Adult cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle may exist due to early environmental influences. We need to reach children at a young age. We are looking for the best time for future interventions and for potentially changing parents' health behaviors while the child is still young. The researchers expect that their evaluation of familial risk factors and families' greatest receptiveness to heart-healthy messages will allow health providers to give guidance to families during routine pediatric care. Working with the Ingham Community Health Center and MSU Extension gives us a unique opportunity to interact with the community and approach the whole family as a psychosocial unit.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Michigan and is higher than the national average.
This research team is examining the prevalence of heart disease risk factors in Michigan's charter school population. The study will measure the physical fitness and physical activity levels of volunteers from 5th, 7th and 9th grades. Dr. James Pivarnik, Professor in MSU's Department of Kinesiology, is conducting the research in partnership with MSU Extension and principals and teachers in Lansing area charter schools. On one hand they may buy in more readily to increased physical activity for kids, and on the other hand they may not have enough resources at the school to support these changes. Dr. Pivarnik expects that the study could lead to implementation of curriculum changes and after school activities to improve the schools' physical activity programs.