YOUTH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Concern about poor eating habits, inactive lifestyles and increasing childhood obesity tops the list of many health professionals. The Clinton County Health Department has initiated some programs to help address these concerns in our community.

The children’s weight management programs are based on lifestyle changes to assist children and families in achieving and maintaining healthy body weights and lifestyles.

Listed below are the details of the different youth weight management and growth monitoring programs that the Clinton County Health Department is offering to the community.

 

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"Weight-A-Minute" Child Growth Monitoring

Determining if our area is experiencing increases in rates of childhood overweight was the goal of the Child Growth Monitoring Project. Collaboration within the Health Department with our Health Services Unit and Nutrition enabled data collection in growth records from children ages 2 to 19 years of age in Clinton County.

Analysis of these over 2000 records gathered from schools, pediatric offices and clinics helped determine if Clinton County youth were following the trend of increases in Body Mass Index( BMI) which is used to determine overweight and obesity. It provided a clearer picture of needs in our area and allowed plans to be made to address the issue.


What do our Area Students Look Like?

Based on the results of the 2006 data gathered, it does appear that Clinton County youth are following the national trend of increasing body weights.

 Boys: 19% overweight

          22% obese

 Girls:  20% overweight

          23% obese

Nationally, the incidence of child obesity for both male and females is 18.8% for ages 6-11 years, and 17.4% for ages 12-19 years.


KidShape Program

KidShape is a nationally recognized program (www.kidShape.com)  to help children manage their weight. The family based program is offered throughout the year for children and their families. Meeting once per week for 9 weeks, families learn to address changes they can make within their family unit to enable kids to make healthier choices in their lifestyles.

Topics such as physical activity, screen time (video games, computer and television), snack choices, family dynamics and self esteem are covered in a group setting. Families who complete KidShape will have tools needed to continue with a healthy lifestyle.

The local program is sponsored as part of our Eat Well Play Hard partnership and involves the Health Department; Town of Plattsburgh Recreation; CVPH Medical Center; Eastern Adirondack Healthcare and Champlain Valley NAMI. Classes are team taught with a variety of professional staff, including a Registered Dietitian, an activity professional, and a mental health professional, which provides families with a broad variety of expertise.

How Do I Enroll?

Call the Nutrition Unit at 518-565-4840 for more information. Sessions may be held up to three times per year. Each child needs to be referred by a physician, and parents must meet for a preliminary assessment visit to help decide if the program can meet your needs.

Click here for our KidShape referral form

Click here for our brochure


"Fit WIC Kids" Program

Fit WIC KIDS is an initiative that is offered to WIC participants age 3-5 years. Developmentally appropriate physical activity is the message that is provided to participating WIC families, to encourage early, ongoing physical activity in youth.


How Does it Work?

Eligible WIC families will receive a Fit WIC Kids kit at their regular WIC appointment. The kit will provide low/no cost ideas for active play and activity to encourage physical movement and exercise. WIC staff will explain the contents to families.


What are The Benefits?

Getting young children away from the television and engaged in active play can help with physical development and may reduce the incidence of childhood overweight at a later age. People who engage in active lifestyles can lower their risk of illness later in their lives. It's not too early to start!


Contact Us

To receive more information on youth weight management, call or visit us at:

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