Project HOPE (Healthy Options for Prevention and Education)

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES),
the prevalence of obesity has tripled in children and adolescents from 1980 to 2002.
In 2005, the number of students residing in Nevada who describe themselves as slightly or very overweight is 30 percent, according to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS).

Because childhood obesity has become serious public health problem, there is a need to help children and their families engage in a healthier lifestyle.  To address childhood obesity in the Silver State, a new project called Healthy Options for Education and Prevention, or Project HOPE is being developed.  This initiative will be launched during 2008.  The HOPE staff will enlist leaders from various domains as Advisory Board members, in an effort to establish and promote the recommended guidelines for healthy eating habits and regular exercise for children and their families in Las Vegas.

A school-based research study will be designed that includes the collection of baseline child health data including body mass index, or BMI, a weight and height calculation to measure body fat.  Survey data will also be gathered in an effort to understand what children and their families know about healthy eating and exercise activities.  Participants will learn about achieving a healthy lifestyle through various educational efforts. 
Over a period of three years, the outcomes from this study will provide information that can be used to develop more effective prevention and intervention strategies regarding childhood obesity in the future.  For more information about Project HOPE, please contact the Patricia Lau, MPA, Program Administrator at (702) 671-2255.