Healthy Kids at Bat
This study included an in-depth look at the foods families eat at the Little League ballpark, and included interviews with parents and an observational assessment of all the different types of food and drink consumed at ball games and practices.
What did they find? Overall, parents and children consumed mostly unhealthy “junk foods” and sugary drinks during Little League games and practices, and felt that children’s sports schedules often interfered with family meals. Packing healthy snacks and mini-meals, carrying a water bottle, and planning meals ahead of time are all ways to help families make better food choices during baseball season!
The FACT Study (Families and Clinicians in the Treatment of Weight)
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health to explore why some families drop-out of weight management programs, and what families and clinicians can do to improve their experiences in weight management.
What did they find? Families are busy and pressed for time, which can often limit their ability to stay involved in a weight management program. Also, many families have unrealistic expectations about weight loss, and it isn’t uncommon for parents, children, and clinic staff to have different treatment goals in mind. To overcome these challenges and keep families engaged in treatment, Brenner FIT helps families manage busy lifestyles and always seeks to openly communicate and earn families’ trust. When families and clinic staff work together as a team, everyone is more successful!
Weight Management Outcomes for ‘Special Populations’ of Children
Brenner FIT conducted a series of research studies to test for differences in weight management outcomes (like the amount of change in body mass index) across various groups of children and families, including: children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (disorders in brain function that affect emotions, learning, and memory); Hispanic/Latino children, and children from rural areas with limited access to medical care. Results from these studies tell us whether children from these special populations require specialized care in order to achieve their weight management goals, or if the program should be modified to help them meet their specific goals.
What did they find? Children from special populations can do just as well in the Brenner FIT program compared to other children, which may be because the Brenner FIT clinic staff work so hard to ensure that each and every family receives exactly the kind of care and attention they need in order to reach their goals. In order to better meet the needs of children and families from special populations, Brenner FIT has modified the standard weight management program to address the unique needs of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, to provide Spanish speaking programs and high quality translations for Hispanic/Latino families, and to offer distance-care to families in rural communities via tele-health monitors.
