Huntington Hospital Gets Kids Off the Couch and on a Healthy Eating Program

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 29 Mar 2005 - 0:00 PST

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Childhood obesity is running out of control and Dr. Paula Verrette, Huntington Hospital pediatrician, is not going to take it sitting down! With one in four overweight children exhibiting the early signs of Type II diabetes, and 60 percent demonstrating at least one risk factor for heart disease, it's time to put the video games down, shut off the TV and learn the facts to be fit.

Enter the Healthy Eating Lifestyle Program, or HELP, a plan that makes healthy eating simple and fun for the whole family. "Now is the time!" said Verrette, Huntington's Chief of Medical Staff. "America has to do something about its obesity problem and we must start with our children."

In a colorful "supermarket" filled with life-like fast-food stations, food mazes, puzzles, and board game, kids learn about managing their food consumption, nutritional components (carbs, calories and fat grams) and food labeling. An "Olympic" theme compares food items as gold, silver, bronze or brick.

The six-session workshop for kids aged 5-12 (and their families) covers food and fitness FUNdamentals. Topics include smart shopping, family meal planning, eating at fast food restaurants, dining on special occasions and creating simple recipes. Kids also learn about one of the basic keys to eating -- balance.

"It does no good to tell a child he can have an ice cream cone each Monday, if the school is serving ice cream on Wednesday," said Verrette. "They have to learn to manage themselves. It's a great skill that will reap lifetime benefits."

The HELP program at Huntington is supported by a grant from the UniHealth Foundation and was designed by a team of experts, including pediatricians, registered dietitians and exercise specialists for families with children experiencing weight issues.

Weekly workshop sessions include:

* Food and Fitness FUNdamentals -- the facts about diet and exercise

* Health Habits -- small changes to make big improvements

* Shop Smart -- Learn to put the best foods in your grocery cart

* Fantastic Feasts -- Enjoy the holidays and dining out while you stay healthy

* Keen Cuisine -- Quick, easy cooking adjustments to turn unhealthy meals into healthy ones.

Appropriate children are identified for the program by school officials and/or their private pediatricians. A short health screening clearance form must be submitted by their doctors. Participants must have a BMI (body mass index) above the 85th percentile for their age to qualify.

Dr. Verrette also developed Huntington's NOVA award winning community asthma program, which provides ongoing education for asthmatic children and their families. This program has made a tremendous impact in the San Gabriel Valley, notably the reduction of emergency room visits due to asthma attacks.

Verrette recently received congressional recognition as a "Local Legend" for her positive and enduring contribution to her community's health care. For more information or to enroll in the program, call (626) 397-3660 or (877) 485-HELP. You must register to attend the workshop.

Huntington Hospital provides a full complement of medical services including cardiology, surgical and emergency services, women's and children's services, the Huntington Cancer Center and the Huntington Senior Care Network. The hospital has the only trauma center, the only pediatric intensive care unit and the only regional neonatal intensive care unit in the San Gabriel Valley. Huntington Hospital is affiliated with the University of Southern California School of Medicine.

Huntington Hospital
http://www.huntingtonhospital.com/default.cfm

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