This study demonstrates an association between current exposure to tobacco smoke and a low risk for atopic disorders in smokers themselves and a similar tendency in their children. There is a need for further studies with a prospective design to certify the causal direction of this association. Smoking habits and atopic disorder in parents should not be considered independent variables in epidemiological studies of the connection between exposure to tobacco smoke and atopy in children.

The family and home environment are important in shaping the dietary patterns of children, yet research among low-income, minority groups is limited. We examined ethnic differences in the home food environment and parental practices among 706 low-income, African-American and Hispanic families of preschoolers. Questionnaires measured the access and availability of various foods in the home, parental practices, and meal consumption behaviors. Mixed model logistic regression and ANCOVA were used to assess ethnic differences. Unhealthy foods were available for both groups. Hispanic families were more likely to have fresh vegetables (AOR = 2.9, P = 0.001), fruit (AOR = 2.0, P = 0.004), and soda available (AOR = 1.40, P = 0.001) compared to African-Americans. African-Americans families were more likely to restrict (AOR = 0.63, P = 0.001) and reward with dessert (AOR = 0.69, P = 0.001). Hispanic families consumed more family meals together (P = 0.003) and less meals in front of the television (P = 0.006). Health promotion interventions should consider the behavioral differences between ethnicities.

Garden-based lessons are gaining popularity as a means of increasing fruit and vegetable intake among children. The study objective was to pilot test a garden-based preschool curriculum for feasibility and acceptability in Harris County Department of Education Head Start using qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 103, 3-to 5-year-old children at two Head Start centers in Harris County, Texas participated. PLANT Gardens (Preschoolers Learn About Nutrition Through Gardens), a theoretically grounded, teacher-led, garden-based nutrition education program for preschoolers was implemented over 8 weeks in spring 2008. Heights and weights were measured on participating children. Data regarding program feasibility and acceptability were obtained through post-intervention focus groups with teachers and parents, weekly lesson plan evaluation forms completed by project staff, and post intervention teacher surveys. Pre−post self-reported parent surveys were used to evaluate the effects of the program on their preschooler's fruit and vegetable preferences and willingness. The results showed that, overall, 28.4 percent of the Head Start preschooler's population were overweight or obese, yet only 3 percent of parents perceived their preschooler as overweight. This pilot test revealed strong acceptability and feasibility of the PLANT Gardens program in this Head Start population. Results of the parent surveys (n= 25) indicated a significant increase in their preschooler's willingness to try new fruits and vegetables (67% at baseline vs 84% post-intervention; p = 0.026). Data were used to further refine the program components. In conclusion, the PLANT Gardens program showed good initial feasibility and acceptability and is a promising program to increase preference and intake of fruits and vegetables in a preschool population. Further evaluation of behavioral outcomes using a larger sample size and a prospective design is needed.

Background:The literature on theoretically-based programs targeting healthy nutrition and physical activity in preschools is scarce. Purpose: To pilot test CATCH Early Childhood (CEC), a preschool-based nutrition and physical activity program among children ages three to five in Head Start. Methods: The study was conducted in two Head Start centers (N=75 children, their parents; 9 teachers). CEC was implemented by trained teachers over six weeks in fall 2008. Qualitative data on feasibility and acceptability was collected using post-intervention parent and teacher focus groups and lesson plan evaluation forms. Pre-to-post intervention changes in children's fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity at school were evaluated. Results: Results showed good feasibility and acceptability for the classroom curriculum, activity box and parent tip-sheets. There was a trend towards an increase in children's fruit, 100% fruit juice and vegetable intake and mean minutes of physical activity at school pre-to-post intervention. However, this increase was not significant. Discussion: The CEC program showed good feasibility and acceptability in the study population. Further evaluation of behavioral outcomes using a larger sample and a prospective design is needed. Translation to Health Education Practice: These results provide information important for developing and implementing evidence-based programs in preschools.