The "Fit Kids for Life" program started 13 years ago to help children ages eight to 17 years old with cardiovascular risk factors—including obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. This 10-week program helps kids (and their parents) introduce healthy nutrition, lifestyle, and exercise habits building on basic American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association guidelines. The Stony Brook Children's team running the program includes team leader and pediatric cardiologist Peter Morelli, MD; a general pediatrician; a pediatric nutritionist, physical therapists, and medical students.
Under the supervision of these experts, children and teens enrolled in the "Fit Kids for Life" program learn:- The importance of a balanced diet
- Portion and size control
- How to read food labels
- What healthy food actually tastes like
- How to make healthy food choices at home, school, and at restaurants
- Safe (and age appropriate) exercise techniques
- Strength training
- Muscle toning
- Goal setting, including training for a 5 K race
- Maintaining weight loss
Classes meet Wednesday evenings 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm and Saturday mornings from 9 am to 11 am, covering one hour of nutrition education and three hours of exercise a week. Participants, who must have a body mass index over 85%, generally get referred in by a family doctor, school nurse, or pediatrician, but the program is open to all who qualify. Participants will be initially assessed by a physician.
Contact: For information, call (631) 444-2725.