PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Strong Kids Strong Teens is a nutrition, physical activity and self-empowerment program that serves overweight children and teens and their parents at community-based YMCAs.
Developed in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Seattle, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Centers and Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, Strong Kids Strong Teens is designed for youth ages 8 to 14 years who are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.
Doctors use a child’s height, weight and age to estimate the amount of their body fat (body mass index or BMI). Those who have a BMI index greater than 85 percent of the population are eligible for the program.
The program includes:
Two 90-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks
Monthly follow-up sessions for six months
Required participation of an adult family member and the child
Designed around “best practices” and strategies that accompany lifestyle change, Strong Kids Strong Teens requires a referral from a health care provider. The program offers three months of intervention, a six-month maintenance phase, a personal YMCA family coach and access to multiple YMCA activities to encourage the development of healthier habits.
Families gather for sessions with Y fitness staff and a nutritionist to discuss topics including body images in the media, reading labels and meal planning. Because youth obesity has both physical and psychological causes, every session address young peoples’ needs for both physical activity and emotional support.
Find out more about the programs at the following locations:
Strong Kids: 8-11 year olds:
Highline, University, Northshore, SE Snohomish County, West Seattle, Mukilteo, Everett, and Monroe YMCAs
Strong Teens: 12-14 year olds:
Auburn and Marysville YMCAs
More programs and locations will begin in Fall 2008.
Patty Hencz
Co Chair
Children’s Obesity Action Team (COAT)
Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center
patty.henez@seattlechildrens.org
http://obesity.seattlechildrens.org for parent stories and video done in 2006 by KING TV
RECIPES
& PARENT
COMMENTS
"I
model healthy eating and shopping habits,
we look for non sugar items".
"My daughter used to eat lunch at school,
I was never sure she was making the best
choices, now we make lunch together. She
is more verbal about what she wants in
her lunches".
NOODLE
SALAD
Mix
together Whole wheat noodles
Firm Tofu cut in cubes
Salad
Dressing:
Peanut Butter
Lime Juice
Garlic
Powder
Cilantro
Green Onions
Salt and Pepper
Toss
noodles and tofu with the
dressing
STRONG
KIDS
RECIPES
& PARENT
COMMENTS
AFTER
SCHOOL
SNACKS
Portobello Garden Burgers
Prunes
Cashews
Dried Apricots
Plain yogurt with a little fruit jam or
berries mixed in
PARFAIt
Layers
of
Fresh fruit or berries
Granola – Mountain Mango with honey
Yogurt with honey – Greek
Goddess
