Investing in heart-healthy children: a primary prevention innovation in Atlantic Canada

Abstract

Inactivity and unhealthy eating are precursors to the development of coronary artery disease. In Atlantic Canada, there is a widely recognized escalation of obesity and Type 2 diabetes in children. Our multidisciplinary group developed a three-year program targeting children in grades 4, 5 and 6 in an effort to alter this debilitating life course. This pilot program comprises education, physical activity, evaluation and research. Working in teams, students' physical activity levels and pedometer readings are tracked as they virtually walk across Canada. Monthly motivation assemblies and feature activities are integrated into the program. Evaluation of the education component is provided by pre- and post-tests. Evaluation of the physical activity component is composed of the activity logbooks. Parent and teacher surveys are administered once a year.