From U New Mexico: An Evidence-Based Preschool Intervention for Obesity Prevention in Head Start

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23343323

J Sch Health. 2013 Mar;83(3):223-9. doi: 10.1111/josh.12018.

CHILE: An Evidence-Based Preschool Intervention for Obesity Prevention in Head Start.

Davis SM, Sanders SG, Fitzgerald CA, Keane PC, Canaca GF, Volker-Rector R.

Source

Director, (SDavis@salud.unm.edu), Prevention Research Center, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC 11 6145, Albuquerque, NM 87131.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Obesity is a major concern among American Indians and Hispanics. The Child Health Initiative for Lifelong Eating and Exercise (CHILE) is an evidence-based intervention to prevent obesity in children enrolled in 16 Head Start (HS) Centers in rural communities. The design and implementation of CHILE are described.

METHODS:

CHILE uses a socioecological approach to improve dietary intake and increase physical activity. The intervention includes: a classroom curriculum; teacher and food service training; family engagement; grocery store participation; and health care provider support.

RESULTS:

Lessons learned from CHILE include the need to consider availability of recommended foods; the necessity of multiple training sessions for teachers and food service; the need to tailor the family events to local needs; consideration of the profit needs of grocery stores; and sensitivity to the time constraints of health care providers.

CONCLUSIONS:

HS can play an important role in preventing obesity in children. CHILE is an example of a feasible intervention that addresses nutrition and physical activity for preschool children that can be incorporated into HS curricula and aligns with HS national performance standards.