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Program Components

Education and Behavior Modification

Through nutrition education and behavior modification techniques, the program helps children prevent further weight gain and avoid the illnesses associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Our goal is the achievement of a healthy weight.The treatment plan for that goal will be tailored for each child or adolescent.

Principles of Good Eating

Families will be introduced to the principles of good nutrition with particular emphasis on portion size and healthy snacking. The Center will assist families in creating customized Family Nutrition Plans. Long-term weight control extending five to 10 years after initial treatment has been achieved when these principles are followed in combination with behavior modification, exercise and family involvement.

"There is no question,” says Dr. Woodall-Ruff. “These children will be healthier adults tomorrow if we intervene today. Tomorrow is too late."

Excercise is Key

The program’s exercise component will stress lifestyle exercises — such as climbing stairs, mowing the lawn or walking the dog — that can be incorporated into daily life. Families will supplement lifestyle exercise with such activities as jogging, swimming, jumping rope and playing basketball, and children will be strongly encouraged to pursue more active activities.

Currently, we have partnered with the Downtown YMCA to provide a youth fitness class. The classes meet every Thursday and are free of charge to anyone who is enrolled in the program.

Family Centered

Parents play an important role in treatment.The program takes a family-centered approach to healthy eating and physical activity habits, according to pediatrician Denise Woodall-Ruff,MD, program designer and director. Changes to a family’s lifestyle are introduced in gradual phases. Families advance to the next phase
only when they accomplish the two or three specific changes in diet and activity that have been recommended during prior visits.

Team Approach

The new Children’s Center for Nutrition and Exercise enlists the services of a pediatrician, pediatric nutritionist and clinical social worker (behavior counselor). We also have the generous assitance of volunteers from the Advocates.

Support Group

The Healthy Lifestyle Family Program features an evening group session which helps participants get the most out of the program by learning from and sharing with other families.