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. 2013 Mar;83(3):223-9.
doi: 10.1111/josh.12018.

CHILE: an evidence-based preschool intervention for obesity prevention in Head Start

Sally M Davis  1 , Sarah G Sanders, Courtney A FitzGerald, Patricia C Keane, Glenda F Canaca, Renee Volker-Rector
Affiliations

CHILE: an evidence-based preschool intervention for obesity prevention in Head Start

Sally M Davis et al. J Sch Health. 2013 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a major concern among American Indians and Hispanics. The Child Health Initiative for Lifelong Eating and Exercise (CHILE) is an evidence-based intervention to prevent obesity in children enrolled in 16 Head Start (HS) Centers in rural communities. The design and implementation of CHILE are described.

Methods: CHILE uses a socioecological approach to improve dietary intake and increase physical activity. The intervention includes: a classroom curriculum; teacher and food service training; family engagement; grocery store participation; and health care provider support.

Results: Lessons learned from CHILE include the need to consider availability of recommended foods; the necessity of multiple training sessions for teachers and food service; the need to tailor the family events to local needs; consideration of the profit needs of grocery stores; and sensitivity to the time constraints of health care providers.

Conclusions: HS can play an important role in preventing obesity in children. CHILE is an example of a feasible intervention that addresses nutrition and physical activity for preschool children that can be incorporated into HS curricula and aligns with HS national performance standards.

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References

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