Background
 Today's children are the most overweight young generation in the history of the United States. Factors contributing to this epidemic include improper nutrition, physical inactivity, genetics and lifestyle. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the prevalence of overweight children and youth has more than tripled over the last 35 years. In an effort to combat this epidemic, the AmeriHealth Mercy Health Education Advisory Committee (HEAC) has elected to use both primary and secondary prevention applications.
Primary Prevention
AmeriHealth Mercy Community Outreach Representatives and Health Educators conduct 45-minute health sessions, using the CATCH Kids curriculum, for more than 400 elementary school aged children throughout the AmeriHealth Mercy service area. The health sessions create awareness about the importance of eating healthy and staying active in elementary school aged children.
Secondary Prevention
A healthy weight club targeted at children ages 7-12 in a summer camp at Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church in Harrisburg was implemented in the summer of 2006. The club lasts for 10 weeks and participants met three days per week for 75 minutes each session, for a total 37.5 hours of intervention. 25 kids participate in the program. The AmeriHealth Mercy Health Educators facilitated the sessions using the CATCH Kids Curriculum, which was developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Healthy Weight Club Goals
- Increase physical activity
- Improve nutrition through smart snacking
- Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables
- Increase healthy lifestyle awareness
- Reduce Body Mass Index (BMI)
The following outcome-based measurement tools were used to evaluate the participants of the Healthy Weight Club.
- Pre- & Post-Surveys measured change in knowledge and expressed intentions.
- Personal Journal / Exercise Logs tracked how often the participants exercised and captured their personal thoughts.
- Monthly Weight & BMI Tracking revealed changes in weight and BMI as a result of increased physical activity and healthy food choices.
Results from the model Healthy Weight Club are not announced. More programs of this nature are planned for other locations in the service area.
 If you would like AmeriHealth Mercy to sponsor a Healthy Weight Club in your area, please contact:
Robert Cooper at 1-877-693-8271
Email: robert.cooper@amerihealthmercyhp.com |
Community 
