Kentucky has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity.   The risk factors of poor nutrition and physical inactivity associated with cardiovascular disease begin early in life (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2004).  Therefore, educational programs which address the importance of healthy nutrition and increased physical activity are needed.   The Campbell County Extension Service addressed these issues through the following program- Leap.

The Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with Campbell Ridge Preschool, on an 8-session curriculum called Leap (Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Preschoolers) for Health to 40 children.   Storybooks were used to teach children the importance of staying healthy, being physically active, and eating more fruits and vegetables.  Each session included reading the story, tasting foods introduced in the story, and a reinforcement activity such as discussing how to brush one’s teeth.  At the end of the 8th session, the following statistics were found:

1. 91% could identify strawberries as a fruit.
2. 89% said that exercising and being physically active was important, 
3. 89% knew that they were to brush their teeth at least 2 times every day.  
4. 74% of the children could identify spinach as a vegetable.