AAFP Garners Second MetLife Grant for Children's Books on Health, Well-being

High demand for a children's book and DVD developed by the AAFP and distributed free to members beginning earlier this year will lead to a set of new books about physical activity, nutrition and emotional well-being in 2010.

"It's been a dream project," said Sarah McMullen, the Academy's public health initiatives manager. "We have doctors clamoring for these books."

The original F is for Fitness book and "Make a Change for Family Fitness" DVD, both products of the AAFP's Americans in Motion, or AIM, initiative, were made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation, with support from the AAFP Foundation.

MetLife Foundation now has awarded a second grant that will result in a set of three books -- A is For Active, F is for Feeling and E is for Eating -- next summer. The set will be distributed to about 37,000 Academy members who treat children and all 455 family medicine residency programs.

F is for Fitness was distributed in similar fashion beginning in May. McMullen said it was member response to that first book that helped the Academy earn a second grant.

Originally intended as reception room materials to help initiate dialogues about fitness among physicians, parents and children, McMullen said many physicians -- who often have limited time during office visits -- are giving the books and DVDs to patients.

More than 1,000 members requested additional copies of F is for Fitness via business reply cards that were shipped with the books, she said, and about 900 physicians requested additional books through the Academy's Member Contact Center.

"That's why we've gone from offering 10 free books to up to 100 for each AAFP member," McMullen said. "Demand has been incredible."

Printed in English with Spanish translations, the books are designed to counter the nation's epidemic of childhood obesity.

"The books provide a simple, effective, nonthreatening, fun teachable moment in a colorful way that will resonate with young patients and family members," McMullen said.

Copies of F is for Fitness and the "Make a Change for Family Fitness" DVD still are available through the Academy's Products and Services Catalog (select "Patient Information - AIM"). Members pay only shipping and handling.