An Update from Philip R. Nader, MD
Professor Emeritus Pediatrics
University of California San Diego,
Co-Developer of CATCH

We would like to thank the providers, parents, and educators who through the auspices of the CATCH organization provided feedback and reactions to our book. All groups found the book helpful and informative and many provided specific feedback.

The result is that the first edition of the book has been revised, with specific updates and a change in the title to more accurately reflect the content and purpose of the book: You Can Prevent Childhood Obesity, Practical Ideas from Pregnancy to Adolescence,
"A Legacy of Health for Our Children" (forthcoming winter 2010).

In a very exciting development, we have been able to culturally and language translate the book into Spanish with the active participation of health promoters. Starting in January 2010, we will be pilot testing a promoter-delivered curriculum based upon the book. The testing will include five small groups:

1. Pregnant Latinas
   
   
2. Mothers and infants from birth to two years
   
   
3. Mothers and toddlers from 2 to 4.5 years
   
   
4. Mothers and school-age children from 5-9 years
   
   
5. Mothers and tweens 9-12 years.

The curriculum is tailored to the age and stage of development of the child. The curriculum also empowers participants to become aware of the opportunities and barriers in the home and neighborhood to facilitate a healthy environment for the children. In addition, it encourages parents to participate in pre-school and school nutrition and activity programs. Male partners and other family members are also motivated to participate in the fun, family-focused activities.

Drawing on the CATCH experience, parents will learn about active physical education and how to recognize healthy school meals and snacks. Throughout, the emphasis is on building a healthy legacy for our children. The book is also a call to action for all to engage in a “primary prevention” approach to obesity rather than waiting for the problem to manifest itself later in life, when it is very difficult to treat the problem.

We are now collecting indications of interest in further testing and use of the book and curriculum.

Contact Philip R. Nader, MD at pnader@ucsd.edu  or visit  www.youcanloseyourbabyfat.org for more information.

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