A resource for parents to help overweight children

Overweight children are at higher risk for developing serious health issues

There are many risks and complications associated with obesity. Obesity is one of the easiest medical conditions to recognize, but the most difficult to treat. Physical consequences include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Breathing problems
• Diabetes
• Trouble sleeping

• Start slowly to change eating habits
• Plan meals and make healthier food selections
• Control portions to consume less calories
• Turn off the television
• Limit time spent playing video or computer games
• Increase physical activity and get active
• Know what your child eats at school
• Eat meals as a family instead of while watching television
• Do not use food as a reward
• Limit snacking

Here’s what parents are saying

Results from an American Obesity Association survey show that:

• Twenty seven percent of parents believe that their children eat less nutritiously than they did as kids.
• Almost 30 percent of parents said that they are "somewhat" or "very" concerned about their children's weight.
• Twelve percent of parents considered their child overweight.
• Among six choices of what they believed to be the greatest risk to their children's long-term health and quality of life, 5.6 percent of parents chose "being overweight or obese."

Other resources for parents

• Max's Magical Delivery DVD (Fit For Kids)
  An interactive game to help teach parents and children 10 steps for healthy living, exercise and nutrition.
• My Pyramid
  The revised food pyramid assists consumers with recommended food choices.
• Weight Control Information Network
  Provides up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and related nutritional issues. 
• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
  Provides information regarding farmers’ market locations, growing seasons for fruits and vegetables, and other agricultural information.
• Pennsylvania Department of Health
  Resources to promote health and well being.

Resources for Access Plus, HealthChoices Members, and Voluntary Plans

If you receive Medical Assistance and you were sent a note from your school identifying your child as possibly overweight, use the resources listed below to help find:

• A primary care doctor
• A weight management specialist
• Local recreational activities
• Self-help materials
• Local farmers' markets

ACCESS Plus

If you are enrolled in ACCESS Plus, please call:

• ACCESS Plus Helpline
  (800) 543-7633
  TTD/TTY: (800) 654-5984

HealthChoices

If you are enrolled in HealthChoices in the Southeast zone (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties), please call:

• Keystone Mercy Member Services
  (800) 521-6860
  TTD/TTY: (800) 684-5505
• Health Partners Member Services
  (800) 553-0785
  TTD/TTY: (877) 454-8477
• AmeriChoice Member Services
  (800) 321-4462
  TTD/TTY: (800) 654-5984

If you are enrolled in HealthChoices in the Lehigh Capital zone (Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton, Perry, and York counties), please call:

• Gateway Health Plan Member Services
  (800) 392-1147
  TTD/TTY: (800) 654-5988
• Unison Health Plan/MedPlus+ Member Services
  (800) 414-9025
  TTD/TTY: (888) 616-0021
• AmeriHealth Mercy Plan Member Services
  (888) 991-7200
  TTD/TTY: (888) 987-5704

If you are enrolled in HealthChoices in the Southwest zone (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties), please call:

• Gateway Health Plan Member Services
  (800) 392-1147
  TTD/TTY: (800) 654-5988
• Unison Health Plan/MedPlus+ Member Services
  (800) 414-9025
  TTD/TTY: (888) 616-0021
• UPMC Health Plan, Inc./UPMC for You Member Services
  (800) 286-4242
  TTD/TTY: (800) 361-2629

Voluntary Plan

If you are in a Voluntary Plan, please contact the member services phone number listed on your card.

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