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Timely program reshapes kids' futures

A new effort at improving health takes aim at childhood obesity, in a partnership of the YMCA of the Suncoast, Pinellas governments and hospitals.

By MARSHA STRICKHOUSER
Published September 27, 2005

CLEARWATER - Kids tethered to the television, saddled with a sweet tooth and too young to get their bikes and ride to the rec center.

It's a recipe for childhood obesity.

Now the YMCA of the Suncoast is trying to change that for children 8-12 years old through an innovative weight loss program. It's designed to teach kids about long-term goals, food portions and the new food pyramid. Children even get some tips on surviving a birthday party sweets fest.

"We hope to change people's lives through this program," said Mark Wetzel, director of communications and marketing for the YMCA of the Suncoast, one of 34 YMCAs nationwide chosen to start "Activate America: Pioneering Healthier Communities."

The YMCA's partners for the initiative include All Children's Hospital, the city of Clearwater, KidShapers, Morton Plant Mease Health Care, the Pinellas County Health Department and Pinellas County Parks and Recreation.

The groups hope to "break the cycle of inactivity, poor nutrition and other culprits that exact a severe toll on our society," said G. Scott Goyer, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Suncoast, which has 10 branches throughout Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties.

As part of the initiative, the Clearwater branch YMCA has started the KidShapers program, launched first at All Children's Hospital more than a year ago.

"We can do a lot of stuff here but we're not a YMCA," said Cindy Rose, administrative director of marketing and community relations for All Children's Hospital.

Children will use journals to record physical activity and television time during the eight-week program. They will learn about real food and realistic serving sizes. The cost of KidShapers is $250 per family, but those on the school district's free or reduced-price lunch program will get a discount.

Participants are provided with a free YMCA family membership during the eight-week program, said Wetzel, and the YMCA will waive the joining fee for anybody wishing to join following the program.

In addition, J.C. Penney Co. is giving $25,000 to develop future programs.

The program catches the kids at just the right time.

"It's about empowering them," said Sarah Krieger, dietitian and coordinator of the KidShapers program. At this age bracket, children are not as dependent on parents but not as independent as teenagers. "They are learning how to make their own lunch, but also starting to get into that body competition."

The subjects of body image and bullying are also part of the curriculum.

"The main reason they want to take the class is that someone else has noticed," Krieger said. In some cases that means peers. In others, it's a pediatrician who may have referred them to the class.

Program organizers use a questionnaire designed by developmental psychologists to make sure the child and the family are ready to make a change.

"This is not a boot camp," Krieger said. "It's about making changes one at a time" and having everyone in the family take part.

[Last modified September 27, 2005, 02:45:31]