Childhood Obesity Prevention Research through a Community Context

Recorded Monday, August 1, 2016.
Moderator: Paula Peters, PhD, Research and Extensions, Family and Consumer Sciences, Kansas State University
Speakers: Abby Gold, PhD, MPH, RD, Department of Public Health, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University; Sandy Procter, PhD, RD, LD, Department of Human Nutrition, Kansas State University; Carol Smathers, MS, MPH, Ohio State University Extension
Establishing a culture and environment of healthful eating and physical activity focused on preventing childhood obesity is best accomplished with an engaged community team who take action in multiple levels of the socio-ecological construct. Community and environmental assessments within rural, low-income communities provide a broad understanding of needs which in turn inform plans for improvement. Collectively identifying and evaluating resources, developing strong community coalitions and training community coaches to facilitate decision making, enhances community members’ enthusiasm to participate and contributes to success. Reliance on qualitative and quantitative data findings secures sustainability and future efforts.
Learning Objectives:

• Determine whether a new Extension model will be identified as the next practice tool for preventing childhood obesity.Characterize how to effectively increase capacity and engage communities to create and sustain a healthy environment for young children.Define effective collaborations among 7 states with community coalitions and/or community coaches to achieve goals

SNEB/SNEBF gratefully acknowledges the underwriting of this activity provided by Abbott Nutrition Health Institute. Acceptance of these resources does not imply endorsement of the donor or its mission, products, or services.