Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

ALEGENT HEALTH – Omaha, Nebraska
Y Kids Be Fit

What is it?  
High calorie snacks, sugary drinks, and sedentary indoor entertainment rather then heading outdoors to play have proving to be a recipe for childhood obesity.  In Nebraska, one in every three K-12 students is overweight or at risk of being overweight. For that reason, Alegent Health, Boys Town Pediatrics, the Gallup Organization, and the YMCA of  Greater Omaha teamed up to host the Y Kids Be Fit program to combat youth obesity. 

Who is it for?  
Y Kids Be Fit is a 10-12 week program that is geared toward adolescents between the ages of 10-14, with a weight or BMI at or above the 95th percentile. Participants must be referred by their physician.

Why do they it?  
This program is intended to improve kids’ health and wellness by losing weight, becoming active and learning the importance diet and exercise play in overall good health. Nutrition education and physical activity help participants lose weight, improve fitness and learn skills for lifetime weight management. Behavioral coaching also helps youngsters sustain their accomplishments. In order to achieve their goals, participants have free access to any YMCA in the greater Omaha area. The Gallup Strengths Explorer is administered to every participant to help them identify and capitalize on their individual strengths and build self esteem.

Program impact: 
For the first group of 12 youngsters, 50 percent of the participants decreased their BMI and 58 percent had improved lipid levels. Cumulatively, the group lost 38.7 pounds and decreased waist circumference by 11 inches.

Contact: Jeanine Mimick, MS
Marketing Strategist - Cardiovascular Services
Telephone:  402.618.3130
E-mail: Jeanine.Mimick@Alegent.org