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HealthLink BC Eating and Activity Program for Kids

We are currently unable to accept written referrals to the HealthLink BC Eating and Activity Program for Kids.

If your pediatric patient would benefit from speaking with one of our health professionals, please guide them to call 8-1-1 and ask to speak with a qualified exercise professional or a registered dietitian.

Please also consider referring your patient to other childhood healthy weights programs in B.C.

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HealthLink BC Eating and Activity Program for Kids

The HealthLink BC Eating and Activity Program for Kids helps B.C. children, teens and their families reach healthy weights and improve their overall health and quality of life. Families participating in the program will discuss their health priorities and gain new skills. Staff will focus on supporting behaviour changes for healthy eating, active living and lifestyle habits. Program materials are tailored to meet family needs and values, plus address barriers to healthy living. The program is available to B.C. residents between the ages of 0 and 18, and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your family is participating in or you have been referred to the program, the following may be helpful.

How do I know if my child is above a healthy body weight or is gaining weight too quickly?
Growth can be assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI) to track your child’s growth over time. A health care provider or HealthLink BC Eating and Activity Program for Kids staff member can help you understand your child’s growth pattern and answer your weight related questions.

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Who can participate in the program?
The program is available to B.C. residents (ages 0 to 18) and their families. Any child, teen or family concerned they are above a healthy weight is eligible to participate.

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Who are the services provided by?
Services are provided by a HealthLink BC pediatric registered dietitian and qualified exercise professional.

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Can appointments be done in person?
Appointments are only done over the phone.

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What is included in the program?
Included in the program are up to eight scheduled telephone calls providing education and counseling on a variety of healthy eating and active living topics. Ongoing support and follow up appointments to maintain the skills you have learned and the changes you have made are included.

You will be provided with a program workbook including educational materials and fun activities. Program materials are tailored to meet family needs and address barriers to health living.

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What topics are covered in the program?
Topics covered in the program may be a little different for every family, depending on your needs. We will guide you and your child or teen through various healthy living topics. Examples of topics include: family mealtimes, healthy drink choices, increasing fun physical activities, and reducing screen time.

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What is the time commitment for the program?
Each program call will last about 45 to 60 minutes and you may talk with both the dietitian and exercise professional during that session. Follow up calls will help you maintain the skills you learned and are about 30 minutes each.

The program provides ongoing support for up to two years.

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What is the cost of the program?
There is no cost to participate in the program.

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For Health Care Providers

For more information about the HLBC eating and activity supports available for your patients, call 8-1-1 and ask to speak to a registered dietitian or qualified exercise professional.

Other B.C. Healthy Eating and Activity Programs for Children and Youth

ShapedownBC

ShapedownBC is a free behavioural weight management program that helps children, teens, and their families recognize and overcome their challenges to active living and healthy eating. 

Generation Health

Generation Health is a fun, interactive and free family program for families with children aged 8 to 12-years-old who want to be on a healthy lifestyle path. Register today and join other families as you learn to make changes for a healthier family.

Last updated: February 2023