Challenging children to become healthy adults
Families are encouraged to enjoy activities with their children as part of the “Active Lifestyle Challenge” program.
A multidisciplinary team of health care professionals coordinated by Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare (WFH)-All Saints’ Department of Clinical Dietetics recognized a lack of obesity prevention programs in the Racine community and developed the “Active Lifestyle Challenge” to empower children and their families to achieve healthier lifestyles.
“Our focus is on positive lifestyle changes for the entire family, not just the overweight child enrolled in the program,” said Bridget Klawitter, Ph.D., WFH-All Saints’ director of clinical nutrition and diabetes services.
The eight-week program targets children in two groups – five to 10-year-olds, and 11- to 15-year –olds. Children are prescreened to determine existing health conditions, current food intake, level of current activity, and attitudes of self and body. They then meet every Saturday morning for two hours to learn how a healthy diet and regular exercise can help them establish positive health habits, improve school performance and prevent diseases of adulthood.
To date, 40 children have graduated from the Active Lifestyle Challenge and become members in the All Saints Kids Klub, a free monthly support group to promote year-round healthy eating habits and physical activity. To build on the lessons learned during the program, Klub members participate in a variety of health promotion activites, including picnics, family swim outings, and nature walks.