Educator Idea File: Catch 5 for a Healthy Weight

Catch 5 for a Healthy Weight is collaboration between Houston Department of Health and Human Services WIC and pediatric providers to prevent obesity among preschoolers. Project main goals include:

• Promote parental awareness about their children's BMI
• Provide consistent and unified messages to parents
• Assist parents with goal setting toward healthier eating habits and increased physical activity

We worked with Rosana Arruda to help her with her Catch 5 Handouts which included a double- sided information flyer, a survey and a goal setting sheet. The Catch 5 Messages are:1) Eat Healthy Snacks - limit the consumption of cookies, chips and candy - offer healthy snacks of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and yogurt.2) Drink water Instead of Sugary Beverages 3) Move More and Sit Less - get more physically active and sit less for video games and watching TV/DVDs4) Choose Fat-Free or Low-Fat Milk and Dairy - wean the family from whole milk to reduced fat to low-fat to fat-free milk and dairy products5) Eat at Least 2 Cups of Fruits and Vegetables Each Day - involve kids in selection and preparation of fruits and veggies and have them readily available.Rosana provided a color flyer on the Catch 5 message and then healthcare professionals use a survey to find out which message needs the most attention. Then parents commit to making changes using a goal sheet. More ideas are included to eat meals together as a family.