Free App Helps Kids Conquer Huge Problem Affecting 1 in 3

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Nearly one-third of Michigan children are considered obese or overweight, but an app developed by the Henry Ford Health System aims to change that by teaching kids through fun games and activities to make healthy food choices and be more active during the day.

Michigan isn’t alone. KidsHealth.org says one in three children across the country is also considered obese. One of the big reasons is that kids spend less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer or video-game consoles. Also, the organization said, busy parents have less time to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals.

“We’re essentially meeting kids where they are by offering them an app with games that are fun and engaging,” Sharon Milberger, director of Henry Ford LiveWell, said in a news release. “By applying gaming principles, the app reinforces healthy behavior with game points to help kids learn how to make long-term, healthy decisions.”

Called “5-2-1-0 Kids!, the app was developed by Southfield-based Pixo Group with input from Henry Ford pediatricians, nutritionists and LiveWell health experts. It’s geared toward kids ages 4-9.

How to Get the App

The app is free and available for download in the App Store for Android and IOS devices.

The new app is based on the 5-2-1-0 education campaign from Maine’s Childhood Obesity Prevention Program Let’s Go!

To bring awareness to daily nutrition and physical activity recommendations for children — five servings of fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of recreational screen time (TV, video games, computer), one hour of physical activity and zero sugar-sweetened drinks. 5-2-1-0 is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Henry Ford pediatricians and family medicine physicians can prescribe the app for all young patients during their clinic visits.

“The app is an easy way for us to put some of our healthy living messages into play by showing kids how healthy foods fuel fun and encouraging them to get up and move through interactive music, dancing and playtime,” Leatherwood said.

And, the app is mindful of the two-hours or less of screen time encouraged by 5-2-1-0. It includes parental controls to monitor activity and limit screen time. The four mini-games included in the app feature characters based on all four steps of 5-2-1-0:

• 5: Hi5 shows players how to add fruits and veggies to all of their meals. With this game, players catch falling food on their plate ranging from fruits and vegetable to cake and candy. They earn points for collecting healthy foods but lose points if they catch the other foods. Players then add the fruits and veggies they’ve caught to make up plates to eat for breakfast, lunch dinner and a snack.
• 2: Twoey’s game encourages kids to get active by offering alternatives to screen time. When players advance to different squares on a game board they’re given an activity to complete – draw a picture, play rock-paper-scissors, have an indoor tea party or picnic, or see who can yell the loudest. Players only receive full points for an activity when parents verify it took place. The game is for up to four players.
• 1: Uno gets kids up and dancing. Players create their own dance routines on a customized dance floor to go along with their favorite songs. Using the camera on their smart phone, players dance along with their avatar and receive points for following the dance moves. All of the dance moves – marching in place and the swim – were selected to be a fun way to increase heart rate and maximize physical activity time.
• 0: Zip shows kids why it’s so important to drink milk and water instead of sugary drinks. As the player’s avatar travels along a path, he’s given a choice to select milk, water, a juice box or soda. When players choose the healthier option, their avatar moves from walking to running. But if they pick a sugary drink, the avatar will fall, stumble or slow down. As players continue to make healthy choices, they gain speed and points.

All four mini-games include scientifically rooted audio cues and text to make messages understandable and meaningful to young players

Once downloaded, parents are directed to Henry Ford’s 5-2-1-0 website with links to healthy recipes, activities and other resources to help follow the 5-2-1-0 message.

Parents also can help their child customize an avatar with eye color, hair and clothing to look like the players in real life.

“Our hope is that the app will encourage quality family time,” Leatherwood said. “When parents are involved, it really helps reinforce healthy behavior.”

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Photo via Wikimedia Commons