A new program from Tanner Health System and its Get Healthy, Live Well initiative is helping families work together to face the nation’s growing childhood obesity problem.
More than one-third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A new program called Kids N Fitness is coming to west Georgia to help families facing this challenge.
Kids N Fitness is an evidence-based program where entire families meet once a week for 90 minutes through the course of six weeks. The program, which was developed by doctors and health professionals for the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, is being funded by Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy, Live Well initiative. It is for children ages 8-16 and their parents.
“It’s a family approach that brings everyone together to help them make healthy changes to their lifestyle, rather than just targeting the child who is overweight,” said Christina Schoerner, RD, a registered dietitian and health coach at Tanner Health System. “We believe it’s the best approach to educate the entire family.”
Each Kids N Fitness class is divided into two parts. The first half is a nutrition lesson for families to participate in together. During the second half, the kids participate in a fun physical activity while the adults have a support group session and get more in-depth nutrition and health information. Each class features a healthy snack and a take-home item to encourage fitness, such as a jump rope, Frisbee, pedometer or water bottle.
The sessions provide important nutrition and health information, while guiding families to make healthy changes in their lifestyle. The program also offers crucial support for children and families struggling with weight problems.
“Often, kids who are overweight have been bullied or have struggled with low self-esteem, so this is a safe place for them to learn together and find new physical activities they can enjoy,” Schoerner said. “It can help give them a new confidence that will be with them for the rest of their lives.”
Classes begin Aug. 18, and another session will be offered in October. Spaces are limited. To sign up for this free program, call 770.214.CARE or register online at www.GetHealthyLiveWell.org.
Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy, Live Well initiative is working to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent chronic disease for residents of Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties by decreasing health disparities, reducing obesity rates, eliminating tobacco use, increasing physical activity and improving nutrition. The initiative is funded in part by the CDC’s Partnerships to Improve Community Health.
More information is available online at GetHealthyLiveWell.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tannerhealthsys.
