Abilene Right Weigh Project - Community Initiatives

	Lethargic, overweight students Alliance for a Healthier Generation Partnership for Play Everyday Low self esteem First Baptist Church of Abilene Ministry of Counseling and Enrichment Increased incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in children American Diabetes Association Camp Sweeney
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	Time crunches Diverse cultures/lifestyles Organizations making unhealthy food and/or activity choices for children Bureaucracy – lengthy, complicated processes to enact change Indoor recreation facilities Limited finances Defensive parents, often in denial
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	Fix my kid — leave me alone! Expecting the physician to “fix it” Gastric bypass surgery for kids Reactive, rather than proactive, solution Parents Step Up CDC - Overweight and Obesity CDC - Childhood Overweight
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	Abilene Right Weigh Project – Action Teams representing community sectors Get Ahead Program Connecting Caring Communities Hispanic and African American Leaders action teams Connecting Caring Communities Community Foundation of Abilene Future Fund
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	Measurements of parental engagement/active participation over a period of time in relation to programs and/or interventions Pre and post teaching measurements of parents and children regarding subjects such as diet, activity, smarter convenience eating, etc. Measure stages of change
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	Boys and Girls Clubs YMCA Day Nurseries Day Nursery of Abilene City Parks and Recreation Program Taylor County Health Department Alliance for Women and Children Everfit
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	Physicians Women-Infant-Children (WIC) Texas Department of Health (TDC) School Nurses Bonham Elementary exercise breaks ACU intramural program with AISD Star Grant – provides fruit to school Texas Cancer Society Grant CATCH program – exercise and nutrition Pedometer program at Ortiz Elementay Creative Walking, Inc. Head Start Program – weigh students two times a year and provide education Healthier beverage options Alliance for a Healthier Generation Wellness programs/health screenings Employee incentives and wellness programs On site fitness equipment for employees Work time allowed for physical activity Discounted gym memberships Organized activities (sports, dance, jumprope, band) Camp Sweeney Right Weigh Program Weigh Down Forever Fit Jammin’ Jumpers Jump Rope for Heart Air Force Physical Fitness Program Moms on the Move Great Moms Walk (MOPS) Playground facilities and equipment throughout the community Walk-a-thons City recreation programs Better Living for Texans – Taylor County Extension Office Balance Your Day with Food & Play – pilot program, Taylor County Extension Region 14 HeadStart – effective programs that encourage good eating Media Smart Youth: Eat, Think and Be Active!
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	Community Awareness Campaign Junior League CHOOSE Program Abilene Right Weigh Project – Community Health Initiative Motivation to Move: A Marathon Day with Robert Sweetgall – August 23
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	Physical Activity Creative Walking, Inc. Abilene Youth Sports Authority Shaq's Big Family Challenge Walk Across Texas Choose to Move American Heart Association - Children and Youth Team Chip Tae Kwon Do Healthy Eating MyPyramid Kid's Health - Kids and Exercise American Heart Assocation - Children's Exercise and Nutrition Resources Families Finding the Balance: A Parent Handbook LittleChanges.com Everfit USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine
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	Develop Abilene Fitness website – information on community programs Make healthy lifestyles the “in” thing to do (i.e., non-smokers) Make the obesity issue a public priority (Just Say No) Support massive media campaign (like anti-smoking campaign) Use media to provide a tip/challenge of the day/week Community wellness program – like library’s summer reading program Annual community event combining physical activity and nutrition information Expand West Texas Sports Expo to include more healthy nutrition focus Right Weigh sports program Prevention programs throughout community Farmers Markets Community gardens Boys and Girls Club gardens Commitments from community organizations to serve healthy menus at events Neighborhood training programs “Walking Bus” programs City infrastructure changes providing safety for walkers/cyclers and promoting healthy transportation Educate school administrators School programs – 10 minute exercise increments throughout day Address school lunch issues Parent groups – PTO Incentive programs like the AR reading programs for healthy choices Intervention with expectant parents during prenatal phase Intervention with newborn babies and families – WCC, ABC, WIC, Daycares Intervention with toddlers – ABC, Daycares, HeadStart, WCC Intervention through BBBS and after school programs Healthier recipes at MOPS brunches, church meals, kids class snacks Provide healthy snacks, especially with portion control for children’s programs Vacation Bible Schools with healthy snacks Child-friendly gyms and fitness centers, perhaps offering children’s programs Education and resources to effectively assist CPS children and families Addition of Nurse Specialist at CPS Increased education in workplace settings – bring in experts for presentations Varying levels of group insurance rates for healthier employees Employee newsletters Political support/legislative bills Funding sources
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Additional Resources	Calorie King Nutrition in the Fast Lane Fast Food Facts

1900 Pine St. • Abilene, Texas 79601 • 325.670.2000