Barrie & Community Family Health Team Childhood Healthy Lifestyles Program

Childhood Healthy Lifestyles Program

Who We Are

The Barrie & Community Family Health Team's Childhood Healthy Lifestyles Program was initiated in 2010. Our goal is to improve the healthy lifestyle habits of children between the ages of 5 to 12 years and their families, in the Barrie & Community Family Health Team patient population. This will be accomplished through patient centered education classes that support individual learning and self-management. This health promotion program is available to all Family Physicians within the Barrie & Community Family Health Team and is a community collaborative program. Family Health Team patients are referred to the Childhood Healthy Lifestyles classes by their Family Physician.The Childhood Healthy Lifestyles Program is delivered and supported by a knowledgeable interdisciplinary team including Administrative Assistant, Registered Dietitian, Mental Health Counselor and Public Health Nurse from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

Childhood Healthy Lifestyles Program Overview

Over the past 25 years Canada has seen a significant rise in childhood obesity. Studies show that the tendency to become obese rises when children consume high calorie foods and larger portion sizes, spent less time being physically active and increased time watching T.V., playing video games and using the computer. The Childhood Healthy Lifestyles Program will address all of these components. The program is family based, and patient-centered education classes focus on:

Being physically active and reducing screen time
Healthy eating, preparing healthy meals, portion control and label reading
Positive Parenting
Fostering positive self-esteem and body image
Setting individual and/or family goals to achieve a healthier lifestyle

Families who attend the Childhood Healthy Lifestyles classes will receive follow up from an interdisciplinary health professional 3, 6 and 12 months after completing the classes. Patients may sign up for an individual appointment to be arranged with a Registered Dietitian, Mental Health Counselor or follow up with their Family Physician if they feel they need additional help after the childhood healthy lifestyles classes.