What differentiates The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey's Healthy U program from other childhood obesity programs?
The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey's Healthy U program is based on the Coordinated Approach To Child Health (CATCH) curriculum that was developed by the University of Texas Science Center Houston School of Public Health. The CATCH curriculum is a national, award-winning program with over 15 years of research documenting the program's success in reducing the rate of childhood obesity. In 2006, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services awarded CATCH the Innovation in Prevention Award, as a successful initiative in disease prevention and health promotion. The University of Texas Science Center Houston School of Public Health will monitor and survey the children in the Healthy U program to verify its success.  Back to Top
What are the costs and time frame of this program?
The primary project costs are related to training YMCA staff to implement the curriculum, physical education kits, program evaluation, promotional materials and staff support. The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey has awarded a $1 million grant for the program over a four-year period: January 2008 through December 2011. Back to Top
How are children enrolled in this program and who is it open to?
Every child between ages 5 and 12 (grades K through 6) enrolled in a YMCA after-school program can join. Back to Top
How are children who take part in the program evaluated?
The YMCA will collect baseline data and survey information annually to measure the impact of this project. The University of Texas Science Center Houston School of Public Health will conduct the evaluation. Effectiveness will be measured by: - An evaluation of instructor training procedures.
- An evaluation of implementation via online instructor surveys.
- An impact evaluation via direct observation of physical activity.
- An outcome evaluation using Body Mass Index for selected sites.
- Evaluation of student engagement in physical activity and healthy diet.
- Nutrition and physical activity knowledge.
- Attitudes and self-efficacy using CATCH questionnaires.
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What are the nutritional, family and exercise components of the Healthy U program?
The Healthy U program will teach children about nutrition and how to identify, practice and adopt healthy eating habits. The program encourages changes in behavior that support healthy eating patterns. Children learn the facts about healthy living and are encouraged to live an active and healthy lifestyle. The physical education component is an evidence-based program that incorporates health-related fitness, skill, competency and cognitive understanding about the importance of physical activity. There will be an emphasis on non-elimination games and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity to keep kids moving and having fun. Parental involvement is an important part of the Healthy U program. Parents will be informed of the program's objectives and be encouraged to support their child's participation in the program. Back to Top
How many children will take part?
To start, 18,000 children at 359 YMCA sites throughout New Jersey will participate in the program. More sites will be added in coming years. Back to Top
Who will conduct the formalized training of the YMCA staff?
CATCH training coordinators will train 42 Master YMCA staff members. This group of 42 Master Trainers will then train their local YMCA staff to implement the program at the 359 YMCA sites. Back to Top
Why was this program created?
The Healthy U program was created to successfully reduce childhood obesity in New Jersey with a tested curriculum that could be reproduced across the state. The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and the YMCAs are committed to improving the health of New Jersey's youth. Back to Top
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