Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
The Impact of a Community-Based Activity and Nutrition Program for Children
Jessica M Valenzuela1, Farrah Jacquez, Robin Pendery
1a Center for Psychological Studies , Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale , Florida , USA.
Abstract:
There is consensus that community-wide integration of programs targeting pediatric obesity prevention is needed. The present article describes the growth, acceptability, and impact of a school- and community-based kids' marathon program targeting physical activity and nutrition. Youth in the program are encouraged to incrementally walk/run/jog a marathon and improve their diet through nutrition challenges. Participants track mileage and healthy eating over approximately 6 months, and complete a final marathon mile at the program's culminating event. Across 21 schools, 404 students between kindergarten and 8th grade reported on their experiences in the program. Also, 19 school coordinators rated their perceptions of the program's impact. While the data is preliminary and retrospective, it indicates that participants are highly engaged and that the program has potential to improve physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors in many children. Strengths of the program, implications for obesity prevention, and future directions are also discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence
Impact of Social Context on Individuals
Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...

