Welcome to Healthy Directions

Featuring the Healthy Children Healthy Futures (HCHF) Programs

Healthy Directions Inc., a 501 (c) 3 organization develops designs and implements materials and programs targeted to intergenerational populations for obesity prevention and related health/social issues.  Our programs focus on underserved populations through the Healthy Children Healthy Futures (HCHF) program.

8 Habits Framework

The HCHF conceptual framework is “The 8 Habits of Healthy Kids™.” These simple healthy eating and physical activity concepts were developed by the HCHF professional staff and were approved by national child health and nutrition experts.

The HCHF Program recognizes the critical need to address the epidemic of overweight, obesity, and lack of physical activity among our nation's children.

Originally developed by Strang Cancer Prevention Center in 2001 with support from MetLife Foundation, our goal is to promote programs to help children, parents, and grandparents become advocates — in their families, homes, schools, and communities — for healthy eating and increased physical activity.

Now in seven cities, HCHF continues to expand. As part of its growth, HCHF added new partners in 2007-2009: American Academy of Pediatrics, Generations United, Action for Healthy Kids, and “I HAVE A DREAM” FOUNDATION. 

Healthy Directions recognizes the need to address the high rates of obesity and lack of physical activity among our nation’s children and adults, especially in urban areas.

Obesity, long known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, is now documented as a major risk factor for cancer, especially in our underserved populations.

Trends show consistent increases in obesity levels among children as well.  Surveys show a more than two-fold increase in overweight among pre-schoolers, aged 2-5; a nearly three-fold increase in those aged 6-11; and about a three and a half-fold increase for those aged 12-19.

To assure a healthy weight, there are numerous barriers that children and their families need to overcome.  These barriers cross a myriad of demographics in cities, towns, and states across the country.

It is estimated that the high obesity rates will continue unless strategies to address the challenges of healthy eating and increased physical activity are implemented to include both individual behaviors and the social environment.

Healthy Directions can offer services and programs, in addition to Healthy Children Healthy Futures (HCHF), by joining forces with a wide-variety of public organizations, foundations and corporations to provide effective resources and targeted initiatives. 

Managed by Charles Potter, Seapotter Corporation