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Weigh to Go Program
Kids are no exception to Houston’s notorious distinction as one of the nation’s fattest cities. While the Texas Legislature studies ways to deal with the problem statewide, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic and the Kelsey Research Foundation are working together to get Houston’s kids off on the right foot – literally. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s pediatricians can enroll an overweight child in a physician-supervised weight management program, called Weigh to Go. This program has been designed to help kids eat right and exercise often. Once a child is enrolled in the program, both the parents and the child receive biweekly packets of information full of helpful tips. First, the child must be evaluated by his/her pediatrician. “Children develop habits early in life that carry over into adulthood,” says Richard Byrd, M.D., Chief of Pediatrics at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. “It’s important to develop good habits that will hopefully reduce weight management and cardiovascular problems later in life.” Each “Weigh to Go” assessment includes a diet and physical activity evaluation. Parents fill out a form describing their child’s typical daily routine. After reviewing the routine and evaluating the child’s condition, a physician gives the child a “Healthy-Living Prescription.” The assessment forms and prescription were developed by Kelsey-Seybold pediatricians, Anthony Greisinger, Ph.D., Executive Director, Kelsey Research Foundation, and Tinker Murray, PhD, a Professor of Exercise and Sport Science from Texas State University, San Marcos. “The goal of the program is to provide counseling regarding diet and physical activity to reduce or avoid health problems related to obesity,” said Dr. Greisinger. “We all know the adage – children don’t come with instruction booklets – so parents may need some help in figuring out how to manage their child’s weight,” says Dr. Byrd. “The more we’re able to educate parents and children, the better we’ll be able to stop problems before they start.” To schedule an appointment with a Kelsey-Seybold doctor, call our Customer Service Contact Center at (713) 442-KIDS (5437).
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