Upcoming Training Opportunities for Action: Exploring and Addressing Childhood Obesity (webinar)

Professor Ranjita Misra, PhD, will lead "Opportunities for Action: Exploring and Addressing Childhood Obesity," a webinar series hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Public Health Training Center (MAR-PHTC). Webinar 1 will be held on August 4; webinar 2 on August 11. This webinar series is appropriate for public health practitioners with varying professional experiences and diverse educational backgrounds. Additional details and the registration link follow. 

The MAR-PHTC is a partnership among schools of public health, academic institutions, and public health agencies and organizations. It works to strengthen the capabilities of the public health workforce to support the delivery of high quality public health services throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. 

Opportunities for Action: Exploring and Addressing Childhood Obesity (webinar series) 

Webinars will take place Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–noon (EST)

• Webinar 1: August 4, 2020
• Webinar 2: August 11, 2020

Description:

The first of a two-part series, Module 1 examines the current childhood obesity epidemic. Beginning with defining characteristics, it follows the path that has led to the current crisis. The focus is on the trends, the contributing factors, and the risks associated with childhood obesity. Opportunities for action are also explored.

Module 2 will familiarize participants with evidence-based programs and best practices in preventing childhood obesity in the DHHS Region 3.

Location:
Online. Information to access this interactive webinar will be sent upon registration.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of Module 1, participants will be able to:

• describe the national trends contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic;
• list social determinants of health and risk factors related to childhood obesity;
• explain the health consequences of childhood obesity;
• identify strategies to address childhood obesity; and
• describe policy and prevention efforts toward keeping kids healthy.

At the conclusion of Module 2, participants will be able to:

• define three (3) types of obesity prevention interventions;
• identify the three (3) categories of government priority policies for reducing childhood obesity;
• describe the status of Region III’s efforts to meet state policies in three (3) areas: early childhood, schools, and communities; and
• describe steps to apply a framework to prevent childhood obesity in early care and Education settings.

Target Audience:
This webinar series is appropriate for public health practitioners with varying professional experiences and diverse educational backgrounds.

Continuing Education:
Continuing Education credits for certified public health professionals (CPH-CE, 2 hours) and CHES (2 entry) are available. To receive credit, participants must attend both webinars from beginning to end and complete an evaluation; no partial credit will be given.

Instructor: Ranjita Misra, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the West Virginia University School of Public Health. Misra has an extensive history in health education and disease prevention. She possesses a strong background in obesity, diabetes and community-based programs. Misra has been working with underserved and rural communities since 2000 and uses low-cost models (such as community health workers and health coaches) and community-based participatory approach to tailored culturally appropriate strategies in multi-ethnic populations. She has led multiple teams at the local, state and national level on chronic disease prevention and management in community, faith-based and clinical settings.

Technology Requirements:
This interactive webinar is presented through the Go to Meeting Internet-based platform. A computer with high-speed internet connection and the ability to download and run this platform is required. Connection information will be provided following registration. Basic functionality, including the use of a feature to type in questions, will be reviewed during the webinar.

We suggest using a headset or webcam with microphone to best engage with the presenter throughout the webinars. Be sure to connect your speaking device to your computer before you enter the virtual webinar room. Trying to connect your speaking device after you enter the room may cause Go to Meeting to not recognize the device and render it unusable.

How to Register:

1. Log on to https://lms.marphtc.pitt.edu/ and sign in with your username and password.
2. Navigate to the Training/Upcoming page and select Opportunities for Action: Exploring and Addressing Childhood Obesity - webinar series and click the "Enroll" button under Course Registration at the bottom of the page.
3. After you are successfully enrolled, you will receive an email confirmation that contains important information about this course.

If you do not have an account:

1. Visit https://lms.marphtc.pitt.edu/login/index.php to create an account.
2. After you create an account, you will receive an email asking to confirm your account. Click "confirm" in that email message.
3. After confirming your account, navigate to the Training/Upcoming page and select Opportunities for Action: Exploring and Addressing Childhood Obesity - webinar series and click the "Enroll" button under Course Registration at the bottom of the page.
4. After you are successfully enrolled, you will receive an email confirmation that contains important information about this course.

For more information about this course or for assistance with registration, contact marphtc@pitt.edu.

Registration closing date: 8/03/20 at noon (EST)

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact marphtc@pitt.edu by July 27, 2020 at 1 p.m. EST.