Angela Wiley, a faculty member in human and community development, leads an internvention program aimed at helping Latino families find ways to incorporate healthy eating and culturally relevant forms of exercise into their lives.
Angela Wiley, a faculty member in human and community development, leads an intervention program aimed at helping Latino families find ways to incorporate healthy eating and culturally relevant forms of exercise into their lives. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer CHAMPAIGN, Ill. Hispanics living in the Midwest have the highest obesity rates among Latinos in the U.S., and in Illinois, the percentage of obese Latino children 6-11 years of age has doubled since 2001, standing now at 24 percent. However, an intervention program developed by a researcher at the University of Illinois shows promise in helping Latino parents and their children develop healthy eating and exercise habits that prevent or combat obesity. Angela R. Wiley , a professor of applied family studies in the department of human and community development, a unit in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, leads the program. Abriendo Caminos, "Clearing the Path," helps Latino families in Central Illinois overcome some of the obstacles and patterns in daily life that adversely affect wellness in many low-income, dual-earner families. Using a family-centered, culturally tailored approach, the six-week program emphasizes healthy eating - more fruits and vegetables, fewer sugary beverages such as soda and juice - along with shared mealtimes and joint physical activities, especially culturally relevant activities, such as Mexican folk dancing.
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