Einstein Offers Free Weight Management Program for Youth

Philadelphia, PA, May 12, 2003—In response to the growing number of overweight children in Philadelphia, particularly those who live in urban areas, Albert Einstein Medical Center and MossRehab offers the Food, Fitness and Fun Program. Funded through the Einstein Society, the free eight-week program is one of the first culturally-tailored, comprehensive nutrition and weight management programs for children and teens in the Philadelphia region. The next session will begin in September. To register, call 1-800-EINSTEIN (1-800-346-7834).

Led by Flavia Herzog, Registered Dietitian, Albert Einstein Medical Center, and Renee Hincapie, Physical Therapist at MossRehab’s Kardon Center for Pediatric Rehabilitation, the Food, Fitness and Fun Program serves moderately to severely overweight individuals ages eight through 16.

"Our research indicates that 25 to 30 percent of school-aged children in neighborhoods surrounding Einstein are overweight," says Herzog. "The number of overweight children tends to be higher among those who live in urban areas where they don’t have access to as many safe places to play and exercise. Our goal is to provide these children and their families with tools for living and staying healthy."

Einstein and MossRehab work together to provide vital components to the program. Einstein Medical Center teaches lifelong, healthy habits through culturally specific nutrition classes and individualized counseling. MossRehab teaches participants how to exercise and fit healthy activities in their daily routines through a medically supervised training program.

"Obesity is a major health problem that begins in childhood and has enormous health consequences throughout life," says Hincapie. "Problems associated with obesity include hypertension, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, anxiety and depression related to low self-esteem."

Decreased physical activity and poor eating habits are major factors contributing to the problem. Children are eating a considerable amount of high-fat foods and are participating in more passive activities such as watching TV, surfing the Internet and playing video games.

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace at Germantown Campus (a long-term care facility), MossRehab, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations. Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare. For additional information, visit www.einstein.edu, or call 1-800-EINSTEIN.

Publish date: May 12, 2003