Abstract:

The worldwide incidence of obesity is increasing. Developing nations have also joined the ranks of countries troubled by obesity. Increased predisposal to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other diseases makes obesity a serious health concern for policymakers, medical and public health experts, government agency leaders, academic experts, and community organizations. Together with government and community partners, the Health Disparities Initiative (HDI) will identify proven, cost-effective programs and interventions to alleviate the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity experienced by racial and ethnic minorities. The New Male Minority Health Project (NMMHP) of Bowie State University has initiated a Childhood Obesity Prevention Project to address the concerns of childhood obesity in Prince Georges County Maryland, USA. The goal of the NMMHP Childhood Obesity Prevention Outreach Project is to facilitate and support the development of a comprehensive community plan focused on identifying population trends and environmental factors that increase the risk for childhood obesity within designated communities. Some concrete policy actionable (real time) items may include: The Blueprint, to be release in April 2008, intended to serve as a guide for multiple organizations, associations and agencies to inform and support their planning work related to increasing childhood obesity prevention strategies that will overcome barriers in the areas of research, home and community programs, school settings, medical systems, marketing and communications, prevention, education and public policy issues. It will take individuals, families, public and private agencies, institutions and schools of the Prince Georges' county community to work together for measurable movement toward anchoring these essential and new changes into the culture of the city to curb childhood obesity. This prevention effort will collaborate with multiple organizations, associations, agencies and existing networks to develop, inform, and support creative strategies aimed at preventing childhood obesity and improving existing prevention programs. It is the intent to inform, support, and develop creative strategies aimed at: improving childhood obesity prevention programs that will reduce barriers in the areas of research; public policy; public education; home; community; medical systems; and marketing entities. We plan to implement innovative programs aimed at improving healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity among our children and youth. In addition, we will educate adults, political leaders, and our community partners about childhood obesity and prevention strategies.

Keywords:

childhood obesity, prevention, community planning, strategy.