Elevated blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes. High cholesterol. These used to be "grown-up" problems, but more and more children and adolescents are now facing these conditions. Likewise for obesity.

As video games and fast food gain popularity, playing tag with the neighborhood kids seems to have faded into the past. This combination - the degeneration of eating habits and decrease in physical activity - has potentially disastrous implications for today's youth, as evidenced by the dramatic rise in childhood obesity over the past three decades.

Aside from the psychological and emotional difficulties of being overweight, the extra pounds have been linked to increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gall stones, breathing and sleep disorders and orthopaedic difficulties. And obese children tend to become obese adults, who face the added risks of stroke and heart disease.

New York State Senator Kemp Hannon has teamed up with Winthrop's Healthy KIDS Program to help stem the rise in childhood obesity and related problems. The Healthy KIDS Program has a track record of success, helping children and adolescents - and their parents - to eat healthier and to become more physically active. The Healthy KIDS Program was developed by Winthrop's Pediatric Endocrinology team as a 10-week program of meetings and counseling to help families get healthy. It does not employ restrictive or low-calorie diets; rather it teaches young people and their parents how to modify meal plans without depriving them of choices, and how to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.

"This program is one of several approaches needed to stem the wave of new health problems for our kids," said Senator Hannon. "We have to work as a community to add in the other approaches in our homes and our schools."

Beginning in April, the Healthy KIDS Program took the show on the road, doing presentations for school leaders and youth organizations to get the word out: thanks to a grant of $95,000 from Senator Hannon, Healthy KIDS can do free on-site lifestyle presentations at schools and other community centers, to bring healthful tips to children in fun and informative programs tailored to each organization's needs, interests and schedules.

The first community-based Healthy KIDS presentation took place in May at the Carol G. Atkinson School in Freeport where 200 fifth and sixth graders listened, laughed, and even danced, as Healthy KIDS Program Coordinator Jean Corrigan, RN, MA, CDE, conducted interactive "healthy lifestyle" activities.

Thanks to the support of Senator Hannon and the New York State grant, Ms. Corrigan and the Healthy KIDS team are currently working with the Hispanic Counseling Center in Hempstead to develop an after-school Healthy KIDS Program. In the coming months, the team will also conduct presentations at several Long Island school districts including Hempstead and Lawrence and for leaders of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County. By illuminating the benefits of healthy eating and physical activity, Winthrop's healthcare professionals and health educators are changing the lives of youths and families, who are reaping the benefits in fun and good health.