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Wellness Warriors:

Empowering Youth in the Battle against Obesity

by Salvatore Anzalone, MD, FAAP

ationally, one in five children live with obesity, as reported by Once patients are identified, they are invited to the program
the American Academy of Pediatrics. This disease, which conditionally and must complete a motivational and behavioral
th
Nis defined as body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95 health assessment before being accepted. The program follows
percentile for age and sex, impacts some groups more than others. American Academy of Pediatric guidelines and begins with baseline
Demographics that are most at-risk for obesity include adolescents, measurements, including fitness and medical tests, routine visits with
Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children and children in low income a physician and nutritionist, as well as screenings for eating disorders
families who may not have consistent access to nutritious foods. and other mental health needs. Diet, BMI and bloodwork are routinely
Of the children we serve at Healthcare Network ages 10 and up, monitored, and the program is adjusted as needed.
nearly 1,500 have obesity. This is a significant problem, as childhood Education and parental involvement are integral parts of the
obesity can lead to increased health issues in adulthood, like obesity, program. Take 11-year-old Nathan Blagg as an example – Blagg and
joint problems and blood pressure issues. his mother had a session with Wellness Warriors’ nutritionist to discuss
With support from Naples Children and Education Foundation what a healthy plate should look like. Through his participation in the
(NCEF), founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, Healthcare program, Blagg, a picky eater, has become open to trying new foods,
Network has launched Wellness Warriors, a proactive, comprehensive like broccoli, and avoiding sugary drinks at restaurants, rather opting for
and culturally appropriate effort to reduce childhood obesity. As the water. With the right education, making the effort to better your diet
largest pediatric care provider in Collier County, Healthcare Network becomes easier.
is uniquely positioned to lead this work. The program combines Healthcare Network also works to educate at-risk families on how
nutritional, medical and behavioral health care, as well as family they can adjust their cultural dishes to better serve their health and
involvement alongside child-focused interventions to create lasting wellbeing. Obesity impacts ethnic groups at a higher frequency, and
positive change. while deeply rooted in heritage, many dishes are high in carbs and
Healthcare Network partnered with the University of Florida calories. Healthcare Network works with families to recommend tweaks
Department of Endocrinology and University of Central Florida to traditional recipes to make them healthier while maintaining the
College of Medicine to identify the needs and the highest-risk flavors and traditions that they love.
communities, which include Immokalee, Golden Gate and East Adolescents already involved in the program have reported increased
Naples, and to develop a protocol based on evidence-based guidelines. happiness and self-confidence, and Healthcare Network hopes to
102 Collier County children who qualified as obese were identified provide 400 children in Collier County with the same feeling of
to be part of a pilot program that included nutritional counseling, accomplishment and empowerment in the next two years.
exercise and behavioral health support. The pilot program identified To learn more about Wellness Warriors and see if your child
barriers, such as motivation, family history of obesity and chronic qualifies, visit HealthcareSWFL.org/Childrens-Care or call
disease, transportation, time and cultural factors, such as diet. 239.658.3000.
The pilot program demonstrated measurable success in reducing About the Author
BMI among participants. Overall, 55% of children who completed Salvatore Anzalone, MD, FAAP, is a Director of Pediatrics and Vice
three or more registered dietitian (RD) visits saw a reduction in President of Clinical Business Development at Healthcare Network.
BMI, and among those with six or more RD visits, 100% achieved a Healthcare Network provides high-quality pediatric care focused on the
decrease in BMI. This strong correlation between program engagement health and well-being of children at every stage of development. From
and improved outcomes validated the approach and informed the routine checkups and immunizations to dental care and behavioral health,
development of Wellness Warriors, designed to maximize sustained the pediatric team is committed to supporting families throughout Southwest
participation and holistic support for children and their families. Florida. To make an appointment with a pediatric provider,
call 239-658-3000 or visit healthcareswfl.org

239-658-3000 HealthcareSWFL.org SUPPORT: healthcareswfl.org/donate/

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