Texas Medical Association targeted childhood obesity with Project WATCH, which began in 1999. The three-year program aimed to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by heart disease and stroke (brain attack), the number one and three killers in Texas and the nation. The program focused on the diseases’ five leading preventable risk factors: Weight, Activity, Tobacco, Cholesterol, and High blood pressure.
Local TMA Alliance chapters worked in partnership with school districts, and PTAs and PTOs. They promoted activity days and health education. TMA also made patient brochures and in-office tools available to physicians. The Fort Bend Medical Society Alliance was one of the program’s champions and continues to fight obesity locally using Project WATCH. The Fort Bend Independent School District adopted the program, and WATCH Week is a part of the each school year.
Last Updated On
June 21, 2012
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010