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January 4, 2010

A free weight management program helps children and families start the New Year with good food and plenty of exercise.

Contra Costa Health Services' NEW (Nutrition, Exercise, and Wellness) Kids Program, funded by Kaiser Permanente, will begin a free six-week weight management class for overweight or obese children ages 6 to 12 years old and their families in East and Central Contra Costa County. (Classes begin January 4. Pre-registration is required for all classes.)

"The NEW Kids Program's goal is to teach children and their families about healthy eating and exercise so they can make healthier choices," said Ana Villalobos, Community Health Worker with the Nutrition Education and Physical Activity Project of Contra Costa Health Services.

Villalobos said that in Contra Costa more than one in four fifth-graders is overweight or obese, a condition that can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

"We want families to be able to take what they learn in our classes and apply it at home. To do this, we provide them with items that encourage success at home such as measuring cups, cookbooks, jump ropes and more," said Villalobos.

Classes, which are available in English and Spanish, meet for 90 minutes a week for six sessions and cover topics on how to cook and eat healthy with more fruits and vegetables, read food labels, plan healthy meals and snacks, eat out healthy, increase family exercise every day, and set and reach behavior change goals.

"Our classes take traditional recipes and make them healthier. We show families how to continue to eat the foods they like using healthier ingredients and healthier cooking methods," said Villalobos.

To enroll your child, contact the coordinator in your area. For Pittsburg and Bay Point call 925-890-0767 and for Concord call 925-313-6860. At least one parent or guardian must attend with the child all six weeks.

For more information on the NEW Kids Program visit www.cchealth.org.

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