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THE KEY COMPONENTS

Physical Activity Nutrition Behavioral Support Medical Supervision A Team Effort

Physical Activity: Using our specially designed on-site physical activity center, participants learn that physical activity can be fun and achieved in a variety of ways. Each class focuses on a single activity, such as Dance, Dance Revolution, use of pedometers, flexibility or strength training. Children learn how to set realistic goals and how to apply the FITT principle for physical activity (frequency, intensity, time, type). Safety considerations are also discussed.

Nutrition: Children and parents learn that healthy food can taste great through hands-on cooking classes in our nutrition center. Each class addresses one nutrition topic that is relevant to the lives of children: fast food, breakfast, and snacks, as well as others. In addition, families meet individually with a registered dietitian each month to address issues specific to the child or family. Our approach emphasizes whole foods that are high in fiber and low in refined sugar; lean sources of protein and healthful fats. This approach is known as a "LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX" eating plan.

Behavioral Support: The focus of the behavioral support portion of the program is the development of positive thought patterns that support long-term change. Parents learn how to set up the family for success, while children are shown how to stay motivated, set goals and deal with uncomfortable situations such as teasing. Topics such as emotional eating and positive self talk are discussed in peer groups. Issues specific to a child or family are addressed in individual sessions, which are tailored to a child’s readiness to make changes. The behavioral support groups are led by a psychologist or a licensed clinical social worker.

Medical Supervision: Medical services at Great Moves! are provided in collaboration with the physicians of Children’s Hospital Boston. Children participating in the program have a comprehensive medical consultation at the start of the program to evaluate for potential causes of obesity as well as potential complications of obesity. Periodic visits with a physician during the program are used to monitor progress. [Also see: medical visit]

A Team Effort:  The Great Moves! program is a team effort.  Families work with a team of professionals that help the child and parent reach their goal. Each team includes a physical activity specialist, a behavioral specialist, a registered dietitian and a physician. Families are assigned a “personal coach” – either the dietitian or behaviorist on their team. The personal coach is someone that the family can turn to for answers or advice at any point during the program. The family is introduced to their coach at the orientation.