Brookdale’s Pediatric Obesity Program – Live Light-Live Right Receives Grant from the Robin Hood Foundation

The Robin Hood Foundation targets poverty in NYC by finding and funding the best and most effective programs and partnering with them to maximize results.  Their board has awarded a grant in the amount of $260,000 for 12 months to the Live Light Live Right Program, Brookdale Hospital’s community based pediatric obesity program.  Live Light - Live Right http://www.livelightobesity.org 

The grant is allowing for the expansion of the program by hiring a senior care coordinator to facilitate community screenings, awareness and educational programs and working with the individual families. Funds are also being used to hire a part time pediatrician, and expand the community exercise programs to further the quest to combat the epidemic of pediatric obesity that is progressing at an alarming rate. 

More than 1000 children have been evaluated and followed through this program. Fifty percent of the children attending the program for an average period of 1.5 years, show a decline in their body mass index (BMI) measures and a decrease in their blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin measures. They and their families have made significant changes in their choices in food and are leading a more active lifestyle.  We hope they will continue to follow these lifestyle changes as they grow into adults and teach the same to their children.

“The Live Light – Live Right affiliation with the Robin Hood Foundation is generating a myriad of exciting events for the kids and the program,” says Dr. Sarita Dhuper, Director of the Program and Brookdale’s Pediatric Cardiology Department.  With their help, we are going to win the battle against pediatric obesity,” she reiterated.