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Parent Program (4-Session Version)
Lesson 1 Slide Set:
Introduction to We Can!

Four girls jumping rope

Slide 1:

We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition)

A national education program working with parents and caregivers to address the growing problem of overweight in our nation's youth.

Images on Slide: Logo of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, logo of the National Institutes of Health, logo of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the We Can! logo.

Slide 2:

What is We Can!

A national education program targeting youth, ages 8–13, and their parents and caregivers in home and community settings to meet the overall goal of preventing overweight and obesity.

  • Turn-key, science-based program for the entire community
  • Flexible! Use in a variety of settings
  • Fosters collaboration

Images on Slide: Six colored squares, including an image of a family of four outdoors.

Slide 3:

It’s time for We Can! now because...

  • National data show alarming rates in overweight and obesity in children and adults.
    • The percentage of children and teens that are overweight has doubled in past 30 years
    • About sixteen percent of children (2–19 years) are overweight
    • Overweight is having a greater effect on minorities, including African American and Mexican American children
  • There are serious health problems related to overweight and obesity.
    • Heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, asthma, low self-esteem, isolation, eating disorders, and more.
  • Helping children helps our families.

Images on Slide: An image from the cover of The Washington Post Magazine that shows an illustration of an overweight family.

Slide 4:

Why the increase?

  • Multiple causes
    • Lifestyle, environment, and genes
  • Bottom line is ENERGY BALANCE (calories and physical activity)
    • Since 1978, more calories are being consumed:
      • Larger food portions and sizes
      • More meals consumed outside the home
      • Increased soda, pizza, and candy consumption
    • Since 1970, fewer calories are being used up:
      • Declines in physically activity
      • Increases in sedentary lifestyle and screen time
        • Computers and television time

Slide 5:

Why parents and caregivers?

  • Studies show parents as effective change agents concerning obesity.
  • The home is a primary source of nutrition for children.
  • Parents can act as effective role models for youth.

Images on Slide: Photo of a man holding a young boy on his shoulders; photo of a man pushing a young boy on a bicycle while another young boy rides on another bicycle, both boys are wearing helmets.

Slide 6:

The We Can! Parent Program

  • Is a 4-session program that focuses on "energy balance"
  • Has three topics of focus:
    • Smart nutrition
    • Physical activity
    • Screen time (TV, computer, video)
  • Encourages We Can! specific objectives:
    • Offering healthier foods in the home
    • Enjoying small portions at home and at restaurants
    • Limiting foods and beverages high in fat and added sugar
    • Increasing family fun with physical activity
    • Reducing screen time
  • Is not a weight loss program
  • Is supplemented with online content and resources

Images on Slide: Four images are grouped together including a photo of scales used for weighing items; lemons and limes, both whole and sliced; a blurry image of someone playing soccer; and close ups of two computer screens.

Slide 7:

What can We Can! do for you?

  • We hope you’ll walk away with:
    • Strategies and tools
    • Ways to be an example
    • Resources for the future
  • And we hope you’ll enjoy learning together!

Images on Slide: Clip art image of an archery bullseye with an arrow in the center, a photo of seven individuals holding raised hands at the seashore.

Slide 8:

Any questions? Your thoughts?

Images on Slide: Clip art image of a man who looks like he is thinking about something.


Last Updated: February 13, 2013