Phoebe Sumter offers tips, tools to help your family stay healthy
AMERICUS — August is recognized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as national Kids Eat Right Month with emphasis on the importance of healthy eating and physical activity for growing children and their families. Phoebe Sumter Medical Center has implemented free family-oriented wellness classes incorporating nutrition education and physical activity for adults and their children/grandchildren in Sumter and many surrounding counties.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity rates have more than quadrupled in children over the past 30 years. Obesity increases the risks of diseases such as Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and high cholesterol.
“Preventive action should begin early. As a concerned healthcare provider, Phoebe Sumter has developed opportunities to help educate families on simple steps that can empower them to manage their — and their children’s health — better,” said Brandi Lunneborg, chief executive officer of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.
Phoebe Sumter registered dietitian, Ashley Patterson noted, “Small changes such as reducing the number of sugary beverages consumed and drinking more water, limiting screen time (TV, smart phones, tablets, etc.), incorporating fun physical activity daily, and making half your child’s plate fruits and vegetables will make a tremendous difference in their health over time. As children enter the new school year, what better time than now to incorporate simple but impactful changes?”
The citizens of Sumter and neighboring counties are encouraged to take advantage of Phoebe Sumter’s free family-oriented wellness classes. These dietitian-led classes provide tips and tools to begin effective sustainable healthy lifestyle changes. Below is a listing of upcoming classes for the rest of 2016 you may choose to attend.
• Marion County: Sept. 6 & Nov. 1, Josh Gibson Resource Center; 20 Gibson Way, Buena Vista
• Stewart-Webster County: Sept. 13 & Nov. 8, Richland Historic Inn, 361 Broad St., Richland
• Macon County: Sept. 20 & Nov. 15, Preston Williams Center, 700 Vienna Road, Montezuma
• Sumter County: Sept. 27 & Nov. 22, Phoebe Sumter Wellness Classroom, 132 U.S. Highway 280 West, Building 1B, Americus
• Schley County: Oct. 4 & Nov. 2,; Ellaville Senior Citizen Center, 55 S. Wilson St., Ellaville
To register or learn more, please e-mail khicks@phoebesumter.org or call (229) 931-1226.