USDA – Sandra G. Hassink, MD
“Over the years in my weight management clinic, it became clear to me that addressing each child’s medical needs, such as the need for lifestyle counseling treatment for obesity-related liver disease, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea, was a crucial part of my job as a pediatrician. So was caring for the whole child. That meant working to meet three of their most basic needs outside the walls of my pediatric practice: sound nutrition and healthy physical activity; stable, nurturing relationships in families, early child care settings and schools; and safe environments and communities where children live, learn and play. The impact of healthy nutrition, healthy relationships and a healthy environment is important for every child…The earlier we start meeting these needs for all children, the better…Children who are well-nourished early in life have healthier brain development, higher IQs, stronger immune systems, and better educational performance than those who are not.”(more)