1. mind exercise nutrition do it! Rio Grande Valley
This introductory presentation will give you an overview of MEND 7-13 Programs.

2. What is MEND
MEND is a multi-national, evidence based, family- based intervention program
MEND is designed for children aged 6-13 years who are above the healthy weight
MEND is being implemented in the RGV, which has a primarily Mexican-American population and has some of the highest rates of obesity and poverty among the nation.
MEND helps families become fitter, healthier and happier

3. What is MEND 10 weeks Two after-school sessions a week First hour
Second hour
Parents
Theory session
(Nutrition or Mind)
Discussions led by MEND
Children
Exercise

4. Outcomes of MEND in RGV
78 programs have been delivered in schools, churches, and community centers
1,231 Kids have been served to date of which 661 are above the healthy weight

5. Outcomes of MEND in RGV 59.4% improved BMI (n = 335)*
60% improved waist circumference ( n= 323)*
75.6% improved their nutrition score (n = 574)
68.5% improved their physical activity levels (n = 593)
62.5% of parents improved their BMI
* Only includes children above the healthy weight and aged 6-13

6. Cultural Adaptations Re-framing issue and program
Informal focus groups and community feedback identified stigma and offense to references to weight, BMI, obesity and overweight.
Hispanic culture perceives plump children as healthy (Bender & Clark, 2011).
Focus on raising strong healthy children is more congruent with Hispanic cultural beliefs (Cauce & Domenech-Rodrigues, 2002).

7. Cultural Adaptations Bilingual classes
More culturally appropriate, local recipes are offered
Theory leaders are bicultural
Encourage siblings and extended family members to participate in the program; accommodate larger families and consider on-site childcare for young siblings
Program delivered in culturally familiar neighborhood settings like churches and community hubs
Transportation and other support services provided

8. Lessons Learned Institutional and staffing barriers:
Find the champion (key person) in every school district
Open-up MEND trainings to the community and use as a pool to recruit more team members
Serve as an internship program for local universities to cultivate leaders

9. Lessons Learned
Recruitment and retention of participants into the program:
Fall is the best time for recruitment in the schools
Alternate delivery programs like sports centers, churches and health clinics are attractive to participants
Offer weekly incentives
Offer gymnastics soccer and martial arts classes after program completion for maintenance
Provide monthly healthy gatherings (picnics, etc), motivational text messages and group chats for on-going connection to program