Q: I have read about a number of community efforts across North America geared toward the prevention of childhood obesity. Are you aware of any similar efforts in Calgary?
A: The root word for "Doctor" refers to a physician being a teacher. As a pediatrician, I am truly privileged to teach families in my clinic about wellness and the prevention of disease.
However, the teaching goes both ways; I am often fortunate enough to be taught by the many families and groups I interact with. I hear about some really great stuff!
One of the wonderful things I’ve recently heard about is a community effort that began right here in Calgary. Now keep in mind that, over the past three years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on many national and provincial advisory committees whose aims have been to prevent the growth of the childhood obesity epidemic (by helping children eat healthier foods and increase their physical activity levels); but, this community effort has impressed me the most. It is totally custom-made, can be taken into any community, and is an inspiration to all who hear about it.
This fantastic project is called, The McKenzie Lake Project (located in the South end of Calgary), and it took shape in March 2003. It all began when a group of parents, students and teachers from Cardinal Newman School and the McKenzie Lake schools united to help children make choices that support healthy behaviors for a lifetime.
The project is now funded by Health Canada and the Calgary Health Region. The project partners include such members and organizations as:
- The Alberta Cancer Board
- The Boys and Girls Club
- The Calgary Health Region
- The City of Calgary
- The Integrative Health Institute
- The University of Calgary
- The Community Prevention of Childhood Obesity
- The Calgary Cardiovascular Network.
The group started the project when they noticed that many families today face the same challenges when they are trying to establish healthy eating habits and exercise routines.
With more dual-income families than ever before, there is little time to prepare meals. As a result, people eat out more often. Soft drinks are easily accessible, unhealthy food is pervasively advertised and restaurants are serving ever-increasing food portions.
Also, children are currently facing time pressures that their predecessors did not. They can watch television, play computer games, listen to the radio or take part in a variety of after-school activities (some involving physical activity and some not). Their parents may be totally inactive, recreational activities may be out of the families’ budget, and, in some cases, there may be no facilities or safe environments for them at all.
The McKenzie Lake Healthy Eating and Active Living Action Group ( HEAL) got to work by mapping out the community’s tools, resources, and assets. They assessed the parks, playgrounds, bike paths and services that would meet healthy-eating and active-living needs.
They also took a look at the demographics of their community. Close to 400-families were surveyed about their preferences, needs, barriers, their healthy-living habits and their not-so-healthy-living habits.
Interestingly enough, both parents and youths identified similar barriers to healthy eating: the lack of time to prepare healthy foods, the family getting home late, the parents being too tired to cook, picky eaters in the family, a high cost associated with good nutrition and in some cases food sensitivities.
It’s fascinating that the youth found the Internet a much more useful resource for improving nutrition and physical activity than the parents did - a trend which is certain to continue, according to the most recent demographic data.
This project has become the hub of the community thanks to the monthly newsletter (thus extending its influence well beyond the walls of the schools) and the close relationships between the school principals, staff and volunteers.
It is often said that children are impacted by peers more than parents or other experts; so I was glad to learn that, in this case, there are peer groups in schools who conduct healthy lunch inspections!
Some of the other programs that are a part of this project are: anti-bullying efforts, nutrition games during lunch, basketball and dance activities, walk to school days, selling water bottles and using sub lunches to fundraise for the school.
The fact that the project continues to take on a life of its own, and that it has led to a groundswell of keen interest in the whole community, tells me that its future is bright. It is so much more than a flash in the pan project crafted by a few parents who are good at getting things done.
I am very excited that the McKenzie Lake Healthy Eating and Active Living Action Group has shown the world that it is possible to help children and their families make better lifestyle choices; thus, preventing the onset of adult illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes long before they become issues. It just goes to show us all that community development does have the potential to slay the dragon of obesity in children and youth.
I’m inclined to agree with Yogi Berra, who once said, "You can get old pretty young if you do not take care of yourself".
For more information on childhood nutritional improvements and on anti-bullying campaigns for obese children click on the link, "Parent Resources", on my website, www.healthykids.ca, and follow the appropriate links from there.
Access www.healthykids.ca for a terrific new resource in helping families raise healthy children - HealthyKids with Dr. Nieman will optimize your child's complete health.
An informed parent is ... an empowered parent.