Huntington Hospital's Department of Pediatrics plans program to help obese children

The Huntington Hospital's Department of Pediatrics is planning a 12-week program to help obese children shed pounds and establish healthier lifestyles.

The hospital, with the help of the Dolan Family Health Center and the Huntington YMCA, will launch "Healthier Tomorrows" in January for

The American Obesity Association says the proliferation of fast food and high-calorie snacks and the lack of physical activity in children have created an epidemic that affects 30 percent of children between 6 and 11 years old.

"Diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases that we once saw primarily in adults are becoming more common in children," said Thomas McDonagh, the hospital's chief of pediatrics, adding that overweight children have a greater risk of chronic health problems in adulthood.

The program teaches kids how to eat nutritiously in order to get the calories needed for healthy growth. A registered dietician will work with enrolled children and a social worker will be on hand to help children deal with obesity's social and emotional issues.

For more information, call (631) 351-7923.