Coudersport, Pa., December 16, 2024 – With the new year approaching, many of us strive to set resolutions to improve our family’s health. UPMC is committed to addressing pediatric obesity through innovative prevention and treatment programs that promote healthy lifestyles for children and their families. Our multifaceted approach combines education, personalized family-centered care, and collaboration with specialists to support children, youth, and families on their journey to better health.

“At UPMC Cole, we are dedicated to helping children build healthy habits for life. Through our evidence-based programs and partnerships, we provide families with the tools and resources they need to lead healthy and active lives,” said Mary Ann Rigas, M.D., UPMC Pediatrics. “Our pediatric providers participate in quality improvement education programs through the American Academy of Pediatrics, ensuring they stay up to date on the latest in pediatric obesity and treatment.”

Families have access to a variety of UPMC programs designed to encourage healthy living:

• Healthy Habits for Life (HH4L) – Jennifer Hollowell, LPN, works with families using a curriculum from UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics to guide them in setting and sustaining nutrition and exercise goals under pediatricians’ supervision.
• Wellness Prescription Program – Supported by the Charles Cole Endowment, this program pairs families with lifestyle coaches and exercise specialists. Through regular sessions at UPMC Cole wellness centers, participants learn how to use fitness equipment safely and develop sustainable nutrition and exercise plans.
• Summer Wellness Camps – UPMC Cole wellness centers host free summer camps for children, funded by the Arthur T. Cantwell Charitable Foundation. These camps focus on various aspects of health and wellness, including yoga, gardening, food security, fitness challenges, and fun, healthy cooking.

To further support patients, UPMC Cole also partners with preventive pediatric cardiologist Brenda Mendizabal, M.D., at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Using telemedicine, Dr. Mendizabal provides specialized care for children and youth with elevated blood pressure and/or elevated lipids, supported by advanced diagnostic tools like 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Start the new year off right by prioritizing your family’s health. For more information about pediatric services in North Central Pennsylvania and contact information to schedule an appointment at a location convenient for you, go to UPMC.com/PediatricsNCPA.