Statistics indicate that childhood overweight and obesity continue to increase among preschool children in the U.S. While numerous factors contribute to childhood obesity, low levels of physical activity play a significant role--nearly half of preschool children do not engage in sufficient physical activity. To improve healthy eating and movement in children, a media project was developed with the help of community partners that promoted dance and play through music. Results indicated that children who participated in the program demonstrated improvement in healthy behaviors (significant at p < .05). Results of community collaboration provided a healthy, meaningful experience for participants and local partners; helped reduce budgetary costs; and increased Extension’s reservoir of expertise. The shift beyond traditional classroom information dissemination to media resources helped reach larger and more diverse audiences.
Lindsay, A. 2010, A media effort addressing preschool inactivity through family, community, and Extension collaboration, Journal of National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 5 (11).
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Anne R. Lindsay
Anne R. Lindsay
 

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A one-stop shop for evidence-based research, resources, curricula, activities and materials that focus on obesity prevention for teachers and parents of young children. It is designed to educate parents and teachers as well as provide the tools needed to teach young children how to live a healthy lifestyle.