Planning a program to prevent childhood obesity in Maine

There are a number of reasons to design obesity interventions that begin in pregnancy and continue through early childhood. Data indicate that breastfeeding may decrease the risk of obesity and that early dietary patterns may continue through the later childhood years. This grant provides support for an initial planning process to develop a strategy to prevent obesity, with the goal of ensuring that mothers and fathers set their young children on the right trajectory--behaviorally, cognitively, and emotionally--beginning with pregnancy. This project provides the opportunity to try to influence the mother's nutrition as well as other issues that impact on the home environment. The project deliverables will include: (1) a profile of current status and impediments to achieving a situation in Maine in which all children from conception through school entry have the opportunity for healthy development; (2) an analysis and description of the key parameters of the problem, including health care, risk factors, and community resources; (3) a review of key elements of a program structure, in collaboration with Healthy Steps for Young Children and other Maine programs; and (4) a plan for a cost-benefit analysis. This project will be considered successful if a plan for a comprehensive set of interventions is developed in collaboration with other institutions in Maine, including the Bingham Program.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $30,000.00

Awarded on: 3/23/2004

Time frame: 4/1/2004 - 9/30/2004

Grant Number: 50456