Principal Investigator: Guadalupe X. "Suchi" Ayala, PhD, MPH
Project Manager: Erika Hernández, MA, MPH candidate
Years: 2006-2007
Financial support from San Diego State University

Welcome to our site. BACH is proud to be part of many community health programs and one of our most recent projects involves fathers. Fathers are often characterized as the financial provider for the home - the breadwinner. However fathers are more involved in the overall well-being of their families than previously believed. Today, a father is much more than a financial provider. He is a loving husband, consumed father, and family man-he is an individual filled with emotional richness and a progressive protector.

As the obesity epidemic continues to make gains within our community, studies such as our father study become critical in our fight against childhood obesity. Fathers can model and encourage change by being involved in their family's eating habits and physical activity. By setting and leading the example, fathers can be positive role models for their children.

In the summer of 2006, more than 500 surveys were sent to the homes of Latino families with male caregivers to better understand how Latino fathers participate in household activities such as nutritional habits and physical activity. With the support of the community, we hope that the father study will contribute to the well-being of all families and celebrate the importance of a supportive and healthy family environment.