Implementation of a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program in an Afterschool Setting by Nursing, Pre-Med and Public Health College Students

Get on Board, Active Living (G.O.A.L.) is a 12 week family-focused program for overweight/obese children, ages 6-18, referred by their pediatricians.  To date, over 100 families have participated in G.O.A.L. learning how to live healthier and happier lives through education and support on nutrition, fitness, behavioral habits, and community involvement.  Recently, the concepts of G.O.A.L. were implemented for all students enrolled in an afterschool program in 14 elementary schools.   G.O.A.L. University (GOAL U) is a 6-week program implemented by trained college students enrolled in nursing, pre-med, and public health degree programs.  Each session consists of 35 minutes of education and 40 minutes of activity.  The goals are to increase knowledge of MyPlate, portion sizes, ways to be physically active and improve attitudes towards being active, and eating healthy.  This presentation will focus on the results of the pre/post-tests completed by the participants related to knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition and physical activity.  Additionally, the utilization of college students from different degree programs to implement the afterschool program will be discussed.  In preparation for the program, the college students participated in a training that included detailed instruction about each of the six lessons and the varied developmental milestones which exist at each age-level.  An outcome evaluation was conducted with the college students to assess their level of comfort and confidence teaching the lessons, their positive and negative experiences working with children, and suggestions for future collaboration with college students in these three disciplines.