| Obesity is becoming an epidemic that is not only affecting adults, but also children. Children as young as 3 years old are being considered obese and 10-year-olds are showing signs of abnormal liver functioning. Research suggests that 15.3% of Kentucky's youth are overweight and 14.6% are at risk of being overweight. Based on alarming statistics related to the rise and prevalence of obesity and the need for a program to address these concerns, the Healthier Tomorrow program was developed. Healthier Tomorrow is an evidenced-based program that utilizes social cognitive theory as its foundation. In addition to incorporating the Stop Light Diet for Children and placing an importance on family involvement, this program utilizes technology and the Internet to facilitate behavior change. The main goals for behavior change are to increase physical activity, decrease sedentary behavior, and improve dietary habits among 9 to 12 year-olds living in Paducah, Kentucky and the surrounding areas. The program will take place at the Paducah Athletic Club and will run for 12 consecutive Saturdays. Sessions will last approximately 90 minutes and will consist of physical activities, a nutritional component, homework assignments, goal setting, and individual time with the health psychologist. Evaluating Healthier Tomorrow will be a critical component of implementing the program. Parents, staff, and the health psychologist will participate in the evaluation of the program. Dependent upon the evaluation outcomes, the value of the program can be established and hopefully provide a basis to receive grant funding. This integrated, multifaceted, and technologically based program proposes a plan that will benefit both children and their families living in the Paducah area, as well as the stockholders of the Paducah Athletic Club. |
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