As of 2008, more than one-third of U.S. children weigh an unhealthy amount and are at risk for serious consequences, conditions that affect their physical health (diabetes, heart disease, bone and joint disease, cancer), their emotional health (depression) and even their school performance. However, research has shown that diets don’t work and can even be harmful to children’s growing, developing bodies.
Healthy for Life! is a comprehensive weight management evaluation and treatment program that takes into account the special needs of children and adolescents in the Louisville area. It is a family-based program because it’s easier for children to lead healthier lives in a supportive family environment. All children are welcome with a referral from their primary care doctor as a result of concerns about increased weight.
Working from a unique space on the UofL Health Sciences Center campus, the Healthy for Life! team helps families improve healthy habits. All care is provided under the watchful eyes of pediatricians with expertise in children’s weight loss and weight-related medical problems.
- We have a large teaching kitchen where our dietician teaches families how to stock their pantries and refrigerators, plan healthy menus, prepare nutritious foods and decipher mixed food messages from the marketplace.
- Our exercise physiologist helps children experience physical activity in a fun and safe environment. They are encouraged to test their own limits and ask questions. Parents and siblings often join patients for games or workouts to learn how to carry these lessons home with them. We have shower and lockers on-site for convenience.
- Our pediatric psychologist helps youth and families make healthy lifestyle changes and addresses accompanying frustrations and underlying emotional and behavioral concerns. She works with youth and caregivers in individual, family and group sessions. The psychologist uses evidence-based strategies including motivational interviewing and behavior-based goal setting to set achievable goals, strengthen motivation and build coping and parenting skills.
Medical services at Healthy for Life! are typically covered by private insurance. Coverage for other services — such as classes and visits with our dietician, exercise physiologist, psychologist — is plan specific. We also provide care on a fee-for-service basis.
Healthy for Life! is operated by a team of professionals with pediatric expertise, including pediatricians with expertise in childhood and adult obesity, nurse practitioner, registered dietician, exercise physiologist and psychologist. Our patients also have easy access to UofL Physicians pediatric specialists who can treat their weight-related conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. All services are provided in coordination with the children’s own primary care doctors.
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