Is there a need for a nutrition and health education program?
Data shows that childhood obesity is a growing concern for Illinois youth. Illinois is ranked the 10th worst state for childhood obesity, according to the 2007 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) survey, with almost 35% of children being categorized as overweight or obese. The causes of childhood obesity are multifactorial and have devastating and ill effects on the health of children and teens. Childhood obesity is a true threat to the livelihood and quality of life to America's children, with almost 1 in every 3 youth being categorized as overweight or obese.
Do disparities exist?
Across racial and ethnic groups, Hispanic children have been found to suffer from the highest overall rates of childhood obesity with Mexican-American children between the ages of 6 to 11 experiencing the highest level of obesity.
How does Muevete USA address the need?
Muevete USA-Chicago is a nutrition and health education program developed by The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) and The Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association (IHNA). The program is currently funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation. In order to fully develop the curriculum, a small pilot program was held on Friday, August 3, 2012 at the Boys and Girls Club in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. The pilot was a condensed version of the expected 10-week program to be held the summer of 2013. The one day, 6 hour pilot introduced five lesson plans which included: hip-hop dance group exercise, how to read food labels, healthy snacks options, developing a balanced meal and life-style changes (including self-esteem, body-image and empowerment).
The 10-week program is to be held the summer of 2013. It will consist of 1-hour sessions per week, which will be divided into two parts. Part 1 will include discussion of a health topic, while part two will consist of a dance component. Registered Nurses are the main educators in this program. Parents will be integrated into the program as well in order to continue the learning and behavior changes in the home. This program brings culturally appropriate, easily accessible nutrition and health education to neighborhood families and addresses the unique needs of the Hispanic community.
The 10-week program is to be held the summer of 2013. It will consist of 1-hour sessions per week, which will be divided into two parts. Part 1 will include discussion of a health topic, while part two will consist of a dance component. Registered Nurses are the main educators in this program. Parents will be integrated into the program as well in order to continue the learning and behavior changes in the home. This program brings culturally appropriate, easily accessible nutrition and health education to neighborhood families and addresses the unique needs of the Hispanic community.