Hospital to launch free weight control program for teens

Presentation and discussion to be directed by chief registered dietician Warwick n Teenage obesity has become a national epidemic, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control says. “There is no doubt,” said Janine Killeen, RD, CDE, “that obesity rates in the United States continue to climb at an alarming rate. And the numbers are staggering, especially for our youth.” Killeen, a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator, serves as the St. Anthony Community Hospital Dietician. And to help stem the tide of this epidemic in this area, she will direct a free eight-week weight control program for teenagers beginning Saturday, Oct. 27. The program, designed to appeal to youth, is sponsored by the hospital and is open to youngsters ages 11 to 17. The one-hour, noon to 1 p.m., Saturday sessions will be modeled after two popular and highly successful programs, “USA EAT FIT.” and “Can Do” motivational techniques. In a relaxed and informal setting, the youngsters will learn to build achievable skills needed to change habits. USA EAT FIT, for example, believes in balance and moderation and that program is designed to work with a person’s lifestyle, daily habits, restrictions and preferences. Killeen explained that teen obesity is the result of a combination of genes, the environment, behaviors and habits as well as inactivity. “Kids are spending more time than ever watching TV and playing video games. They don’t even walk to school.” She also cited the fact that the availability of fast foods and sugary snacks and sodas are significant. “We instinctively eat to survive,” she said, “and when you’re bombarded everywhere by attractively packaged and good tasting foods, that instinct to keep eating all the time is awakened. Children may also mimic their parents eating habits. And if one parent is obese or overweight, his or her teenager has an 80 percent chance of following suit.” Killeen believes the solution is education, accountability and support. “We need to teach people to make better food choices in this land of plenty,” she said. “It’s not easy but it’s possible. Small steps go a long way.” To register for the St. Anthony Community Hospital Teen Weight Control Program call (845) 987 n 5197. The deadline for enrollment is Oct. 20. St. Anthony Community Hospital, a member of Bon Secours Charity Health System, is a non-profit hospital providing emergency, medical, surgical, obstetrical/gynecological acute care services to residents of southern Orange County, New York and Sussex County, New Jersey. For more information visit www.bschs.org