Reducing childhood obesity requires accessibility to resources

PUBLISHED ON June 25, 2011

A California psychologist has outlined some ideas to help families reduce childhood obesity. Dr. Cory Nyamora was the main speaker on “The providers’ role in reducing childhood obesity.” The meeting was at the Children's Hospital, Oakland, on Thursday. Dr. Nyamora, who is the director of Endurance—A Sports and Psychology Center, provides services at the hospital’s weight-management program.

Among those at the meeting were psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, residents and interns.

Dr. Nyamora discussed how providers could help find accessible and effective means to improve the whole family’s health. He said that it is often taken for granted that families can access resources such as sports programs, nutritionists and healthy food.

Dr. Nyamora gave ideas on how providers could engage and help families with limited resources to start improving their health with simple steps. He discussed how providers could incorporate questions into the intake process and the treatment plans that will allow them to actively address ways to improve children's health.

Dr. Nyamora provided ideas and links to programs and resources in the community that will help families stay active and eat healthy. He also encouraged collaboration among providers and programs working to reduce childhood obesity.

Dr. Nyamora’s Endurance--A Sports and Psychology Center, Inc., is based in San Francisco, California. The center provides sports opportunities, outdoor adventures and psychotherapy for children and families, as well as adults.

Dr. Nyamora is a licensed clinical psychologist and a certified USA Triathlon coach, USA Track and Field coach and Youth Fitness Specialist. He works closely with families to find fun and effective strategies to improve their children's health.