Kathleen Bryant, FNP, APN-BC
Berlin, Vt – “Group Visits for Obese Children in a Primary Care Pediatric Setting” was the topic of a poster under the “Innovations in Practice” category that Kathleen Bryant, FNP, APN-BC presented in Boston at the recent National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) 35th Annual Conference on Pediatric Health.
Kathleen defined the Obesity Epidemic, nearly 17% of children age 2-19 are obese, and discussed the medical and psychosocial consequences of obesity.
She outlined the curriculum of the class held for CVMC pediatric patients which included basic nutrition facts, food journaling, hands on healthy snacking, body image and self-esteem and mindful eating.
The conclusion she reached was that Group Medical Visits are an effective way to help address the obesity epidemic in the pediatric practice. This conclusion was based on the outcomes of the Healthy Living Healthy Eating classes that Kathleen and nutritionist Ilene Siegel, RD, CDE held at Associates in Pediatrics, a CVMC group practice.
This six week class is a fun way for families with children who struggle with weight issues to learn about healthy food choices and lifestyle changes.
Each session is hands-on. Kids help prepare healthy snacks and learn new ways to increase activity and participate in exercise programs. Each session includes one-on-one time with the nurse practitioner as well as meeting as a group.
Sessions are held at one of CVMC’s medical practices after school and work hours, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., so parents can attend. Parents are an important factor in the success of a child’s lifestyle change and must attend with their children.
Groups meet throughout the year. The class is billed to insurance just as any regular office visit. All deductibles and regular co-pays apply.
For more information and to find out when the next class is, call Associates in Pediatrics at 371-5950.