Funded by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellows Alumni Association, and sponsored by the Florida Department of Children’s Medical Services, the Kids and K-9’s for Healthy Choices Program helps young teenagers who are overweight learn to achieve their goals.  Families and kids involved in the program receive nutritional and exercise education, opportunities for enhancing family relationships and connectedness. The program emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and encourages community involvement.

As part of the program, the families adopt a dog from the Marion County Humane Society, who has generously donated space for the meetings and a dog trainer so that all dogs receive obedience training.  For the program, the children walk the dog twice per day and track how far they walk using pedometers.  At least one of the daily walks includes a family member.  Additional exercise is encouraged but is not monitored.  Regular meetings are held where the families are exposed to a variety of community professionals, such as dieticians and veterinarians.  Community support for this program is outstanding!  A number of local stores and agencies have donated gift cards, pet food discounts, and variety of fun items for the kids and the dogs!

Outcome measures for the program include tracking the child’s Body Mass Index (BMI) monthly, monitoring their community perspective, and measuring self-perception (related to self-esteem) at various points in the program.  Also, the families bring in their grocery receipts for review and are rewarded with gift cards from a local grocery store when the review indicates they made healthy purchases. 

Dr. Courchaine serves as the Kids and K-9’s program psychologist.  She recognizes that the middle school years are difficult for many children as they seek to feel accepted by their peers.  For overweight children, these years can be particularly trying. Too often overweight children are picked on for their weight, are bullied, and are left out of social events.  Feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth frequently develop that can lead to children to make poor choices in an effort to be a part of the group. 

In her work with the children and their families, Dr. Courchaine’s approach emphasizes the emotional, social and physical well-being of the child and health of the parent-child interaction. She utilizes positive approaches to weight loss and goal-setting as well as social skills training. Interactions are focused on enhancing the child’s confidence and belief in themselves, with a goal of increasing resilience.

The Kids and K-9’s program is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible program.  If you would like to donate to the program, you may do so by sending a check or money order along with your name or company name and contact person, address and contact phone number to:  Pediatric Primary Care, 1515 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 315, Ocala, FL 34470.  Once your generous donation is received, you will be sent a receipt with the Tax ID number for your records.