For immediate release: Nov. 6, 2008
Contact: Anne McMillin, APR
Office 775-682-9254
Mobile 702-292-42470
amcmillin@medicine.nevada.edu
School of Medicine and University Medical Center
to launch Project HOPE
Research study to combat childhood obesity; press conference is Nov. 13
LAS VEGAS, Nev.— The epidemic of obesity threatens the very lives of our community’s children. With excess weight, children can suffer the ill effects of diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Even more disturbing is the fact that these serious medical conditions can shorten the life span.
University of Nevada School of Medicine and University Medical Center are responding with hope—“Project HOPE” (Healthy Options for Prevention and Education) and will hold a press conference to launch Project HOPE on Thursday, Nov. 13, 1:15 p.m. at Roy Martin Middle School, 200 North 28th Street, Las Vegas.
UMC Chief Operating Officer Brian Brannman is scheduled to speak along with other project partners. Before the press conference, Roy Martin Middle School students will take a one-mile walk around their neighborhood from approximately 12:30 to 2 p.m. City of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will speak to the students upon their return.
James Lau, M.D., is chief, division of bariatric surgery with University Health System, the clinical practice of the University of Nevada School of Medicine; a UMC-affiliated physician and Project HOPE’s medical director. Patricia Lau, MPA, is Project HOPE’s program administrator. The study is supported by a number of community partners including UMC, the City of Las Vegas, Clark County School District, Children’s Heart Center, FedEx Kinkos, Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Markets, Zappos.com, National Concierge Association, Clark County Soccer League and the Junior League of Las Vegas.
During the study, project staff members will work with students to encourage them to develop healthy eating habits and to include daily exercise among their activities. Project staff will weigh and measure the Roy Martin Middle School students and track their body mass index (BMI). Collecting BMI-at-School is the Centers for Disease Control guideline that will be used in the study. In addition, students will be provided with an education manual about the recommended guidelines for good nutrition and vigorous physical activity. The manual was developed by Dr. William Evans and Dr. Gary Mayman with the Children’s Heart Center. The Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market located on Eastern and Fremont is donating fresh fruits and vegetables which will be integral to the healthy eating component.
Furthermore, the middle school students will be asked to participate in a walking program and maintain a daily activity log. To assist with this component, Zappos.com is
donating nearly 1500 pedometers for each student. According to a 2007 Stanford University study, use of a pedometer is associated with significant increases in physical activity and weight loss.
"For the most part, childhood obesity can be prevented. As an academic physician, I would like to teach students about healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly. If taught at an early age, children can learn about a healthy lifestyle that may help them avoid chronic diseases during adulthood," said Lau.
"Project HOPE is a collaborative effort that allows UMC to join the University of Nevada School of Medicine in its aim to promote good health in this community," said Kathy Silver, CEO of UMC. “An integrated medical team from UMC will provide assistance to Project HOPE staff regarding nutrition, physical fitness and pediatric medicine.”
Additionally, the research group has made arrangements with Dell H. Robison Middle School to serve as a control group. Project HOPE staff members will monitor these students for their BMI levels, but no education and intervention measures will be taken. During the three years, Patricia Lau will analyze the BMI levels from students at both schools and trends will be identified. Project staff will be working with school-based nurses, teachers and administrators to carry out the study.
As the state’s only public medical school, the University of Nevada School of Medicine has been a leader in healthcare, medical education and research in Nevada since 1969. The School of Medicine includes 16 clinical departments including family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and five nationally recognized departments in basic science including microbiology and biomedical engineering. The more than 185 doctors of University Health System, the school’s clinical practice, offer care in more than 40 medical specialties and subspecialties with eight physician offices in the Reno/Sparks area and seven in Las Vegas. The school is committed to a best practices approach to medicine and is dedicated to exceptional healthcare for Nevada now and in the future. For more information visit www.medicine.nevada.edu.