The physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors of Latino children in London (Ontario, Canada).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the physical activity and sedentary behaviors of a sample of Latino children in London, Ontario, Canada. METHODS: Seventy-four Latino children (54.1% male; mean age = 11.4) completed self-report questionnaires related to physical activity and sedentary behaviors. A subset of children (n = 64) wore Actical (Mini Mitter, Respironics) accelerometers for a maximum of four days. RESULTS: Latino children self-reported moderate levels of physical activity (i.e., mean score of 2.8 on 5-point scale). Accelerometer data revealed that children spent an average of 50.0 min in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; 59.2 min on weekdays and 50.6 min on weekend days) and were sedentary for an average of 8.4 h (508.0 min) per day (533.5 min on weekdays and 497.7 min on weekend days). Children reported spending an average of 3.8 h (228 min) daily in front of screens--1.7 h (102 min) watching television, 1.2 h (72 min) on the computer, and 0.9 h (54 min) playing video games. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility project provided a preliminary account of objectively measured daily physical activity and sedentary time among a sample of Latino children in Canada, as well as insight into the challenge of measuring these behaviors. Sedentary behavior reduction techniques should be explored and implemented in this young population, along with strategies to promote adherence to accelerometer protocols.

Healthier snacks in school vending machines: a pilot project in four Ontario high schools.

PURPOSE: The Healthy Vending Machine Pilot Project (HVMPP) was a public health initiative intended to create a healthier school nutrition environment by making healthier snacks available in vending machines, while maintaining a profit margin. The HVMPP was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures. METHODS: Vending machines were stocked with healthier choices and conventional vending products at a 50:50 ratio. The HVMPP was implemented from February to May 2007 in four Ontario secondary schools in Middlesex-London, Elgin, and Oxford counties. Product sales were tracked, and focus groups were conducted to obtain students' opinions about healthy eating and vending choices. RESULTS: "Healthier choice" sales ranged from 14% to 17%. In all schools, vending revenues declined from 0.7% to 66%. A majority of participants had substantial knowledge of healthy eating and were in favour of healthier choices in vending machines; however, price, value, and taste were barriers that led them to purchase these products rarely. Students preferred to have "real" healthy snacks, such as yogurt, fruit, and vegetables, available in schools. CONCLUSIONS: Replacing 50% of vending stock with healthier snacks resulted in a decline in vending revenues. Future health programs in schools need to provide "real" healthy snacks, such as low-fat dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.

Pause-2-Play: a pilot schoolbased obesity prevention program / Pause-2-Play: um programa piloto escolar de prevenção de obesidade

OBJECTIVES: Pause-2-Play is an obesity prevention program targeting screen-related sedentary behaviours and increasing physical activity among elementary school students. The program consisted of a Behavioural Modification Curriculum and a Health Promoting Afterschool Program. This pilot study reports program feasibility, practicability, and impact. METHODS: the 12-week pilot program was implemented with 32 grade five and six students. Program feasibility and practicability were assessed using a qualitative approach. Intervention effects were assessed by comparing pre-post changes in BMI, body composition, fitness scores, screen time, and cognitive variables related to screening viewing behaviours. RESULTS: Pause-2-Play was perceived as a useful, fun program with numerous benefits including: children trying new snacks, feeling fitter and better about one's own body shape, and becoming more aware of a healthy lifestyle. The intervention resulted in a statistically significant reduction in percent body fat and an increase in fat-free mass index in overweight children; a decrease in waist circumference and an increase in fat-free mass index were observed in normal weight children. The intervention also statistically improved fitness scores in both normal weight and overweight children. CONCLUSIONS: Pause-2-Play was feasible, practical, and favourably changed body composition and fitness level.

OBJETIVOS: Pause-2-Play é um programa de prevenção da obesidade direcionado aos comportamentos sedentários relacionados ao uso de monitores de computador e televisores, visando promover a atividade física entre estudantes de escolas de educação básica. O programa trata-se de um currículo de modificação comportamental e um programa extracurricular de promoção de saúde. Este estudo-piloto relata sobre a viabilidade, praticidade e impacto do programa. MÉTODOS: o programa de doze semanas foi implementado com 32 alunos escolares do quinto e sexto grau. A viabilidade e a praticidade do programa foram avaliadas a partir de uma abordagem qualitativa. Os efeitos da intervenção foram avaliados por meio de comparação de mudanças de IMC pré e pós, composição corporal, escores de capacidade física, tempo passado diante um monitor ou televisor, e variáveis cognitivos relacionados aos comportamentos que envolvem o uso de monitor ou televisor. RESULTADOS: percebeu-se que Pause-2-Play foi um programa útil e lúdico cujos vários benefícios incluíam: o fato das crianças ter experimentado novos alimentos, uma sensação de melhor forma física e uma auto-imagem da forma do corpo mais positiva, e uma conscientização aumentada em relação a estilos de vida saudáveis. A intervenção resultou numa redução estatisticamente significativa na porcentagem de gordura corporal e um aumento no índice de massa livre de gordura em crianças portadoras de sobrepeso; um decréscimo na circunferência da cintura e um aumento no índice de massa livre de gordura foram observados em crianças eutróficas. Além disso, a intervenção levou a uma melhoria nos escores de capacidade física tanto entre as crianças eutróficas como entre as portadoras de sobrepeso. CONCLUSÕES: Pause-2-Play mostrou se viável e praticável e mudou a composição corporal e os níveis de capacidade física de forma favorável.

Healthy eating champions award for elementary schools.

PURPOSE: The Healthy Eating Champions Award for Elementary Schools (HEC) is a public health initiative that recognizes and rewards schools for their outstanding commitment to the promotion of nutrition, for nutrition education, and for making healthy foods and beverages available. This process evaluation assessed HEC implementation, identified benefits and barriers, and solicited suggestions for program improvement. METHODS: In-person interviews with principals or their designates from 28 HEC participating schools were conducted in fall 2006. RESULTS: Participants had positive feelings about the HEC program and shared many success stories. Perceived program benefits included increased student awareness about healthy eating, more student involvement in healthy eating initiatives, the creation of opportunities for goal setting and spirit boosting, and improved hygiene practices. The challenge of getting parents and teachers involved and the significant financial needs of schools in low-income areas were identified as challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Participants view the HEC program as having a positive impact on the healthy eating environment in schools.