There is a great opportunity for population health managers to make the whole family healthier by engaging the children first. Health and wellness programs specifically designed for children are fun, achievable, and educational. They get kids moving without making it feel like work or a chore. Many digital health programs are using gamification techniques, such as challenges and leaderboards, as well as aligning activities and behaviors with incentives and rewards to get consumers motivated and excited to participate. Making programs fun and rewarding are even more important for kids. This younger generation responds to instant gratification and thrives on the feelings of competition and accomplishment. Maria found that using a kids-focused digital health program had a big impact, even with small changes. These activities included:

Setting family goals for daily steps
Logging activity online together and tracking progress
Limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor play
Replacing juice with water or milk

Kids programs have the potential to have a clear and powerful impact in the short and long term. Research shows that the average total health expense for children treated for obesity under private insurance is more than three times that of the average health costs of all children. A similar disparity exists for children covered under Medicaid. When you factor in soft costs, like parent absenteeism at work, and consider the potential long-term costs of obese kids becoming obese adults, childhood intervention is a smart investment that pays off in the short-term and over a lifetime.

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The secret to helping families get healthy? Start with the kids

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