Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #105841

Jennifer Breaux, MPH, CHES, Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University School of Public Health, 1505 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 215-762-7937, jrb43@drexel.edu

Obesity is one of the top public health priorities in the nation. Current research indicates that if the epidemic is not curbed, 40% of Americans will become obese by 2010, resulting in exorbitant direct and indirect costs (AOA, 2004). This epidemic is especially poignant in children and adolescents because research indicates that overweight and obese children and adolescents are more likely to become overweight and obese adults (Ogden, 2002). In an effort to address childhood obesity Pennsylvania plans to conduct a growth screening program beginning in grades K-3 in the 2004-2005 school year. The program will assess a child's Body Mass Index (BMI) and a letter will be sent home explaining what the values mean. If a child is deemed overweight and obese it will be recommended that the parents take the child to a physician to seek medical advice and treatment options. A Program and Resource Assessment of Obesity in Southeastern Pennsylvania, was conducted in conjunction with the Delaware Valley Health Council, and assessed all obesity and weight management programs available in Southeastern Pennsylvania DVHC member hospitals. All relevant information about the programs was put into a resource manual and made available to DVHC healthcare providers and school nurses. I also composed a map of the program's locations to examine disparities in geographic location. Finally I assessed obesity and weight management programs on a national and regional level to examine best practices and gain insight on program structure that may be transferable to programs in Pennsylvania.

Learning Objectives:

• To examine the breath of community health programs in hospitals

Keywords: Obesity, Community Health Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.