Community Resources for Promoting Youth Nutrition and Physical Activity

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a national public health crisis. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), the National Institutes of Health and Kaiser Permanente have developed community tools and resources for children and families to lower their risk for obesity through healthier, active lifestyles. The authors describe innovative practices and community mobilization case studies from the NDEP “Move It! and Reduce Your Risk for Diabetes” program and the NIH We Can!^TM - Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition, and programs from Kaiser Permanente for the promotion of healthier lifestyles for children and families. Replication of these creative programs can be modified to be implemented in communities throughout the United States.