|
|
 |
|
| |
| Ranking |
Evidence-Based Practice |
| Description |
The Bienestar Health Program was developed to reduce or prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus in low-income children. High levels of modifiable risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus have been reported in low-income children and especially among low-income Mexican-American children. Latino children tend to store more belly fat, consume less dietary fiber, fewer fruits and vegetables and engage in physical activity less than their African American or non-Hispanic white peers. Culturally relevant intervention programs are needed to curb the rising rates of diabetes among Mexican-American youth.
The Bienestar Health Program consists of a health class and physical education curriculum, a family program, a school cafeteria program, and an after-school health club. The health curriculum covers nutrition, physical activity, self-esteem, self-control, and diabetes. The physical education curriculum promotes an active lifestyle and the after-school program promotes leisure time physical activity. Bienestar involves the child's entire community in the program by offering cooking classes for the parents and educating cafeteria staff and after-school caretakers to encourage lower-fat, higher fiber snacks. All materials are produced in Spanish.
|
| Goal / Mission |
The objectives of Bienestar are to decrease dietary saturated fat intake, increase dietary fiber intake, and increase physical activity among low-income Mexican-American elementary school children. |
| Results / Accomplishments |
Findings from a randomized controlled trial showed that the program statistically significantly increased fitness scores and dietary fiber intakes levels among low-income, Mexican-American fourth-graders. Moreover, the trial found decreased fasting capillary glucose levels after the children participated in the Bienestar program. Because fasting capillary glucose is a measure of blood sugar, this finding suggests that the present risk of developing type 2 diabetes was decreased after participation in Bienestar. |
| Categories |
Health / Diabetes
Health / Children's Health
Health / Exercise, Nutrition, & Weight
|
| Organization(s) |
Social and Health Research Center, Texas |
| Source |
National Institutes of Health-National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease |
| Date of Publication |
2004 |
| Date of Implementation |
2002 |
| Location |
State: Texas |
| Primary Contact |
Roberto P. Treviño, MD
Social and Health Research Center
1302 S St Mary's St
San Antonio, TX 78210
rptrevino07@msn.com
http://www.sahrc.org/
|
| For more details |
http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/1...
|
| Target Audience |
Children, Families, Racial / Ethnic Minorities |
| Back to Promising Practices Home |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
