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Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life Resource Kit Shows Promising Results

July 19, 2010
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As First 5 LA works to help reduce childhood obesity rates, one effort, the distribution of the Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life Resource Kit, has shown positive results, according to a study recently completed by First 5 LA. In 2008, local First 5 Commissions across California and the First 5 Association of California partnered with the California WIC Association and state Department of Public Health to distribute the prevention-focused kit which promotes good nutritional and physical activity habits early in life.

The kit gives parents and caregivers tools to encourage positive health habits in kids, and includes a DVD, a provider activity binder and a storybook. Since 2008 First 5 LA has distributed more than 22,000 kits to parents, caregivers and teachers throughout the county through events, and direct outreach.

This year First 5 LA conducted a pilot study to assess the efficacy of the kit among childcare providers. Pilot study participants included 53 license-exempt child care providers that were recruited through one of First 5 LA's Workforce Development Initiative programs, Families, Friends, and Neighbors (FFN).Thirty participants received the kit and 23 did not, serving as the comparison group.

Findings from the study include the following:  
  • Participants who received the kit experienced bigger increases in self-reported knowledge and awareness of nutritious and non-nutritious foods, as well as awareness of body signals (i.e. whether one was hungry or full from eating).
  • Participants also discussed the benefits of nutrition and physical activity more often with children under their care.
  • These same providers were assessed five months later, and continued to report increases in knowledge about nutrition, discussions with children about health, and engagement in physical activity.
  • Providers also reported favorable effects on the children under their care, including their children being able to name more examples of healthy foods and physical activity, being more aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and engaging in more physical activity compared to when they first started using the kit.

The Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life pilot study recently garnered national attention by being selected for presentation at the American Public Health Association conference in November, 2010. The theme of this year's conference is Social Justice: A Public Health Imperative.

Click here to download a copy of the study. For more information about the study contact Christine Aque at (213) 482-7525.

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