Newswise — Parents struggle with getting their kids to eat their veggies every day. Not only is it a dilemma that parents have been dealing with for generations, but it also is a critical component to prevention when addressing today's childhood obesity epidemic.
Researchers at Geisinger's Henry Hood Center for Health Research have been awarded a grant by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to put some fun into encouraging children and their parents to eat their fruits and veggies. The study, which is currently seeking participants, will examine the effectiveness of two interventions to decrease dangerously high BMIs in children by teaching the benefits of eating more fruits and veggies, maintaining an intake of 1,400 to 1,600 calories, and increasing physical activity.
According to Margaret Rukstalis, M.D., lead clinical researcher for the study, families with children between the ages of 4 to 8 who don't eat their fruits and vegetables and have a BMI of 85 percent or more are qualified to participate. Families will be split into two groups: One will receive handouts and the other will receive a more intensive program
"This is the first time a study like this will be done in the primary care setting. Children from rural areas are particularly at risk for being overweight and obese, so this is a very relevant study for kids in our area, especially because an overweight or obese child has a higher likelihood of chronic medical problems and adult obesity," said Dr. Rukstalis.
The study teaches kids and parents how to take a positive approach as they make health lifestyle modifications. Finding the most effective way to change behaviors is key, according to Dr. Rukstalis. "Participants benefit because they will receive state-of-the-art evidence-based prevention and treatments while also giving back to science," said Dr. Rukstalis.
About Geisinger Health SystemFounded in 1915, Geisinger Health System is one of the nations largest integrated health services organizations. Serving more than 2.6 million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is a nationally recognized leader in the use of electronic health records, patient access and engagement in their healthcare, and in medical education for the next generation. Geisinger is comprised of three medical center campuses, a 740-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company and research that extends across our large system- all dedicated to creating new models for scientific discovery, quality patient care, and successful clinical outcomes. Geisinger's Weis Center, Center for Health Research and Center for Clinical Studies include basic science, population-based and clinical trials research, complemented by collaborative relationships with top academic centers. Geisinger Ventures, the system's for profit entrepreneurial arm, seeks and promotes opportunities to speed the delivery of medical innovation to benefit patients. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.
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