KIDS' FANS Programs Build Healthy Families
Teaching our children how to lead healthy lives is one of our greatest responsibilities as a community. Kids' Fitness and Nutrition Services (KIDS' FANS) is a community wide collaborative program, sponsored by Stamford Hospital, designed to promote smart eating, physical activity and a healthy weight among our children. KIDS' FANS programs endorse and promote the preventive health message of 5-2-1-0: For each day, 5 fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 to almost no sugar-sweetened beverages.
By partnering with the City of Stamford and local community organizations, the KIDS' FANS program is getting out the 5-2-1-0 message to the parents and children who need it most. In addition to our Wellness Program at the Tully Health Center we also sponsor numerous outreach efforts including fitness and nutrition classes at schools and community centers and professional and parent education classes. Under the direction of Program Director Dr. Madhu Mathur, Stamford Hospital's KIDS' FANS has also organized a city-wide childhood obesity task force, leading the community in addressing this health epidemic among our children.
Some of the Kids' Fans 5-2-1-0 Programs…
For families with at risk children, our comprehensive 12-week wellness program provides families with the support and knowledge they need to make healthy lifestyle changes. There are two KIDS' FANS groups which meet for 12 weeks either on Mondays or Wednesdays, including individual medical and nutritional sessions and twice-weekly group exercise classes. The program begins with a full medical and nutritional assessment, including blood tests.
Fun Fit Club for Grades 1-5
In partnership with the Stamford Youth Foundation, a 9-week program offered on Saturday mornings at a local school. Each class includes fun fitness activities, children's yoga, and nutrition workshops. Registration fee is $60, and scholarships are provided for students eligible for the schools' reduced lunch program. Learn more about the Stamford Youth Foundation.
KIDS' FANS After-School Program
A 6-week series conducted by Stamford Hospital registered dieticians at local community centers to introduce middle school students to nutrition and physical fitness activities. Hands-on activities include preparing healthy snacks, including easily prepared menu ideas and fun exercise activities. This program is sponsored by Stamford Hospital. Contact pkoprowski@stamhealth.org.
KIDS' FANS Goldstein Pediatric Clinic Program
An onsite 12-week program for at risk children and their family. The program includes nutrition and lifestyle/behavioral counseling to encourage gradual changes in diet and lifestyle, using dance as a form of exercise. Child Guidance Center services are available when needed to support lifestyle change and cope with behavioral problems. Contact mmathur@stamhealth.org.
Fitness Centers at Stamford High School and Westhill High School
Stamford Hospital Foundation in October 2007, through a grant from the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation, helped establish fitness centers at two Stamford high schools for use by students not involved in athletics, for physical education classes, and the Cardio and Healthy Habits Clubs. To learn more about donating, contact bfoster@stamhealth.org.
Stamford Hospital Junior Volunteers
Volunteers from Stamford Hospital's Junior Volunteer Program participate in community health fairs held at local community centers, churches and schools. Through games and activities, children and their families learn about the importance of eating healthy and staying active.
For tips and recommendations that can help you build healthier habits for a lifetime download our brochure in English or Spanish.
For more Information please email KidsFans@stamhealth.org.