Weight Management For Kids
Parents often feel guilty and blame themselves for their child’s extra weight. However, obesity is a problem that is affecting many, many households across our community. You need to know that there is hope. There are many ways that your family can help your child lose weight successfully. And we are here to help you.
The Center for Fit Families
The Center for Fit Families is a clinic specially designed for children and families struggling with weight management and obesity. Since January 2006, healthcare providers at the Center have been helping families like yours.
Fit Families Highlights
During this comprehensive program, you will visit with a Fit Families:
- nurse practitioner or physician
- dietitian
- exercise coordinator
- mental health counselor
Dedicated staff will monitor children for high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Through this program, families draft goal-oriented action plans to address specific lifestyle changes. Families will learn about:
- Being overweight and its risk factors
- How to interpret their lab work
- Basic food pyramid guidelines and how they relate to the uniqueness of the individual
- Meal and activity plans that work for the family
- Easy, healthy snacks and meals
- Finding low or no-cost pastimes to increase activity and exercise
- "Fast food" and fad diets, and their consequences
- Goal setting for success
- Recognizing barriers to goals, while developing appropriate incentives to stay on track
- Positive methods to cope with stress and busy lifestyles
Families are encouraged to visit the Center regularly, using it as a resource to learn how to think, eat and exercise in healthier ways. Fit Families is also about building strong emotional health and gaining self-confidence.
Early Treatment is Important
By addressing your child’s needs now, you may prevent future health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.
Referrals
Children are often referred to the Center by physicians, school nurses or other healthcare professionals. However, families may contact the Center on their own to learn more about the program.
We are happy to work with our families’ regular physicians and send updates to their offices about patients’ progress.
You Can Afford It
Visits to the Center for Fit Families are covered by most insurance companies. Ask us more about this when you call.
Contact Us
For more information on the Center for Fit Families, call 369-4602 or e-mail fitfamilies@mercycare.org.
