New Mercy Health Program To Help Families Fight Childhood Obesity | Health

Studies show kids who have overweight or obese parents are at higher risk of being overweight themselves.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established two categories of overweight children: those who are at risk, meaning they have a body mass index (a measure of body fat based on height and weight) above the 85th percentile, and those considered severe, meaning a BMI above the 95th percentile.

In the most recent survey, more than 30 percent of children were considered at risk. And the prevalence of severely overweight children, 15 percent, has doubled during the past 20 years.

According to the American Obesity Association, pediatricians are reporting more frequent cases of obesity-related diseases in children such as type-2 diabetes, asthma and hypertension‹diseases that once were considered adult conditions.

Mercy is ready to work hard and do whatever it takes to change those staggering statistics for your family with its new program, Health for Youth.

During this 12-week program conducted by the staff at Mercy Cardiac Fitness Center, children and families learn lifelong tools to improve their overall health. Weekly exercise classes and meetings with nutrition experts and behavioral psychologist will make positive lifestyle changes to offer better health and well-being for the entire family.

To get started, join us for a free informational meeting June 29, 6 p.m. or July 7, 4:30 p.m.

Programs are designed for children, ages 8 to 10, and 11 to 15. To register, call 608-755-7996.