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As a family physician for the past quarter century, I have always taken an interest in preventative health in both children and adults. I have been particularly active in my local school district and I have seen first hand the adversity that occurs in children and their families as a result of poor lifestyle and health choices. So in 2003, I made it my calling to set a course to make a difference in my community to combat the disturbing trend of childhood obesity. To reach the most children, I felt a coordinated strategic long range action plan needed to be developed and implemented within my school district. It had to be easy to start, easy to maintain and had to be cost effective.

From that premise, the Children’s Health Initiative Program (C.H.I.P.) was born!

After two successful demonstration projects, we have been hard at work mentoring and expanding the program to interested school districts. Through our mentorship team, our goal was to expand the scope of the project by applying ideas that conform well with HSAT module requirements through the work of local school wellness council strategies.

We have been recognized by the State of Michigan and legislators from both political parties for our efforts. In addition, we have received recognition from the Michigan Osteopathic Association, Michigan State Medical Society, the Midwest affiliates of the American Heart and American Diabetes Association and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. We also were honored by the City of Royal Oak for our program.

I hope that you will contact me to receive more information on how C.H.I.P. can be easily integrated into your School Wellness Plan.

Situation analysis
Nearly half of our children today are significantly overweight. Overweight children are three-to-five times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke before they reach the age of 65. The leading causes are obesity, poor diet, smoking and physical inactivity. One in three children born after the year 2000 will develop Diabetes Mellitus unless this trend is halted. These factors are now being seen at an alarmingly early age and we believe that we must initiate action to protect children from these risks.

Studies show that worldwide 18 million children under five years old are significantly overweight or obese. The World Health Organization says the lifestyle people adopt when they are children will determine whether they are future candidates for development of cardiovascular disease. It says children and adolescents who have balanced, nutritious diets, exercise regularly and resist the pressure to start smoking, have immensely improved chances to grow into fit, healthy adults. Additionally, obesity has an unnecessary and negative economic impact. Present estimates indicate that obesity accounts for direct and indirect costs of $9 billion in the state of Michigan and $117 billion nationally.

While many parents are aware of the current media attention focusing on the adverse affects of childhood obesity, they may not understand the principles of implementing a lifestyle change at home. More importantly, the children themselves most frequently do not understand their own roles in making the necessary changes. This program offers the tools for participants and communities to improve the situation.

Target Audience
Since eating and health habits are essentially established in childhood, the pilot program will involve approximately 30 third- to fifth-grade students under the supervision and along with the participation of their parents. It is essential to change the perceptions and behaviors of both groups. However, participation will be voluntary.

Promotion
To raise awareness of the issue and the program's results, we plan to work with community organizations and local media to cover the program's progress and the activities of the children, although no individual results will be made public. After success is demonstrated, we will present to a larger audience with hope that the program will be repeated in other communities.