Motivating Healthy Behavior Changes in Elementary/Middle School Students: The Healthy Kids and Kidneys Program Pamela Ross, MSW, MS, LMSW and Maureen Smith, MA National Kidney Foundation of Michigan

Initially began as a chronic disease prevention program for 6 th graders Evolved into a nutrition education program for 5 th -7 th grade students Teaching kids how to eat more fruits, eat more vegetables and do more physical activity What is the Healthy Kids and Kidneys Program? Photograph by Doug Coombe

Why did we incorporate healthy goals? Michigan Ranks 5 th for most obese state in the nation 66% of our population is overweight or obese 10% of our population has diabetes Over 1/3 of our population is at risk for developing chronic kidney disease Over 70% of all kidney failure is caused by uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure One in three children born in the year 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime

“When you set small, visible goals and achieve them, they start to get it into their heads that they can succeed.” ~Bill Parcels Former head coach for the Dallas Cowboys Why did we incorporate healthy goals?

Kids doing healthy goals...really? % student participation during the My Game Plan-Healthy Goal activity

Results

What Parents Say Parent Survey Results Responses to question: Over the past 8 weeks, I am… % agree eating more fruits76% eating more vegetables65% eating more low-fat dairy foods71% eating fewer fast food meals86% eating smaller portions at meals76% getting more exercise/physical activity 71% eating fruits and vegetables instead of sugary snacks. 76% choosing healthier foods at the grocery store 81% using healthier cooking methods such as baking and grilling instead of frying 81% reading nutrition facts labels more often 62% “[The biggest impact HKK had on my child] is that she is eating more fruits and vegetables.” “[My son] was highly motivated on trying to add more fruits into his diet.” “Choosing healthy goals and achieving them [had the greatest impact on my child].”

What students say “[My favorite part of the program] was when we went over our goals and what we were supposed to eat.” “We got to keep track of how much exercise we do which encouraged me to keep trying.” Photograph by Doug Coombe

April/May April 11 X June May

Let’s Move!