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Community Programs and Services

NewYork-Presbyterian Ambulatory Care Network

Health 4 Life

image of fresh fruit and vegetables

Program Overview

Who We Are

Health4Life (H4L) is a family-centered lifestyle intervention program for children and adolescents at NewYork-Presbyterian. It was established in 2006 in response to the nationwide obesity crisis. Participants in H4L must be 2-20 years old and have a BMI equal to or greater than the 85th percentile for age and gender. Pediatricians in the NYP Ambulatory Care Network can refer their patients to the program. Participants in H4L come from all five boroughs of New York City but must receive their primary care at one of the NYP-ACN pediatric practices.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for 2-20 year-olds and their families who are interested in improved health through healthier eating habits and increased physical activity.

Program Vision

The Heath4Life program works to empower participants to make healthier lifestyle choices for themselves and the whole family.

Our Services

  • Clinic Visit: participants begin with a clinical visit. In this setting, individuals meet with the interdisciplinary team of a pediatrician, registered dietitian, mental health specialist, and exercise physiologist. Nutrition and exercise goals are discussed and tailored to meet each family’s needs. Clinical appointments are provided both in person and through video visits.
  • Exercise Classes: most participants 7 years and older are invited to join weekly exercise classes led by the team exercise physiologist. The goal of the class is to improve participants' aerobic activity, muscle strength and bone strength. In this fun, supportive environment the aim is to promote teamwork, build confidence, and create positive attitudes and beliefs towards exercise and movement.
  • Nutrition Workshops: H4L parents and caregivers are offered the opportunity to join nutrition education groups led by registered dietitians. During this muti-week workshop parents meet, share ideas, and receive support from other parents, as well as delve deeper into nutrition topics. Participants also receive free, healthy grocery delivery to their home for 6 months by being part of the workshops.
  • Summer Program: During the summer, H4L offers a Family Activity Week to encourage physical activity for the whole family. As part of the week-long program families join H4L on nature walks in local parks, trips to the zoo, soccer classes and other activities to encourage movement and healthy habits and decrease screen time and sedentary behaviors.

Our Impact/Outcomes

“It was a great help to know many things that I didn't know and now I am putting them into practice.”

“It was great to learn new things I haven’t tried or done, I’m eating much healthier thanks to you guys!”

“For me it was very pleasant to share with people I didn't know, share new experiences, learn new topics and the instructors are very good, clear and pleasant. It was a pleasure”

Staff

John C. Rausch MD, MPH

Marianne Sharko MD, MS

Robyn Turetsky MS, RDN, CDN

Erin Mihalik MA, ACSM-EP

Mary Montgomery MS, RD, CDN

Celia Chu-Diep MS, RD, CDCES, CDN

Contact Us

Robyn Turetsky, Program Lead

[email protected]

646-951-1175