KC Community News
By: Kelli Bamforth, Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with several area organizations to start a pilot program to combat childhood obesity.
The Kansas City Physical Activity and Nutrition Program will provide six months of healthy foods coupons and fitness club memberships to 250 families with at least one at-risk child between the ages of 5 and 13. Five Safety Net Clinics around the metro area each will identify 50 families to participate.
Families will complete questionnaires to determine eating and activity patterns and will undergo a series of health assessments at the beginning and end of the program. The screenings include a health history, body weight and height, waist circumference, blood pressure and blood sample. Families also will participate in a focus group to discuss their experiences with the study.