ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The number of young people affected by childhood obesity in the U.S. has nearly tripled since the 1970s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Rochester, doctors and dietitians have launched a program that takes the focus off weight, urging small changes that can lead to a life of better health.
April Ho is making a plant-based taco dip. A recipe that represents the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Ho is the lead dietitian for the Center for Community Health and Prevention. In her demonstration, green chilies, cashews and spices come together to make a plant-based cheese sauce.
“So I’m always thinking about at least trying to get a fruit or vegetable, a protein and a starch in each meal,” said Ho.
The dietary choices are part of a program called Healthy Together. It’s an interactive six-session group program involving not only children, but their families or caregivers. CCHP medical director Susan Gasparino says the program is designed for kids ages 7 to 13, many of whom may be struggling with weight or body mass index. The focus is more on health than weight — encouraging healthier lifestyle choices involving the whole family.
“Any time you single out one person and you say, it’s up to you to make the changes, it’s difficult,” said Gasparino. “If you can get that social support engaged, that’s so helpful.”
Tiffany Brown came to the program with her husband and two kids in the spring, as recommended by their family doctor.
“We were nervous,” said Brown. “We didn’t know what to expect.”
What they got was a roadmap to making better choices. Brown says it was hard to eat healthy with so much going on.
“It would be fast food, definitely fast food, because we’re on the go,” she said. “Both of us work. It’s quicker with sports and other activities to just grab something.”
In fact, experts say the biggest challenges to healthy eating are time and the “all or nothing” attitudes when it comes to food and diet.
“That if you want to be healthy, you need to do it perfectly,” explained Ho. “And you need to completely eliminate these foods, and you need to include these foods, and that’s just not sustainable for most people.”
The Healthy Together program also includes yoga, Zumba, dance and games. The latest sessions began in early November, but continue on a rolling basis, depending on enrollment and interest.
“This is about small changes that are achievable, that people feel good about,” said Gasparino.
“It really, I don’t want to say tricked us into it,” said Brown, “but it gave us a fun way to think about what we’re eating, being more mindful about how we’re eating, and looking at labels is a huge thing for our family now.”
That’s the main goal, especially changing habits that could lead to health problems down the road.
“If you can help someone develop a healthy relationship with food early on, it’s going to carry them through all the way to adulthood,” said Ho.
Brown says her family now makes meals together. They shop for groceries together.
“I want us to be healthy,” she said. “And I want us to teach good habits.”
