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The many benefits of FitKids360

Last Modified: February 01, 2024

Family Medicine

 

This video features Morgan England, Parkview youth well-being coordinator, site coordinator, FitKids360.

FitKids360 is an eight-week family lifestyle program, designed to provide families with resources to make shifts toward healthier habits. This includes education from a registered dietitian on nutrition, an exercise specialist on movement, lessons on sleep and screen time, and a behavioral health specialist who discusses things like bullying, emotions, parenting, conflict and discipline.

Luz Bordello, whose family participated in FitKids360, says increasing their movement and learning about nutrition basics, such as reading nutrition labels and proper portion sizes, were most beneficial. “The people are so nice,” Luz said. “We thought we’d go for one class, but we kept going and when it was over, we were sad.”

After families complete the program, FitKids360 offers follow-up sessions throughout the year so they can continue their engagement in the program.

FitKids360 is made possible by community partnerships, which make things like securing locations and offering support to local families possible. These relationships include referrals from the Neighborhood Health Clinic and students from Huntington University, who volunteer and complete their field study with FitKids360.

FitKids360 is a free program, open to children ages 5-17, with a body mass index (BMI) in the 85th percentile or higher, on a referral basis. If you are interested in participating, reach out to your pediatrician or primary care provider to discuss a referral. If you need help scheduling an appointment or establishing care with a provider, our Access Center can help. Call any time, at 877-PPG-TODAY or 877-774-8632 for assistance. FitKids360 also accepts self-referrals and referrals from school nurses, case managers and others who work closely with young people. You can request more information on the program by completing this form.