Fit N' Healthy Kid Style!

Parkland Medical Center Offers “Fit & Healthy, KID STYLE!,” an eight week weight management program for children, will kick off in two locations, March 27, 2006 at Hampstead Health and Fitness Club in Hampstead, and March 28, 2006 at the Workout Club and Wellness Center in Londonderry. The program is designed specifically for children ages 9-12 to learn how food works in their bodies and the value of physical activity on health.

“This program can truly provide a family with the knowledge to make healthy lifestyle decisions,” says Peggy Connors, Licensed Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition Services at Parkland Medical Center. “Implementing a prevention program and providing families with a better understanding of treatment for youngsters is important to controlling the obesity epidemic.”

Working together with their families, children are encouraged to make healthy changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle to achieve long-term weight loss. Parents learn how to encourage healthy eating and physical activity at home, in school and on the go. According to Connors, a board-certified internist, registered dietitian, psychiatric nurse practitioner and an exercise physiologist from either the Workout Club and Wellness Center or Hampstead Health and Fitness, facilitate the program.

Health conditions caused by obesity include high blood pressure, cardiac dysfunction, diabetes, high cholesterol, respiratory problems, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, arthritis, heartburn, and hernia. Long-term weight loss can reduce the effects of these conditions, increase longevity, and improve the quality of life.

The cost for the eight week program is $199 per family, which includes course materials. Some Insurance companies will often reimburse for pediatric obesity wellness programs.

For more information, please call the Workout Club and Wellness Center in Londonderry at (603) 434-6565 ext. 57 or Hampstead Health and Fitness Club at (603) 382-9291 ext. 201 or visit www.parklandmedicalcenter.com.