| MARCH 25, 2012 -- A dynamic and interactive seminar on the topic of childhood obesity will be held at the Cannon Grange Hall on Thursday, April 26 at 7:30 PM. Presenting the program for children and their parents will be Tamara Swett and Peter McKnight, both from the Clinical Nutrition & Bariatric Services Department of Norwalk Hospital. The title of the evening's program is "Promoting Kids' Healthy Weight" and will offer demonstrations and video presentations on understanding food labels and food ingredients, finding fats and sugars in food, and how to eat healthy. The seminar is open to the public.
According to Don Offinger, president of Cannon Grange, "Childhood obesity has become a serious problem, and is a national priority that we can tackle now and begin to solve." In the United States childhood obesity has tripled over the past 30 years. Alarmingly, the percentage of children aged 6-11 years in the US who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12-19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same time period.
"Cannon Grange is deeply concerned about obesity and the harrowing results that can occur if not controlled. At Cannon Grange, we're taking action by hosting the seminar for parents and their children. The seminar's message is also applicable to adults who are obese", Offinger said.
Tamara Swett, RD, CD-N is a registered dietician and has been an Out-Patient Dietician at Norwalk Hospital since June of 2006. In addition, Swett's work at Norwalk Hospital includes her involvement in the childhood and adult weight loss programs, and individualized nutrition counseling for patients with a variety of medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipdemia and obesity). She oversees the nutrition bariatric support group at Norwalk Hospital.
Peter McKnight, MS, RD, CD-N is the Administrative Manager of Clinical Nutrition & Bariatric Services at the Norwalk Hospital. McKnight leads the inpatient clinical nutrition team, the outpatient medical nutrition therapy programs and the childhood obesity program. He serves as the Bariatric Coordinator and assists the food service team at Norwalk Hospital.
There will be ample opportunity for questions and answers, as well as a variety of free literature & resources available.
Adults and children wishing to attend are encouraged to complete an online registration at www.cannongrange.org. A small registration fee of $10 can be paid at the door. Walk-ins are also welcome. Cannon Grange Hall is located at 25 Cannon Road in Wilton, with free parking available at the Grange Hall, the Cannondale Village and at the Cannondale Railroad Station.
For more information, please call Cannon Grange at 203-762-1900, e-mail cannon.grange@yahoo.com or visit us on the web at www.CannonGrange.org. |
