Nanaimo

A family-centred healthy living program that offers medical, nutrition, and mental health assessment and support for children and teens aged 6-17 meeting the following eligibility criteria:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) for age greater than the 97th percentile, or
• BMI for age between the 85th and 97th percentiles and specific health concerns (dyslipidemia, pre-diabetes/diabetes, depression/anxiety, obstructive sleep apnea/sleep disordered breathing, metabolically associated fatty liver disease, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, polycystic ovary syndrome)

What
The program is delivered by an interdisciplinary team consisting of a physician, registered dietitian, mental health professional and exercise specialist. Parents and children/teens who meet the eligibility criteria attend a comprehensive assessment appointment. Based on this assessment, a care plan is developed that identifies specific healthy living goals for the family and takes into consideration readiness and capacity of a child/teen and family to participate in a group program. When ready, eligible families are invited to join the next age-appropriate 10-week group program facilitated by a registered dietitian, a mental health professional and an exercise specialist. If the group program is not the best option for a child/teen or family, alternative options and supports may be offered.

Approach
Generation Health Clinic is not a diet or weight loss program. The goal of the program is to improve the physical, metabolic, and emotional health of the child or teen, and to reduce their risk of chronic disease. Through a combination of group-based intervention and individual appointments, families are supported in establishing a balanced approach to eating, physical activity, mental health, sleep, and screen use. After program participation, the child or teen is discharged into the care of their referring provider with a list of recommendations for follow-up.

Eligibility
Available only by referral from physician or nurse practitioner. Parents/caregivers and child/teen must be interested in making healthy living changes and be able to attend appointments and group sessions.

Exclusion Criteria - The program is not appropriate for children/teens with:

• an active eating disorder
• acute mental health concerns (e.g., active self-harm/suicidal ideation, mental health crisis)
• uncontrolled behavioural problems (e.g., aggressive behaviour, flight risk, verbal harassment)

Please click HERE for information on the Generation Health Community