-on-one counseling

Assess each family

Link interventions/goals

Objectively and subjectively measure progress

Class Format:Physical Activity

The WHOLE family in action!

Program Strengths:Physical Activity

Organized CU-Department of PT

All family members participate Kids, parents…even grandma!

Activities appropriate for audience

Class Format:Physical Activity (cont.)

EVERYONE is having FUN!

Class Format:Nutrition

Simple “Doable” Messages Eat more fruit! Eat more vegetables! Choose whole grains! Choose low fat or skim milk! Drink water instead of soda or

juice Choose sensible portion sizes

Class Format:Nutrition

Program Strengths:Overall Class is FUN! Families feel welcomed! Energizing! Upbeat! Kids can be themselves! Safe environment Trust building Flexible for families’ busy

schedules

Identifying

Families

Preliminary Data:Questionnaire (cont.)

School Home Nutritional Knowledge Emotions

Total of 42 Questions

Preliminary Data:Demographics

41 families served 70% Hispanic 18% African American 12% Caucasian

Average BMI for children: 96% are > 95th %

53% acanthosis nigricans 17% hypertension

Preliminary Data:Result Highlights

Looking at food labels, thinking about portion size, or thinking about the healthiest option when eating out

PRE: 50% = NEVER

POST: 100% = SOMETIMES/ALWAYS

Preliminary Data:Result Highlights

Eating vegetables

PRE: 66% ate vegetables 0-3 days/week

POST: 86% ate vegetables 3-7 days per week

Preliminary Data:Result Highlights

Fast food:

PRE: 75% ate out >2 days/week

POST: 100% ate out 0-1 days per week

Team Effort Cristina Fernandez, M.D. (CUMC) Deb Raven, R.N.

David Finken, M.D. and Francie McNeil, B.S.N. (UNMC) Creighton Physical Therapy Department Creighton College of Nursing for getting the ball

rolling! UNL Extension in Douglas & Sarpy Counties EXCEL physical therapy

Munroe Meyer Institute Psychology Dept Hope Medical Outreach for FANTASTIC interpreters OPS for use of Spring Lake Magnet Center Hy-Vee at 36th & Q Street

Thank you !