Lifestyle and Diet Intervention for Children's Heart Health

This trial evaluates a program designed to improve heart health in children through lifestyle and diet changes. The program, called SI! Program-NYC, will be tested for its impact on children's overall heart health in select New York City elementary schools. One group of children will receive the health education intervention, while another group will serve as a comparison without the intervention. Children in kindergarten at NYC elementary schools, along with their parents and teachers, are welcome to participate if they can legally consent. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to important research that could shape future heart health programs for children.

The trial information does not specify whether children need to stop taking their current medications.

Research shows that the SI! Program-NYC aims to improve heart health in children. Studies on similar programs have shown good results in schools. For instance, one study found that children in the program had a 4.9% better heart health score after three years compared to those not in the program. This suggests that the program is effective, safe, and well-received over time. Reports have not indicated any negative effects from this type of educational program, suggesting it is a safe way to boost heart health in children.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the SI! Program-NYC because it offers a fresh approach to improving children's heart health through lifestyle and diet changes. Unlike typical treatments that might focus on medication or clinical interventions, this program emphasizes health education, aiming to instill lifelong healthy habits in children. By engaging kids directly in learning about nutrition and physical activity, the program hopes to create a sustainable impact on heart health from an early age. This proactive educational strategy could complement existing treatments, potentially reducing the need for medical interventions later in life.

Research has shown that the SI! Program-NYC, which participants in this trial may receive, can improve heart health in children. In earlier studies, children in a similar program had heart health scores 4.9% higher than those who didn't participate. These scores assess key heart health factors such as diet and exercise habits. The program educates children and teachers on living heart-healthy lives. This suggests that the SI! Program-NYC could effectively enhance children's heart health in schools.¹³⁵⁶⁷