Childhood Obesity Forum

Families Discussion Group

August 17^th, 2005

Themes

Communication:

Develop simple message for parents

Messages developed, need to be the same (consistency) – agency can maintain a

identity even with an umbrella message.

Use channels with broad audience bases to disseminate messages.

Address the economic issues related to purchasing fast food.

Dealing with kids complaining about eating healthy.

Create low literacy messages.

“Scare parents” in understanding the issue.

Government:

LHD, WIC programs can work with families through home visits.

Incorporate nutrition education into other community programs

Use EFNET, it teaches practical skills

Additional funding is available for Food Stamp Nutrition Program. Use it

for social marketing campaign.

Make communities safer for kids to play outdoors.

Physical Activity:

Sponsor community activities for families (all age groups), don’t charge for

participation.

Encourage parents to increase PA around household chores.

Weight bands/ exercise balls are inexpensive, do between normal activities.

Make TV time a reward, not a given.

Put PA equipment in the TV area.

Allow work time to be used for PA.

Promote exercise neigborhood groups.

Nutrition:

Families need access to easy heart healthy recipes.

Create/ Support/ Promote websites/ newsletters to share easy recipes.

Support the message that families need to eat together.

Without using guilt, do more education to parents about “healthiness” of food.

Create simple flyers – consider literacy level.

Confusion exists among families with the types of menus stores provide e.g. the

Grocery Guru.

Educate families about eating a “rainbow” everyday.

Work more cooperatively with food industry on labeling issues; removing

trans fatty acids and other changes consumers want for healthier food.

Teach parents plan “freezer” dinners.

Health Care:

Insurance companies should use case management to help their over weight

subscribers.

Lower insurance premiums for subscribers who practice healthy lifestyles.

Provide reimbursement for nutrition and activity classes.

Schools:

Provide practical ways to incorporate/ apply the info need to convey – through

Economics/ life skills and other classes.

Organizations Participating in Families Workgroup:

UDOH

SLV Health Department

Parent Representative – Crawford Cragun

EFNEP

FSNE

Pediatrician

Head Start

Blue Cross/ Blue Shield

Southwest Health District

Primary Children’s Medical Center

IHC

Utah PTA

Utah Medicaid Association

Moline Health Care