LAGRANGE, IND. – Feb. 25, 2025 – Helping kids form healthy habits isn’t always easy. Families are busy, and kids are inclined to be glued to social media, video games or TV. Sometimes, it can really help to get an assist from experts.
FitKids360 is a free, eight-week lifestyle program for families who want to develop healthier habits. The program gives kids age 5 to 17 who have been diagnosed as obese or overweight and their parents/guardians practical tools and information through educational programming, goal-setting and fun activities. They gain a better understanding of their own behaviors, learn about healthy eating and discover ways to enhance their physical and mental health.
Program benefits
FitKids360 uses a family focus to make positive, health-conscious changes. During the program, a team of experts provides informal presentations with lessons, tips and activities covering a wide range of topics, including shopping, cooking and nutrition; movement; sleep; screen time; emotions; coping skills; bullying; parenting; conflict and discipline.
Incentive prizes related to each week’s topic help youngsters put into practice at home the knowledge and skills they acquire in the program.
For example, as part of the discussion on bullying, anxiety and other mental health topics, each child receives an erasable writing board to help them write down and work through their emotions whenever needed. To help with making wise food choices, each child receives meal tools: a brightly colored plate that shows appropriate portion sizes for various food groups, plus a bowl, measuring spoon and shaker bottle.
Kids and guardians also enjoy recreational time together, exploring exercise through yoga and Zumba and challenging each other at games like kickball, dodgeball or basketball.
If needed, free transportation is available to and from sessions, and a health report is provided for each participating family and their healthcare provider.
At the end of the eight weeks, participants enjoy a celebration meal recognizing the families’ commitment to positive change, and kids and guardians receive “graduation” gifts to use in their new, healthier routines. Families also have access to follow-up sessions and additional resources, such as a trip to a local attraction, if program funding allows.
To see a video about one family’s experience with FitKids360, visit the Parkview blog.
Enrollment process
Parkview LaGrange Hospital is currently looking to enroll families for the spring session of the program, which runs from April 17 to June 5. The families and program staff will meet each Thursday at Maple Wood Nature Center, 4550 E. 100 S., LaGrange, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Families interested in the program can live in LaGrange or neighboring counties and must have a child or children with body mass index (BMI) at the 85th percentile or higher. A referral from a pediatrician or primary care provider is recommended.
Non-Parkview providers may refer families using a referral form available by emailing a request to [email protected] or calling/texting 260-446-4350. FitKids360 also accepts referrals from school nurses, case managers and others who work closely with young people.
Families who do not currently have a primary care provider may also call 260-446-4350 for assistance with a referral.
Space is limited to five to seven families, depending on family size. Referrals will be accepted through Mar. 14.
A second group of children and families will be able to participate in FitKids360 in the fall, from Oct. 2 to Nov. 20.
In LaGrange County, FitKids360 is made possible through partnerships with these local organizations: Trine University, LaGrange Purdue Extension, Cole Family YMCA, the LaGrange County Health Department and the LaGrange County Parks Department.
For more information, call 260-446-4350, email [email protected] or visit parkview.com/fitkids360.