Nutrition Program Focuses on Child’s First Year | Families

Free event scheduled for October 18

Knowing that proper nutrition is an important foundation for a healthy life, an area pediatric practice and the region’s largest network of independent physicians are teaming up to help parents of young children and expectant parents understand the role nutrition can play in their children’s earliest days.

Western New York Pediatrics and Catholic Medical Partners, a network of more than 900 local physicians, will present “Eating Right From the Start” an informational presentation on nutrition in a child’s first year. The program will take place from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, October 18 at the Weslyan Church of Hamburg, 4999 McKinley Parkway. The program is free and open to the public.

“Establishing healthy nutrition practices and preferences early on can absolutely pay dividends throughout a person’s life” said Colleen Mattimore, M.D. of Western New York Pediatrics. “Studies have shown that children’s nutritional habits form as early as six months of age. These habits are learned and reinforced in the home environment, making it extremely important for parents to understand how they can make the best possible nutritional decisions for their children from the day they arrive home from the hospital.”

A panel including a registered dietitian, lactation consultant and pediatric nurse practitioner will discuss such topics as the benefits of breastfeeding, transitioning to table food, serving sizes and exercise for the family. A number of area pediatricians will also be on hand to answer questions from those in attendance.

Catholic Medical Partners currently works with 22 pediatric practices across Western New York to provide nutritional counseling.

“The rate of childhood obesity has grown at an alarming pace across the country, putting more children at risk for chronic health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as they age,” added Candi Possinger, MS, RD, CDN, CDE, Manager of Nutritional Services, Catholic Medical Partners. "Our mission is to work collaboratively with local pediatricians, their patients, and the patients’ families, to help instill proper nutritional habits and to help them understand how certain changes in their daily nutritional routines can yield tremendous benefits for their overall health.”

For more information on the free informational program, contact Western New York Pediatrics at (716) 662-7337 or visit www.wnypediatrics.com.

Located in Orchard Park, Western New York Pediatrics services the healthcare needs of pediatric and adolescent patients throughout Western New York. The practice has achieved the highest possible recognition under the national Physician Practice Connections®- Patient Centered Medical Home™ program, which recognizes medical practices that use systematic processes and information technology to enhance the quality of patient care. The program’s standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication and patient involvement.

Catholic Medical Partners is the largest group of independent practicing physicians in Western New York. Through the development and implementation of clinical integration programs, the organization and its members are focused on improving the efficiency, safety and quality in delivering medical care based on coordination, an educated and involved patient population and the sharing of information and resources that will make a difference in patients’ lives.  For information, visit www.CatholicMedicalPartners.org.