New e-tool provides wake-up call for parents of children with excess weight

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Sometimes we see only the best in our kids—even when a potential health risk is physically apparent.

An innovative new e-tool, developed by University of Alberta researchers, not only lifts the blinders for of children with excess , it offers them much-needed and welcomed support.

“We wanted to help moms and dads become aware of their child’s weight, if they aren’t already, and give them some information and resources to help their family and home be as healthy as possible,” said Geoff Ball, professor of pediatrics at the U of A and director of the Pediatric Centre for Weight and Health at Alberta Health Services’ Stollery Children’s Hospital, who created the new e-tool.

The e-tool is a 15-minute electronic survey that includes a screen of children’s weight status, one of four interventions (on either diet or activity) and a menu of online resources and community services.

For a recent study, Ball and his team enrolled 226 parents who clambered to fill out the electronic survey while waiting with their children to see a pediatrician.

“The effect is simple, but can be powerful,” said Ball. “The e-tool asks questions about parents’ perceptions of their child’s diet and activity habits that are contrasted with Health Canada recommendations.”

The vast majority of parents spoke to their pediatrician about their child’s weight after using the e-tool, and 85 per cent of them asked for resources that were offered, including handouts on obesity prevention such as sleep, snacking and body image.

This is particularly relevant, said Ball, because many parents do not accurately estimate their children’s weight, and even among those who acknowledge their child is overweight, only 50 per cent encourage healthy lifestyle changes.

“Based on a follow-up survey, almost half of parents said they used the resources they selected,” said Jillian Byrne, a medical researcher at the U of A. “There’s really strong evidence that this e-tool has the potential to encourage parents of children with to make healthy lifestyle changes.” …Read More>>

Source: Medical Xpress

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