KIDS' FANS program
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.
Contact Us
For more information please email KidsFans@stamhealth.org.
Program Coordinator
Antoinette Pasqua
apasqua@stamhealth.org.
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. This is a behavioral intervention program that provides children with tools to make simple changes that lead to a healthier life.
CTE
In the Fall of 2010 the KIDS"FANS 12 week program was introduced in the after school program at CTE. Children receive nutrition education for 12 weekly sessions and continue physical activity year round.
The Domus Foundation
In February 2008, the KIDS' FANS program was introduced at the Trailblazers Middle School. At the end of school year all children "grew into their weight" with steady or lower Body Mass Index (BMI). They significantly increased their fitness levels and improved academic grades. Trailblazer's Academy has a community garden to teach children more about fruits and vegetables.
JCC
In Spring of 2011 the Jewish Community Center offered this12 week KIDS"FANS program in the after school program, Children receive group nutrition education in 12 sessions and continue physical activity year round.
YMCA
In Fall 2010 the KIDS'FANS program was introduced in the LEAD Academy of the YMCA. Children receive 12 weeks of group nutrition education and physical activity. Transportation to bring children from school is available.
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.
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 more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).