CHILE: An Evidence-Based Preschool Intervention for Obesity Prevention in Head Start.
- Resource Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Davis, Sally M.; Sanders, Sarah G.; FitzGerald, Courtney A.; Keane, Patricia C.; Canaca, Glenda F.; Volker-Rector, Renee
- Source
- Journal of School Health. Mar2013, Vol. 83 Issue 3, p223-229. 7p.
- Subject
- *PREVENTION of chronic diseases
*PREVENTION of obesity
*TEACHER education
*CHILDREN'S health
*CLINICAL trials
*CONCEPTUAL structures
*CURRICULUM planning
*CUSTOMER relations
*FOCUS groups
*FOOD habits
*FOOD service
*HEAD Start programs
*HEALTH education
*INTERVIEWING
*MEDICAL personnel
*NUTRITION education
*PROFESSIONAL employee training
*RESEARCH funding
*ADOLESCENT health
*ADULT education workshops
*EVIDENCE-based medicine
*COST analysis
*PROFESSIONAL practice
*EARLY intervention (Education)
*HUMAN services programs
*PATIENTS' families
*PHYSICAL activity
*CHILDREN
- Language
- ISSN
- 0022-4391
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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]