Paediatric Healthy Living Program

Program Overview

The TBRHSC Paediatric Healthy Living Program (PHLP) is a family based program that aims to help children living with obesity improve their overall quality of life. Obesity is a complex, chronic condition. Many genetic, biological and environmental factors contribute to extra weight. Recognizing that healthy bodies come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, the PHLP offers a family centered approach to achieving a healthy active lifestyle. While weight loss may occur in some of the patients we see, this is not the focus of our program. The PHLP works with families to help them improve health and quality of life through changes in health behaviours such as nutrition, physical activity and coping strategies. The PHLP is available to eligible patients and families for a two year period where families focus on health behaviours within their control. Individual and group programming is provided for families to learn tools and strategies to support long-term healthy living.

Program Eligibility

Children must be between the ages of 4-17 years of age
AND
Have a BMI >97th percentile
OR
Have a BMI >85th percentile plus an obesity related co-morbidity such as: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Obesity-related Type II Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Hypertension, Psychological impairment, obesity-related orthopaedic problems, Pseudotumor Cerebri

Our Team

Our interprofessional team includes a Registered Dietitian, Registered Kinesiologist, Social Worker, Psychologist, Nurse Practitioner and Paediatrician.

Registered Dietitian

The Registered Dietitian (RD) conducts nutrition assessments to identify nutrition problems and their causes. The RD provides individual and group nutrition education and counseling on various topics to promote healthy behaviour change. Topics may include healthy food/drink choices, creating a healthy food environment, label reading, meal planning, etc. Nutrition counseling can improve eating behaviours associated with good health, for example, increased intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and reduced intake of highly processed foods and beverages. The RD also monitors individuals throughout the program to determine change in behaviour and nutritional status.

Registered Kinesiologist

The Registered Kinesiologist will assess the patient and families’ current lifestyle as it relates to daily movement. Areas assessed are sedentary behavior and screen time, sleep habits, accumulated steps throughout the day and planned moderate-vigorous physical activity at school, community and home. Assistance is provided to patients and families with behaviour modification strategies to increase and sustain daily physical activity, limit screen time and improve sleep habits.

Social Worker

The Social Worker provides psychosocial assessment and counseling support to children, youth and families related to their healthy living goals. Assessment and intervention focus on family functioning, emotional health, coping with stress, body image, linking families to appropriate community supports and promotion of healthy behaviours. As Team Lead for the Program, the Social Worker is the primary patient contact and is responsible for program coordination.

Psychologist

The Psychologist provides psychological assessment and treatment for children, youth, and families. Assessments focus on identifying psychological factors that interfere or assist with healthy lifestyle management. Treatment focuses on addressing psychosocial challenges that impact emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

Nurse Practitioner

The Nurse Practitioner conducts ongoing medical assessment and monitoring of children and adolescents throughout the duration of the program. Patients are screened for weight related co-morbidities through physical assessments and diagnostic tests. Visits with the Nurse Practitioner may include screening tests such as blood work, height, weight, and blood pressure measurements. The Nurse Practitioner works collaboratively with other team and family members to develop realistic goals and treatment plans.

Paediatrician

The Paediatrician is the medical lead for the program and provides medical consultation when needed. As a member of the Ontario Paediatric Bariatric Network, the Paediatrician ensures that the program is providing quality, evidence based care consistent with best practices across Ontario.

Referral Process

Referrals are accepted from Primary Care Providers who have assessed children to meet the above outlined eligibility criteria. We also accept referrals from parents; if you are concerned about your child’s weight or health and would like to have our Nurse Practitioner assess if they are eligible for our program, please call us directly at 807-684-6058.

How do I get there?

The TBRHSC Paediatric Healthy Living Program is located in the Medical Centre (west of the main hospital building towards Golf Links Road) in Suite 104 (on the first floor).