Adaptation of a culturally relevant nutrition and physical activity program for low-income, Mexican-origin parents with young children.

Latino children experience higher rates of obesity than do non-Latino white children. Family-centered nutrition interventions can slow the rate of weight gain in this population. Niños Sanos, Familia Sana (Healthy Children, Healthy Family) is a 5-year, community-based, participatory research study that targets rural Mexican-origin farmworker families with children aged 2 to 8 years in California's Central Valley. Adaptation of a culturally relevant obesity prevention program involved qualitative research to tailor key obesity prevention messages, pilot testing and implementation of key messages and activities at family nights, and continual modification to incorporate culturally innovative elements. Of the 238 families enrolled, 53% (125) attended the recommended minimum of 5 (of 10 possible) classes during the first year. A university and community partnership can guide development of a culturally tailored obesity prevention program that is suitable for reaching a high-risk Mexican-origin audience through cooperative extension and other public health programs

The Impact of the California Drought on Food Security among Rural Families of Mexican Origin

Introduction: The year 2015 marks the fourth year of a drought in California. With no signs of the drought improving, communities in California are left to prioritize their water usage. In the Central Valley, the limited water supply has forced farmers to prioritize on acreage and planting, decisions that trickle down and may impact farmworker families. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a drought in California on family decision-making and coping strategies in the context of broader community changes affecting rural families of Mexican-origin. Methods: This study recruited participants from the Niños Sanos, Familia Sana (NSFS, Healthy Children, Healthy Family) childhood obesity intervention study, conducted from 2011-2015. The primary occupation of two-thirds of the NSFS families was agricultural work. Based on the US Department of Agriculture 18-item food security assessment tool, a baseline household survey among 336 families in 2012 revealed that 45% of the households were food insecure. In 2015, a bilingual graduate student moderated four focus groups in a convenience sample of 26 NSFS families, who were recruited by promotoras (local lay workers). Males and females were assigned to different focus group discussions, each of which lasted 1 ½ hours. Two researchers reviewed transcriptions of the audio recordings and analyzed them for emerging themes. Results/Conclusions: In this Mexican-origin rural population, households headed by less educated mothers, older fathers, and adults engaged in farm work were most vulnerable to food insecurity. The focus groups revealed community changes including out-migration of families, increased food prices, and changes in employment (fewer hours, less predictable, need to travel further to find work). These changes have led families to shift their family decision-making and economize to cope with the unpredictable nature of the agricultural workforce. Paying bills and rent takes priority over food, clothing, medicine and other expenses. All groups mentioned having to deny child requests and family outings. Women noted increased stress on the family and concern about keeping families together. Men expressed the desire to avoid disruption to their children’s lives but were actively considering moving elsewhere. As a community, they have remained united and working together to withstand the challenges the drought has introduced

4-H Fitness Project

Learn how to increase your physical activity in a safe and fun atmosphere through projects in yoga, surfing, hiking, running, walking, strength training, and more. •Set daily goals for physical activity •Discover the health benefits of being active •Decrease the time you spend watching television or playing video games This sheet outlines activity ideas at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of skill; also gives suggestions on how to tie the activity to STEM, healthy living, citizenship, and leadership goals

4-H Horse and Pony Project

Horses and humans interact in many ways, from sports and recreation, to agriculture and therapy, in this project you can learn about horses through a wide variety of projects including breeding, drill, judging, and trail riding. •Appreciate riding as a recreation and promote love and humane treatment of animals •Learn horsemanship skills and understand breeding, training, and raising •Aquire safety skills to prevent injury to humans and animals. This sheet outlines activity ideas at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of skill; also gives suggestions on how to tie the activity to STEM, healthy living, citizenship, and leadership goals

4-H Bird Project

The 4-H bird project sheet outlines activity ideas for youth at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of skill. Gives suggestions on how to tie the activity to STEM, healthy living, citizenship, and leadership goals. Through this project you can explore different types of birds from across the globe. You may find a bird that fits you and your family as a pet and you’ll learn how to be an excellent caretaker of your pet. •Identify different bird species and their characteristics •Learn about the selection, care, and needs of birds •Demonstrate care and management in needing, handling and grooming •Explore health regulations and first aid •Learn and practice the responsibilities that come with owning a pe

4-H Scientific Literacy Project

This project will introduce you to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts and how to use these concepts to solve every-day problems. •Engage in hands-on experiments that will strengthen your ability to conduct scientific reasoning and use scientific tools •Apply your knowledge and skills to real-world problems This sheet outlines activity ideas at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of skill; also gives suggestions on how to tie the activity to STEM, healthy living, citizenship, and leadership goals

4-H Building Health Advocacy Skills Project

The 4-H building health advocacy project sheet outlines activity ideas for youth at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of skill. Gives suggestions on how to tie the activity to STEM, healthy living, citizenship, and leadership goals. In this project you can learn how be an advocate for good health in your community and a role in sustainable change •Explore how individual choices and social and environmental factors can influence food choices and physical activity •Become a citizen scientist through data collection, analysis, and problem solving •Educate decision-makers on issues that impact your communit

4-H Archery Project

The 4-H archery project sheet outlines activity ideas for youth at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of skill. Gives suggestions on how to tie the activity to STEM, healthy living, citizenship, and leadership goals. By participating in the archery program in the 4-H Shooting Sports Program you will learn: •The highest standard of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior •Safe and responsible use of archery equipment •Sound decision making, self discipline, and concentratio

4-H Cavy Project

Did you know that a cavy is what we commonly know as a guinea pig? The sheet outlines activity ideas at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of skill; also gives suggestions on how to tie the activity to STEM, healthy living, citizenship, and leadership goals. In the 4-H cavy project you can learn about selecting and raising your animals and more. •Learn the basic principles of animal science by owning, caring for, and keeping records •Explore sound breeding, feeding, and management practices •Learn about breeds and varieties of cavies and their characteristics •Investigate marketing, project expansion, and how you can start a cavy busines

4-H Mindfulness

Yoga is a type of physical activity that combines movement with breathing and focused concentration. In this project, you will learn breathing exercises, •Reduced stress •Better concentration •Less depression and anxiety •Improved immune system This sheet outlines activity ideas at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of skill; also gives suggestions on how to tie the activity to STEM, healthy living, citizenship, and leadership goals