New Study Tests
Healthy Lifestyle Programs for Families

Houston-area children, ages 10 to 15, and their parents are invited to join a new study designed to test whether a well-designed, family-oriented 'self-help' program is as effective as an intensive instructor-led program in helping families adopt healthier habits.

"We hope to find the best way to help parents and kids overcome the problems and habits that prevent them from eating healthier and being more active, which we feel is the key to keeping kids' weight gains on track," said Dr. Chermaine Tyler, an instructor in the department of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

After an initial evaluation, families enrolled in the one-year FLOW Prevention Program will be randomly assigned to either a 'self-help' or instructor-led program. Families assigned to the 'self-help' program will receive a 12-week step-by-step program that parents will conduct at home. Those assigned to the 12-week instructor-led program will attend sessions at the new YMCA on Stella Link near the Medical Center.

Both programs are being provided entirely free of charge to study participants and their families. Participating children and their parents will also recieve a stipend.

To learn more, call the FLOW Program hotline: 713-798-5769.