The Mayo Clinic reports that over the past 30 years, the rate of obesity in the United States has more than doubled for preschoolers and adolescents, and it has more than tripled for children ages six to 11. To address the epidemic of childhood obesity and give help to children struggling to deal with weight issues, Memorial Hospital is partnering with the Highmark Foundation to offer KidShape®, a nationally recognized family-based weight management program.
The nine-week program, sponsored throughout the state as part of the Highmark Healthy High 5 initiative, is for families with overweight children ages six to 14. The program helps children and their families through better nutrition, increased physical activity and improved self-esteem.
Children are referred into the program — based on weight criteria — by a physician, school nurse or other health care provider. Parents or guardians enroll along with their child in KidShape and are required to attend the sessions. Participants do not have to have insurance to participate in the program.
A registered dietitian, mental health professional, and physical activity specialist work together as a team to help local families adopt better nutrition habits and engage in more frequent physical activity while providing group and peer support. Developed in California in 1987 by a pediatric endocrinologist, KidShape has shown effectiveness in helping families improve their eating and exercise habits. Eighty-seven percent of students lose weight during the nine-week program and children who return for follow-up sessions report maintaining weight or continuing weight loss 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 years after the program ends.
“We believe that by participating in this program, overweight children and their families will be able to make significant lifestyle changes crucial to their long-term health and wellness, said Josette Myers, vice president of Marketing and Development. “During the nine-week program, children and parents participate in hands-on activities that are educational and fun. An incentive program motivates students to stay with the program. Based on attendance and completed assignments students have an opportunity to earn prizes.”
Memorial Hospital will offer KidShape on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. from February 17 to April 14. The program will be held at StillMeadow Church, 400 Stillmeadow Lane in York. There is a $10 enrollment fee to participate. Anyone interested in learning more about Memorial Hospital’s KidShape program is encouraged to call the Community Relations and Development Department at 849-5492.