Presented by Kara Viggiano, MPH Choose to Change Choose to Change: An Early Childhood Obesity Intervention Prevention Project in West Virginia with Focus on Healthy Lifestyle Modification Presented by Kara Viggiano, MPH Choose to Change

Choose to Change Description The Choose to Change Project Early childhood obesity prevention study, uses an ecological approach to explore individual, family, and environmental factors that influence weight status Prekindergarten (Pre-K) populations Biometric data, surveys and program evaluations were used to indicate the health improvements families made during each intervention.

Project Objectives Identify environmental and behavioral factors that act as barriers to attainment of recommended physical activity (PA) levels in childhood. Implement and evaluate obesity prevention strategies. Increase community knowledge and awareness of healthy food and physical environments Conduct pediatric obesity prevention educational events.

Family Fun Events Four events held throughout the school year Choosy Families Eat Together Choosy Families Play Together Choosy Families Cook Together Healthy Summer Fun During each event, parents attended an informational session while children enjoyed activities related to the theme. Special guest Choosy, a health hero, attended events. Families were given a Choose to Change bag containing informational materials from that session as well as a book to read to their children Materials were mailed to participants who did not participate in family fun events

Evaluations/Surveys Evaluations were administered during the family fun events Online validated surveys were taken by participants at the beginning and end of each respective cohort. Family Food Habits Survey Consumer Behavior Survey Twin Cities Walking Survey Block Survey – Food Frequency Preschool Aged Children Physical Activity Questionnaire Home Food Gardening Survey Food Security Survey Diet History Questionnaire II Health Status Survey

Preliminary Results This slide is about Family Food Habits

Preliminary Results This slide has information about

Preliminary Results

Lessons Learned Families in attendance reported intentions to change behaviors such as making changes to sit down and have meals as a family, cook as a family, and participate in more physical activities as a family. When parents focus on specific healthy lifestyle behaviors and skills, they report intention to practice the behavior. Research more about the families’ habits that make them successful.