Pilot program aims to prevent or reverse childhood obesity

Bastyr University in Kenmore and Premera Blue Cross in Mountlake Terrace have created a pilot program to prevent or reverse childhood obesity.

Approaching from a viewpoint of family education, participating families will learn about health, nutrition and exercise in a one-day workshop. The workshop is a pilot program for a week-long day camp for children which will launch in Summer of 2012.

The Active Pediatric and Parental Lifestyle Education (APPLE) Core pilot program takes place Saturday, September 10, 2011, from 9am to 5pm on the Bastyr University campus in Kenmore.

"Premera Blue Cross and Bastyr University have a shared goal of improving the health of our members and our communities," said Neil Kaneshiro, MD, Assistant Medical Director at Premera Blue Cross, who is meeting with families at APPLE Core. 

"Childhood obesity is a leading cause of chronic lifelong illness, and we are pleased to partner with Bastyr to empower and enable children and families to manage their health."

The program is seeking a dozen local families - 12 adults and their children, to participate in the one-day program, free of charge. To be eligible, children should be between the ages of 8 and 12 years old, and parents must complete a registration and health history questionnaire form.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this innovative workshop, email Jeanne Garthwaite with the subject title "APPLE Core." Include names, address, telephone number, email address and total number of family members who wish to attend. For more information, call 425-602-3260.