Plattsburgh, NY

                                                                                                                                                                         

YOUTH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

              


The Clinton County Youth Weight Management Programs

Maintaining an appropriate weight or reducing weight to a  recommended level reduces a person’s risk for developing health problems later on in life.

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 is the goal of the Child Growth Monitoring Project. Collaboration within the Health Department with our prevent nursing unit and nutrition has enabled data collection in growth records from children ages 2 years to 18 years of age in Clinton County.

Analysis of this data will help determine if Clinton County is following the national trend of increasing Body Mass Index (BMI) in youth. It will provide a clearer picture of needs in our area and allow long range plans to be made to address the issue.


When will Results be Available?

Data collection on this project has been completed and preliminary results have been tabulated. Input from the New York State Health Department should be completed soon and results will be posted. Tentative date for completion is April, 2007. Results will be available on the web page.


"Shapedown" Program

Shapedown is a nationally recognized program 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 6-8 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 Shapedown will have tools needed to continue with a healthy lifestyle. The local class is taught by a team of two instructors - Registered Dietitian and a Family Counselor.


Who is Eligible?

Overweight children in grades 3-6 in Clinton County may participate with their families. The fee is $40.00 per session to help cover the costs of books and supplies.


How Do I Enroll?

Call the Nutrition Unit at 565-4840 for more information. Sessions may be held once or twice a 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.


 
"No Weigh" Program

No weigh is based on the HUGS program, Teens and Diets, No Weigh. The program emphasizes healthy eating and healthy weight, while avoiding the dieting roller coaster. The program can be set up for a weekly, 6-week option in local schools and is geared to the younger teen, ages 13-15.


How Do I Enroll My Teen?

A school official can request that the program be held in their facility. Schools will offer a location and enroll students at their facility for a 6-week period. For more information school personnel may call 565-4830 to require about offering a session in the school system.


"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:

Clinton County Health Department
Nutrition Unit
133 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Tel: (518) 565-4830

                                                                                                                                                             

                    Note:  These are external web links.

Clinton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision
of services. The information on the Clinton County Health Department website is for educational purposes only. Nothing on the pages of this site shall be construed
as medical, fitness, dietetic, or other professional advice. This information is based on current beliefs among researchers and research studies published in the
current scientific literature. Clinton County is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse any content on external web links.

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