Developing a Health Advocacy Program
Developing a Health Advocacy ProgramThere are multiple population health issues that need to be addressed and obesity is one of them. Obesity impacts multiple people but the impact on children has grown. Obesity rates have been steadily rising in children. In 2010, 43 million preschool children were overweight or obese, a 60% increase since 1990. This is an obvious increase and shows no sign of stopping without efforts to combat this epidemic (Harvard School of Public Health, 2014). The purpose of this paper is to discuss advocacy programs that have been successful and to develop a program to help reduce obesity.
Coordinated Approach to Child Health
Childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years. These children are at risk for both immediate and long-term effects on their health and well-being. Children who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults (Centers for Disease Control, 2014). An advocacy program that has helped combat childhood obesity is Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH USA, 2013). It has helped schools and after-school centers become healthy environments. Its curriculum is designed to promote health for students and its core elements include physical activity, nutrition, health education, and healthier food choices. The CATCH program has received state, national, and international recognition for being one of the most comprehensive and ambitious approaches to targeting physical education, food services, and classroom curriculum through a coordinated school health program (CATCH USA, 2013).
CATCH began as a university research study and has continuously upgraded their program though evidence-based research. This program was implemented as a clinical trial at four regional sites and succeeded in producing positives and lasting changes in children’s behaviors; decreasing fat consumption and increasing physical activity among children. Today CATCH can be found in 50 states, Canada, and the U.S. Department of Defense
Coordinated Approach to Child Health
Childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years. These children are at risk for both immediate and long-term effects on their health and well-being. Children who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults (Centers for Disease Control, 2014). An advocacy program that has helped combat childhood obesity is Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH USA, 2013). It has helped schools and after-school centers become healthy environments. Its curriculum is designed to promote health for students and its core elements include physical activity, nutrition, health education, and healthier food choices. The CATCH program has received state, national, and international recognition for being one of the most comprehensive and ambitious approaches to targeting physical education, food services, and classroom curriculum through a coordinated school health program (CATCH USA, 2013).
CATCH began as a university research study and has continuously upgraded their program though evidence-based research. This program was implemented as a clinical trial at four regional sites and succeeded in producing positives and lasting changes in children’s behaviors; decreasing fat consumption and increasing physical activity among children. Today CATCH can be found in 50 states, Canada, and the U.S. Department of Defense
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