Beloit to participate in University of Kansas Medical Center healthy lifestyles study, iAmHealthy Parents First
Beloit, Kansas. — Beloit Medical Center and Beloit Elementary School are partnering with researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center in a study that helps families in rural areas learn healthy lifestyle skills. iAmHealthy Parents First is an innovative and collaborative project comparing two different 3-month parent programs followed by a 6-month family program. The study teaches healthy lifestyle behaviors that can help adults with weight loss and help kids and families to lead healthier lives. The study will include parents or caregivers with a child in grades 1-5.
“We wanted to be a part of iAmHealthy Parents First to help improve the physical and mental health of families in our community,” said Janna Schmitt, Beloit Medical Center. “Studies like these empower our parents and their children with practical tools to develop healthy habits, and we hope the information gathered gives clinics and schools insight on best approaches for rural residents.”
“The iAmHealthy Parents First program starts by offering support for parents then transitions to a family program focused on healthy lifestyles,” said Christie Befort, Ph.D., principal investigator for the study and a professor in the University of Kansas School of Medicine’s Department of Population Health. “We hope helping and educating parents first will set the stage for the whole family to be successful.”
Beloit is one of eight towns in Kansas participating in the study over a 9-month period. The program is supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, and it is offered at no cost to the participating families.
“We appreciate the opportunity to positively impact our community, and we are looking forward to the chance to collaborate with other rural towns,” said Vicki Jackson, Beloit Elementary School.
To find out more about iAmHealthy Parents First, visit www.iAmHealthyParentsFirst.com or contact the study team at iAmHealthyParentsFirst@kumc.edu or by calling or texting (833) 544-7433.