Hospital Hosts Program For Child, Teen Weight Management
PONTIAC (WWJ) - St. Joseph Mercy Oakland will host a free orientation for its SHAPEDOWN program aimed at children's and teens' weight management at 6:30 pm Thursday, April 14 in the hospital's Franco Communications Center, 44405 Woodward Ave., Pontiac.
SHAPEDOWN is a 10-week program based on a holistic approach to weight management for children and teens ages 6-18.
Unlike a diet, SHAPEDOWN supports a gradual adoption of a moderate and healthy food intake that provides essential nutrients and leads to weight loss.
It also stresses overall fitness, including endurance, flexibility and strength. Key components of the program are family involvement and communication.
A team of licensed health professionals co-lead each class, including a social worker, nutritionist and exercise specialist.
The orientation session is an opportunity for children and parents to learn more about the program, meet the SHAPEDOWN team and ask questions.
The new series of SHAPEDOWN classes will begin Thursday, May 5.
For more information or to register for the orientation, call SHAPEDOWN Coordinator Julie Esparsa, 248-858-2556.
For more information on health services offered at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, visit www.stjoeshealth.org.