With rising childhood obesity rates, ensuring children adopt healthy habits early is imperative. Given the unique context for Alaska Native families living in rural remote communities, who are concurrently experiencing changes in traditional practices, we investigated what impacts parents' decisions as they relate to daily living before revising a preschool curriculum focused on healthy habits. The objective of this study was to explore factors influencing parents' decisions about their children's foods, beverages, and activities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFood pantry clients experience many health disparities, including elevated incidence of diabetes, heart disease, and other nutrition-related conditions. Nutrition education interventions in the form of a nudge can be an effective method to increase nutrition knowledge and healthy pantry food selection. Currently there is no nutrition education program at the largest food pantry in Alaska.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFor more than 50 years, government programmes in the USA have been in place to help those in need have consistent access to food and education. However, questions have surfaced regarding whether or not these support impact traditional ways, such as cultural activities, food preferences, and overall health, particularly for Indigenous populations. In this paper, we share insights voiced by Alaska Native Elders in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region of Alaska and their perceptions of regulations, assistance, and the impact government assistance programmes have had on their culture.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Given the increasing rates of childhood obesity in Alaska Native children and the understanding that the most effective interventions are informed by and reflect the cultural knowledge of the community in which they are implemented, this project sought to gather the wisdom of local Yup'ik and Cup'ik Elders in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region of Alaska around how to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Methods: Perspectives were sought through the use of semi-structured focus groups, which were completed in person in twelve communities. All conversations were recorded, translated, transcribed, and analyzed using a qualitative approach, where key themes were identified.