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HEAT Mission and Objectives Mission To improve child health through strength and relationship-based, culturally appropriate interventions enhancing parent, child, and practitioner effectiveness in developing optimal practices in nutrition, eating, feeding, and physical activity. Rationale The prevalence of obese and overweight youth in the U. S. is growing rapidly, disproportionately affecting minority children. Overweight has important implications for the physical and emotional health of children and adolescents presently and throughout their lifespan.[1] Once almost nonexistent among children and youth, it is now estimated that within a decade, more children will have Type 2 diabetes than Type 1 diabetes.[2]
1 Koplan, J.P., Liverman, C.T., & Kraak, V.I. (Eds). (2005). Preventing childhood obesity: Health in the Balance. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. 2 Rosenbloom, A.L. (2003). Obesity, insulin resistance, beta-cell autoimmunity and the changing clinical epidemiology of childhood diabetes. Diabetes Care, 6, 2954-2956.
Philosophy and Framework The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) strongly values prevention and believes that healthy habits in nutrition and physical activity are critical to good health for all children at every age. We also believe that relationship-based approaches to care that recognize family strengths and are informed by cultural awareness are critical to creating effective partnerships for health - between professionals and parents, parents and their children, and professionals and the children they serve. NAPNAP believes that the parent-child relationship is fundamental to nurturing the wellness of children. It is through daily interactions together in meeting the basic needs of children for food and activity that this relationship is forged. By supporting parents' appropriate management of their children's changing needs for nutrition, feeding, and physical activity, nurse practitioners help to assure optimal growth and development for children by promoting healthful choices and behaviors which provide a good foundation for a healthy and productive life. Further, effective efforts to improve child health are evidence-based and research driven in both their development and evaluation. NAPNAP also believes that healthy bodies come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Therefore, the NAPNAP HEAT Initiative has chosen a positive focus on meeting the needs of all children and families for the consistent provision of evidence-based guidance in regard to nutrition and physical activity to establish healthy behaviors for life. Objectives - To achieve leadership in the promotion of good nutrition, feeding/eating, and physical activity behaviors from birth through young adulthood within the primary care setting.
- To develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based, culturally appropriate clinical practice guidelines for health professionals focused on optimal nutrition, feeding/eating, and physical activity to guide care.
- To educate target audiences about good nutrition, feeding/eating, and physical activity behaviors.
- To effect change in public policies to ensure access to high quality resources for nutrition and physical activity for all children and families.
Unique Characteristics of the HEAT Approach - Prevention - is the focus. Everyone needs a balance between good nutrition and physical activity for good growth and health. There is an abundance of evidence on healthful nutrition and physical activity and their benefits, and evidence that practitioners need help to share this information consistently and effectively with families.
- Culture - because overweight differentially impacts minority youth, information and intervention will be tailored for cultural acceptability
- Strength-based - families are our indispensable partners: practitioners need to affirm and build upon the good things parents and children are already doing.
- Relationship-based - effective intervention depends on the quality of relationships. The guidelines will include implementation strategies for building the relationships between the parent and child and between the professional and family members.
For more information, A HEAT one page summary can be accessed by clicking here or contact NAPNAP at 856-857-9700 
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