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Fitness Article
of the Month November's fitness article of the month is written by guest contributor and good friend Rich Destefano. Rich works at Yale University School of Medicine as an Clinical Exercise Physiologist & Research Associate and is currently ranked as one of the best javelin throwers in the country. His article deals with children and exercise. A topic that I feel could pave the way to a healthier next generation. If you would like to contact Rich regarding this article or would be interested in his clinics, E-mail to: richard.destefano@yale.edu or check out his professional and athletic history page. Best of Health, Childhood
“Juvenile” Obesity: Weight Management Childhood and
adolescent obesity is the most common pediatric chronic illness
in technologically developed countries. Its prevalence in North
America ranges from 10-25%, depending on the assessment methods
and the criteria used to define it. Most importantly, this prevalence
has been on the rise for the past decade. Overweight and obesity
in the USA are particularly prevalent among African Americans and
Hispanics of low socioeconomic status. The tracking of obesity from
childhood to adulthood is only fair, but it is higher from adolescence
to adulthood. Still, an obese child has a higher likelihood than
a non-obese child of becoming an obese adolescent and adult. Because enhanced
physical activity is one of the cornerstones in the management of
obesity, there are some important issues that should be focused
on:
The program
that we conduct here at Yale is a multidisciplinary weight management
program that we call Bright Bodies. We combine behavior modification
with an exercise training program for children ages 8 through 18.
By using this multidisciplinary plan we found the following significant
changes: reduced arterial blood pressures, improved lipid profiles,
a decrease in plasma insulin levels, weight loss, decreases in fat
mass, increases in fat free mass, increases in oxygen uptake.
The exercise training program meets twice a week involving the children in a full ½ hr of exercise using various pieces of equipment. We emphasize the use of large muscle groups and duration. There is a gradual increase in frequency and daily volume based on the child’s improvements. All activities selected are like by the child and there is a strong push for parental involvement. Most importantly we keep the program fun to in which the comradery itself self propels the program. Children look forward on coming to a private place where they meet other children who have common goals. The objective to our program is to get these children to a level to where they find themselves wanting to be a part of school or community activities. Some important considerations include:
Or other underlined problems that should be known Motivation:
Rich has been directing Bright Bodies for the past 4 ½ years now at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. There are currently 3, 16- week sessions conducted throughout the year. The program includes 25-30 children, ages 8 to 18, who meet in age appropriate sessions each week to learn about behavior modification and exercise. The Children’s hospital also conducts a weight management/ lipid clinic each week aside from Bright Bodies. The clinic is led by Endocrinologist, Sonia Caprio, M.D., and includes a social worker, a registered dietitian, a nurse, and an exercise physiologist. For more information on pediatric obesity related issues or references, Rich can be reached at (203)785-4934
This fitness article is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health-care professionals. Consult your physician before beginning or making changes in your diet, supplements or exercise program, for diagnosis and treatment of illness and injuries, and for advice regarding medications. Thanks. RM |
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Copyright 2001, Ron McConnell. All rights reserved. |
