PEDIATRIC OBESITY
Healthier Tomorrows Helps Kids Get Fit
Despite our national obsession with dieting, Americans are heavier than ever before. And the trend is affecting children as well as adults. The American Obesity Association estimates that 30 percent of children ages 6 – 11 are overweight, and 15 percent are obese. Fast food, high calorie snacks, the rising popularity of videogames and the lack of emphasis on physical activity have all contributed to this epidemic, which has not only social implications, but serious health consequences as well.

Beginning in January, Huntington Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics, in cooperation with the Dolan Family Health Center and the Huntington YMCA, will offer a 10-week program to help children ages 9 -16 reverse early weight problems. “Healthier Tomorrows” is a unique program combining fun group exercise sessions with nutritional guidance and psychosocial support to help youngsters learn about healthy lifestyle choices and implement positive changes.

“Diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases that we once saw primarily in adults are becoming more common in children,” said Thomas McDonagh, MD, Chief of Pediatrics at Huntington and Co-Director of Healthier Tomorrows. “And research has shown that overweight children and adolescents are more likely to be overweight as adults, when they will face an even greater risk of chronic health problems.”

Because children still need adequate nutrition and calories to sustain growth, Healthier Tomorrows focuses on healthy food choices rather than a traditional diet. Handouts and journals encourage children and their parents to learn about the nutritional value of different foods.

“Participants are encouraged to keep a food diary to help them understand how the foods they eat impact on their overall well-being,” explained dietitian Joy Licata, RD, Associate Director of Huntington’s Dietary Department. Ms. Licata provides an initial individual session with each participant, and meets with the children in group sessions bi-weekly throughout the 10 weeks of the program.
Because weight issues can be fraught with emotion, particularly among developing children, Renee MacLeod, CSW, facilitates group discussion sessions on a bi-weekly basis. “We use positive affirmations to encourage and support the children during this process, and also provide them with an opportunity to share their feelings with one another,” she said.

The keystone of the program is 45-minute group exercise classes held twice weekly. Designed by Donna Grant, PT, Director of Huntington Hospital’s Aboff Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center, in cooperation with exercise specialists from the YMCA, the sessions include warm-ups and aerobic exercises and activities created specifically for kids. Exercise homework will be assigned to encourage children to maintain their activity levels all week long.
At the end of the 10 weeks, children who wish to continue exercising will have the opportunity to purchase a discounted membership at the YMCA, which offers a wide range of fitness and sports programs for people of all ages.

“We are pleased to participate in this program because it dovetails with the YMCA’s goals of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities,” commented YMCA Executive Director Eileen Knauer.

Medical oversight is a critical component of the Healthier Tomorrows program. Dr. McDonagh and William Gehrhardt, MD, Director of Pediatrics at the Dolan Family Health Center and Co-Director of Healthier Tomorrows, work with registered nurses from the Dolan Family Health Center to monitor the children’s progress. Close communication is maintained between the program’s physicians and the child’s primary pediatrician to ensure that short term benefits continue beyond the duration of the program.

There is a nominal fee of $10 per week for attendance in this innovative program. In order to keep costs low, underwriting is being sought from private foundations, corporations, and individuals.

The program will be held at the Dolan Family Health Center located at 284 Pulaski Road in Greenlawn. Sessions are scheduled after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please call (631) 351-7923.

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