ADA, Okla. - It's been called the number one health issue in the country. Now, an innovative tribal program is working combat it.
Childhood obesity is the target of the Chickasaw Nation Diabetes Care Center, located in Carl Albert Indian Health Facility in Ada.
The program, Chickasaw Nation Kids Health and Fitness Program, employs a team approach to coach kids and parents along the steps to a healthier life.
The program was implemented to help combat childhood obesity rates, which have more than doubled in the past 30 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Native American students, ages six to 18, who are at a high risk to develop diabetes, are the principal targets of the program.
Students are referred to the program by their primary care physicians.
Parents and students make commitments to attend six sessions during a 90-day period to get on the path to a healthy lifestyle.
The team of Carl Albert pediatrician Dr. Stephen O'Grady, dietitian Melissa Vavricka Conaway, exercise specialist Shondra McCage, and Deb Provence, R.N., guide the students and the families through the 90-day program.
"Our goal is to get the parents involved," said Provence.
Six sessions focus on healthy eating and exercise.
By lending a hand now, said Dr. O'Grady, chances are reduced a child may develop diabetes and other diseases later in life.
"As an adult, obesity can translate into heart and kidney disease," Dr. O'Grady said. "We are seeing it at an earlier age. We try to educate the families and empower them.
"Native Americans are at a higher risk - about 50 percent higher - of developing the health issues associated with being overweight."
Nutrition education including food portion control, healthy snacks, the food pyramid, visual demonstrations about sugar content in soft drinks is a part of the sessions.
The first visit includes a private initial evaluation among the family and the medical professionals.
The remaining sessions are group settings.
Parents and caregivers are educated on healthy lifestyles, including a question-and-answer session and problem solving.
After group exercises, students and parents meet with the nutritionist to learn about healthy food choices.
A generous amount of fun is folded into each session.
In subsequent sessions, students take the lead do the exercises they want.
Most partner up in the activities, McCage said, and help motivate each other during their paces.
Weight loss is not the focus of the program, Provence said, rather it's the amount of inches lost that matters.
Obtainable goals are assigned to each student, such as playing less video games and exercising 15 minutes a day.
"We see if they have been met every week and if they are not met the goals are tweaked so the kids can be successful," said McCage.
When goals are obtained, rewards are given, such as passes to Lazer Zone Family Fun Center in Ada.
For more information, contact the Chickasaw Nation Diabetes Care Center at (800) 851-9136.
