Health Promotion Guidance for a Rural Community

PurposeTo determine if an educational pamphlet would be useful to parents of overweight/obese/at risk children living in a rural county in the southeastern United States.Data SourcesA sample of 44 rural parents whose children, ages 6–18, attended a private rural health center and have a body mass index (BMI) recorded in the patient chart.ConclusionAn educational pamphlet on diet and exercise is both helpful and acceptable.Implications for practiceAn educational pamphlet that outlines healthy eating guidelines and exercise suggestions used as a first line intervention should accompany BMI screening results to aid in parental education.