|
|
|
|
Consider these startling statistics: over 9 million U.S. kids between the ages of 6 and 19 are considered overweight. The number of overweight teens between the ages of 12 and 19 has tripled since the early 1970’s. For almost 200,000 kids under the age of 20, type 1 or type 2 diabetes is now part of their lives, often a direct result of their excessive weight. First Lady Michelle Obama is so concerned about this troubling trend that she launched an initiative last fall targeting childhood obesity, taking her vital message about the importance of healthy eating and exercise to families, schools and corporations across the country. In addition to challenges with weight and fitness, many young people have other factors which can have an impact on their ability to get into shape. At the Institute for Exercise Medicine and Prevention, known as I.EM.PHIT, located in St. Paul, kids with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, Down syndrome, chronic fatigue, autism spectrum disorder or mental health issues like depression or eating disorders can now work out safely and effectively with trained exercise physiologists. I.EM.PHIT has its roots in the Exercise Medicine Center at Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, an exercise clinic directed by Dr. Dan Halvorsen that closed in early 2009. In September, 2009, Dr. Cynthia Garr and her husband Dr. Michael Garr hired a former staff member of the Exercise Medicine Center, exercise physiologist Chris Coffey, when they launched the non-profit I.EM.PHIT at its new location. “Having this kind of clinic outside of a hospital setting really ‘normalizes’ it for the kids. If they are chronically ill, they associate the hospital with being sick instead of getting healthier,” says Cynthia Garr, president of I.EM.PHIT and a pediatrician with Pediatric and Young Adult Medicine in St. Paul. “When kids are able to get their bodies in shape, it really builds self-esteem,” she continues. “Our program combines exercise and nutrition counseling that can really benefit kids, no matter what their other challenges might be.” Earlier this year, 16-year old Monica Twaroski of Vadnais Heights decided she wanted to take charge of her weight problem and focus on getting into the shape she wanted to be in. According to her mom, Anita, the entire family has struggled with their weight over the years. “I never let my kids drink sugary juice or have a lot of snacks,” says Anita. “I think our downfall was our ‘Clean Plate Club’ mentality.” Overall, Anita and her daughter were somewhat puzzled by Monica’s weight problem. A swimmer since third grade, Anita said their previous doctor would caution Monica “to watch the chips,” but Anita really didn’t think Monica was eating too much junk food. Nevertheless, it was hard for her to lose weight. “I took her to the Exercise Medicine Clinic at Children’s Hospital when she was in sixth grade, and she went through all the evaluations, but at that time in her life, she was really shy and self-conscious and didn’t want to go back,” says Anita. Last spring, Monica started talking about wanting to lose weight and getting into shape. “I think she just really got tired of struggling with it,” says her mom. “She’s one of the larger girls among her group of friends and she was just ready to make a change.” So in January of this year, Monica and Anita went to I.EM.PHIT where Coffey, who had evaluated Monica during the appointment at the Exercise Medicine Clinic, met with her again. Since that initial return visit, Monica has been attending I.EM.PHIT every other week, where she lifts weights, works out on an exercise ball, and uses the treadmill. While Monica’s level of fitness has improved, she hasn’t lost weight yet. Coffey has recommended that Anita take Monica to an endocrinologist to determine whether she might have an issue with her thyroid. “They are all wanting to help us figure out what’s going on with Monica,” says Anita. “She really likes being there and it’s nice how they are always very sensitive to what’s going on. I’m always impressed that they talk right to the kids instead of above or around them.” Every new client at I.EM.PHIT meets with one of the physiologists for an initial consultation where data such as height and weight, percentage of body fat and muscle mass, and basal metabolic rates is gathered. From there, they are tested on their performance doing activities such as vertical jumping, walking on the treadmill, etc. During a follow-up visit, screening results are discussed with the client and a parent; a personalized 3-month fitness and nutrition plan is developed, part of which includes regularly scheduled workouts with I.EM.PHIT staff. In recent months, the clinic has been accepted into several insurance networks such as Health Partners, Medica, UCare and MN Medical Assistance and new insurers are being added all the time. I.EM.PHIT is also a fee for service clinic; sliding scale and fee assistance may be available for qualifying clients. Creating a comfortable atmosphere with caring staff members, who according to Coffey, “really want to have fun with the kids,” is one of the keys to success at I.EM.PHIT. “A lot of kids, when they first come here, are afraid to work out,” says Garr. “They worry they can’t perform up to the level of our expectations or their parents’ expectations.” Helping them realize how much better they will feel both physically and emotionally when they exercise is an important part of the process. “The ultimate goal is for every one of these kids to be happier and healthier,” she adds. “All of us who work here are very passionate about that.” I.EM.PHIT For more information about the |
Tween/Teen Times