One in three American children is overweight. That number has tripled since 1980, and represents the most significant health threat to children in our country. Overweight children are:
• At greater risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and cancer
• More likely to experience social and psychological problems
• More likely to experience memory and learning problems due to sleep apnea
• More likely to become overweight or obese adults
Dixie Regional Medical Center is offering a series of classes called “LiVe Healthy Habits for Kids”. Part of Intermountain Healthcare’s “LiVe—This is Your Life” program, these classes focus on helping children and their families develop healthy strategies for weight control and eating.
“Childhood obesity is an epidemic in our country,” said Gloria Johnson, registered dietician and LiVe course instructor. “While we will work on helping participants lose weight, this is not a quick-fix diet program. The focus is on providing kids and parents with information and practical tools that will help them make good food choices and develop lifelong healthy habits.”
The series of 12 classes will be taught by Johnson and others, including specialists in physical therapy and child life, and a chef. The classes are broken up into three categories:
• Nutrition, including core information, label reading, meal planning, and family meals
• Exercise, including core information, cardiovascular, and strength and endurance training
• Behavior, including core information, eating environments, emotional eating, and body image
Classes are held the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. starting November 13, and will meet at the Dixie Regional 400 East campus in the room behind the cafeteria on the lower level. The classes are open to kids ages five to 18 (no children under age five please). Cost is $225 per child; siblings and parents are encouraged to participate at no additional charge. Those covered by SelectHealth insurance may qualify for a $200 rebate upon successful completion of the course. New participants are welcome to join at any time during the year.
In addition to the group course, Dixie Regional also offers individual counseling for children struggling with weight issues. This program is scheduled at a child’s own pace and the cost is $425.
For more information or to sign up for the group course, please call 435-688-4180. To arrange for individual counseling sessions, call 435-688-4184. For more information on Intermountain’s LiVe program for kids, check www.intermountainlive.org.
