Maimonides Medical Center has received a $150,000 grant from the New York State Department of Health for a project that will help children and families combat obesity. The funding will support training for health care providers and other initiatives.
Overweight and obese children are at great risk for a lifetime of serious health problems such as diabetes, coronary disease and/or hypertension, said State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, MD. Earlier intervention can result in better quality of life and reduced health care problems.
The Kids Weight Down Program at Maimonides, headed by Director Lisa Altshuler, PhD, is the specific recipient of the grant.
Kids Weight Down is a program that provides effective weight loss services for overweight children, adolescents and their families at the Maimonides Infants and Childrens Hospital. We teach families healthy nutritional habits and increase physical activity through nutrition counseling, group and individual sessions, and exercise classes, said Dr. Altshuler. The involvement of the entire family is considered key to the programs success.
Approximately 40% of students aged 6 through 12 are overweight or obese. State health care expenditures related to obesity in children and adolescents cost New York State an estimated $242 million each year.
The Department of Healths Obesity Prevention Program is working to reduce the prevalence of obesity and overweight children and adolescents, as well as the burden of obesity-related diseases. Initiatives include: health care programs to promote age-appropriate screening for obesity, educating community members and officials about the public health threat of obesity; and surveillance and evaluation of anti-obesity programs.
Now celebrating its Centennial, Maimonides Medical Center is among the largest independent teaching hospitals in the nationtraining over 450 interns, residents and fellows annually. The hospital is widely recognized for its major achievements in advancing medical and information technology.
For more information or to make an appointment call (718) 283-8020.
