Salud America! Latino Childhood Obesity Educational Video Series

I. Introduction

Latino children are more obese/overweight than other children. In response, Salud America! developed a series of six animated, child-narrated videos that present statistical data and policy recommendations on different topical aspects for community changes to reduce Latino childhood obesity.

II.      Methods:

Salud America! conducted a comprehensive research review to examine these topics as they relate to the health and obesity of Latino children: : healthier school snacks, sugary drinks, better foods in the neighborhood, healthier marketing, active play, and active spaces. Key study results, conclusions and policy implications were extracted and developed into consumer-friendly products, including infographics and video scripts featuring graphic designs and kinetic animation.  Videos were edited and uploaded to the SaludToday YouTube page, and subsequently added to the Salud America! main website and the Salud America! Growing Healthy Change website.

III.      Results

The six animated videos, which are each in English and Spanish, have delivered evidence-based research results and policy recommendations to more than 3,000 viewers, allowing these viewers to learn the types of policy changes that are needed to reduce Latino childhood obesity.

IV.  Discussion:

Proving a video resource is instrumental in application and detail of process, this video series demonstrates how animated videos create a simple, effective dissemination of complex scientific data. The viewer can now categorize solutions comprehensively, and be motivated and empowered to create effective healthy changes based on data presented.