1.
Adaptation of a culturally relevant nutrition and physical activity program for low-income, Mexican-origin parents with young children.
Kaiser, L, Martinez, J, Horowitz, M, Lamp, C, Johns, M, Espinoza, D, Byrnes, M, Gomez, MM, Aguilera, A, de la Torre, A
Preventing chronic disease. 2015;:E72
Abstract
Latino children experience higher rates of obesity than do non-Latino white children. Family-centered nutrition interventions can slow the rate of weight gain in this population. NiƱos Sanos, Familia Sana (Healthy Children, Healthy Family) is a 5-year, community-based, participatory research study that targets rural Mexican-origin farmworker families with children aged 2 to 8 years in California's Central Valley. Adaptation of a culturally relevant obesity prevention program involved qualitative research to tailor key obesity prevention messages, pilot testing and implementation of key messages and activities at family nights, and continual modification to incorporate culturally innovative elements. Of the 238 families enrolled, 53% (125) attended the recommended minimum of 5 (of 10 possible) classes during the first year. A university and community partnership can guide development of a culturally tailored obesity prevention program that is suitable for reaching a high-risk Mexican-origin audience through cooperative extension and other public health programs.
2.
Evaluating metabolic syndrome in a medical physiology laboratory.
Martin, B, Watkins, JB, Ramsey, JW
Advances in physiology education. 2004;(1-4):195-8
Abstract
The metabolic syndrome, a cluster of factors linked to obesity that contribute to risk for atherosclerosis and Type 2 diabetes, may affect 20-25% of the adults in the United States. We designed a medical physiology laboratory to evaluate and discuss the physiological and nutritional principles involved in the metabolic syndrome. The five criteria used to diagnose this syndrome (fasting blood triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose, blood pressure, central obesity) were measured by students on each other either previously or during this exercise. In addition, to illustrate nutritional factors involved in causation and treatment of the metabolic syndrome, a meal was provided during the laboratory. Class members were randomized to groups allowed ad libitum meal composition, or constrained to the National Cholesterol Education Program Step I or Step II diets. The composition of the diet (including saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and carbohydrate content) was discussed in the context of blood cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels. This laboratory allows a comprehensive analysis of the physiological and nutritional factors involved in the development of the metabolic syndrome.