The Worthy Institute
 Children’s Obesity Initiative

The Worthy Institute, Children’s Obesity Initiative aims to provide individuals, families and communities with programs and resources that address community health issues and health disparities. Our organization provides leadership in education and training and community health programs that address health disparities that exist within our Arizona communities, particularly as health relates to obesity.

Mission
The mission of the Children’s Obesity Initiative is to establish and sustain resources that support healthy lifestyles and influence health behaviors that impact youth and families.

Initiative Goals

• Increase information available to communities about the effects and consequences of obesity.
  
• Establish programs that promote active lifestyles and healthy eating behaviors across all communities.
• Promote and protect the health and well being of the most vulnerable populations through improving private and public health systems to more effectively serve families and communities.

Why is addressing the issue of overweight and obesity important?

The words “Obesity Epidemic” are becoming as common in the population as the United States continues an upward climb in prevalence of overweight and obesity. An estimated 65% of adults are overweight or obese (National Center for Health Statistics, 2010).

• Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.
• Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled.
• There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents. In 2007—2008, Hispanic boys, aged 2 to 19 years, were significantly more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white boys, and non-Hispanic black girls were significantly more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white girls.
• In 2010, Blacks had 51 percent higher prevalence of obesity, and Hispanics had 21 percent higher obesity prevalence compared with whites.

The Epidemic:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as "overweight" and "obesity,"* the risks for the following conditions also increases:

• Coronary heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Stroke
• Liver and Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)

*Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher; obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.

Camp L.Y.F.E. –  Youth ages 6-14  participate in a week long camp where they are immersed in a new way of life.  The camp focuses on changing health behaviors and informing youth of behavioral consequence.  The camp is designed to be interactive and supportive for the youth.  The camp focuses on four major components including physical activity, diet and nutrition, self esteem and diversity.  Throughout the week participants and their parents will participate in and attend interactive workshops, field trips, group sessions and activities. The workshops are designed to begin the permanent lifestyle changes of the participants.  Workshop topics include nutrition, diet, and exercise and culture.   One to One and group counseling is provided for youth related to weight issues and personal life. Physical activity is incorporated daily. Counseling is available during and following camp participation.  For more information or volunteer opportunities for Camp L.Y.F.E. please contact us at info@worthyinstitute.com. 

Children’s Obesity Conference

The Worthy Institute will hosts an annual statewide Children's Obesity Conference which provides professionals with necessary tools and skills for developing critical intervention and prevention strategies in order to develop multi-disciplinary approaches to address obesity among children and families.  Conference tracks include specific interest in children of racial and ethnic minorities and low income families. The Conference also provides opportunities for professionals to receive information in order to stay abreast of the latest childhood obesity research and issues and trends in the area of childhood obesity within their local community.

The annual Children’s Obesity Conference draws approximately 200 professionals who work daily with children in the areas of physical activity, diet and nutrition, culture and diversity and various health behaviors.  Attendees typically include physicians, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, dietitians, school nurses, psychologists, counselors, health care providers, city planners and policy makers. In addition, attendees include parents, researchers, media representatives, business and civic leaders, parks and recreation personnel, K-12 and early childhood education representatives, food service personnel, physical education teachers, nutrition educators, teachers, and child care providers, as well as youth organizations and after-school programs. The conference provides professionals  with valuable resources that will support the community in making an impact on the problems associated with childhood obesity in locally and nationally.  Arizona will host it's 5th annual Conference on December 1, 2011.  Virginia will host its first Conference  work group meeting in Richmond, Virginia in 2011.  Information about the Conference events is available on our Conference website page or you may contact 602-258-3300 for more information.