Creating Healthy Habits in Jackson County Youth

Abstract

Obesity is one of the most serious health problems for children in the United States. Georgia has the 18th highest child obesity rate in the nation. In 2015 The Center for Disease Control and Disease Prevention estimated 14,410 children in Jackson County had high body mass index numbers. Children with obesity are at increased risk for hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and asthma, as well as low self-esteem. A grant obtained through the Walmart Foundation funded curriculum resources and incentives to encourage the development of healthy habits in elementary school students. This poster will share our three year project developed to encourage 4th - 5th grade students to creating healthy habits through health and nutrition education.

Description

In 2017 Jackson County 4-H received the Healthy Habits grant sponsored by the Walmart Foundation. 4-H programs coordinated by the 4-H Agent, 4-H Educator, and the Summer AmeriCorps VISTA member added a health and nutrition component to each of the monthly 4-H in 4th and 5th grade school club meetings, conducted summer virtual day camp series, and presented health and nutrition exhibits at the county employee health fair. Since first adding the Healthy Living Initiative in August of 2017, approximately 2693 youth have participated in health and nutrition programs, $2700 in grant monies have been received to purchase curriculum supplies and incentives. During the summer of 2020, the county staff and summer VISTA volunteer conducted healthy and nutrition programs virtually. Ninety-four youth in 1st through 12th grade from 7 different counties across the state of Georgia participated in 14 different engaging and hands-on virtual day camp opportunities promoting MyPlate and creating sustainable healthy habits. After administering a pre/post-test on the in-school healthy habits curriculum the participating 4-H’ers stated that they have significantly increased their positive nutrition habits (paying more attention to eating fruits and vegetables, increasing water intake). Furthermore the post survey showed a 44% increase in students reporting an awareness of the importance of physical activity on health and wellness.

Poster Outcomes

Participants will: (a) become familiar with Walmart Foundations "Healthy Habits" grant (b) learn how to implement nutrition education through multi formats (virtual, in-school, summer day camp) (c) learn about the success of implementing the "Healthy Habits" curriculum in Jackson County.

Implications For 4-H Youth Development

Research has shown that schools where nutrition education efforts are coordinated by a group or person have an opportunity to present a more focused message to students about the importance of eating a more healthy diet (Celebuski &amp; Farris, 1996) Unfortunately most school systems lack the resources (staff and funds) to provide such education. Therefore as 4-H Youth Development Agents, we have the ability to step in and provide curriculum and personal to provide nutrition educate to the youth in our community. <br/><br/>Past research indicates that after-school programs can directly impact the health of elementary students. By providing after-school clubs, day camps, and summer programs focusing on developing healthy habits, 4-H professionals have the unique opportunity to engage not only the students, but also the families. <br/><br/>The success of Jackson County&#39;s Healthy Habits programs demonstrates that providing health and nutrition education through multiple platforms can increase engagement with the youth in the community and deepen the impact of programming provided through Cooperative Extension.

Presenters

April Edwards, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension