Focusing on the prevention of childhood obesity in Parker County

Healthy Children Coalition for Parker County

Vision:

Parker County, where families choose healthy and active lives.

The problem:

The CCHAPS data indicates that in 2009 more than 6,300 children (31 percent) in Parker County were overweight or obese. Children who are overweight or obese are more likely than children of normal weight to be bullied or teased a lot at school, and they are less likely to enjoy very good or excellent health.

Parker County strategic plan objectives

• Develop a community coalition to improve children’s health issues in Parker County
• Build coalition capacity to prevent childhood obesity
• Increase opportunities throughout the community for children to eat healthy and increase physical activity (accessible/affordable)
• Increase community awareness about health and wellness
• Continue monitoring children’s health issues to build healthy generations in Parker County
• Download the HCCPC overview

Coalition in action

Healthy Children Coalition for Parker County (HCCPC) members are working on identifying positive nutrition and fitness solutions to address the local concern for children’s physical health. Coalition members plan to identify and build upon evidence-based programs designed to improve children’s physical activity and nutrition. Once identified, members will engage community partners to support these programs and create new ones as needed.

The coalition has adopted 5-2-1-0 Let's Go! as its foundational program to address obesity in Parker County. The evidence-based program encourages healthy nutrition and fitness in schools, after-school settings and child care centers. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity for both the child and his/her family.

• 5 – fruits and veggies
• 2 – hours or less of recreational screen time
• 1 – hour or more of physical activity
• 0 – sugary drinks, more water and low-fat milk

Children are also taught about “Go” foods (good to eat almost anytime), “Slow” foods (can be eaten a few times a week) and “Whoa” foods (can be eaten a few times a month).

Ver el vídeo en español

Finding time to plan meals and buying healthy foods on a budget is tough. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Eat Healthy web site has tips and resources that can help. Click here to visit the site.

Camp Hope

Camp Hope is a program run by the Center of Hope of Parker County and provides training and activities for underserved children. A nutritional part of the program is designed to teach children how to prepare simple meals at home and provides supplemental summertime food for families. HCCPC provided 5-2-1-0 worksheets for children and educational materials for parents, as well as aprons, grocery lists, reusable grocery bags and lunch bags.

Interested in getting involved? For more information about the coalition and details about meeting location and time, please contact Jammie Josephson, Regional Coordinator, at 682-885-3071 or jammie.josephson@cookchildrens.org.