Implementation of a School-Based Healthy Habits Program
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Authors
Wanzenried, September
Issue Date
2017-05-17
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Abstract
Background: Nearly one third of children in the United States are either overweight or obese. Research indicates school based programs play a role in preventing childhood obesity.|Methods: All kindergarten through fourth grade students at a local elementary school were invited to participate, a total of 381 children. No exclusion criteria were considered. The program was completed over three months in the fall semester. Each child was given an Alex Chan and His Balanced Body Bands© intervention bundle and mobile app access for tracking. Senior-level baccalaureate program nursing students developed educational content and provided 10-20 minutes of instruction each week.|Results: 167 children completed the baseline survey, 144 completed the midterm survey, and 96 completed the final survey. Statistical significance found between baseline and completion of the program in number of fruits, vegetables and protein servings eaten daily and hours of daily physical activity.|Conclusions: This project planned, implemented and evaluated a school-based health program to improve healthy habits in elementary aged students. The project combined a recognized program with weekly education facilitated by undergraduate nursing students. This approach was found to be effective at increasing healthy habits with the potential to decrease childhood obesity.
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Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University