Dr. Recommended
LETTER
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to inform you that the menu plan meets the nutritional needs of the population of children at Camp Jump Start for appropriate weight loss. The meals are balanced and supply adequate protein and micronutrients for these age groups.
Kelly Eiden, MS, RD, LDN
LETTER
To Whom It May Concern:
...The camp provides children with a sense of belonging and improves their self-esteem and self-confidence. Historically, children lose between 10-50 pounds during the summer. Long-term follow-up includes the interactive website, which allows tracking of a child's progress.
The camp also provides a much needed opportunity for university students to participate in experiential learning. Camp Jump Start assists with research projects in partnership with private and public universities; these kinds of partnerships are rare.
...It is important to provide successful weight loss opportunities for obese children. These children are our future, and their lives are devastated by obesity, which has considerable medical, psychological, and economic consequences.
I encourage you to support the efforts of Camp Jump Start and the Living Well Foundation.
Samuel Klein, M.D.
William H. Danforth Professor of Medicine and
Nutritional Science
Director, Center for Human Nutrition
LETTER
To Whom It May Concern:
...As a pediatric endocrinologist I am witnessing alarming statistics of adolescents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. The sedentary lifestyles and fast food consumption are variables contributing to an obesity epidemic.
The principals of Camp Jump Start focus on a healthy lifestyle including appropriate caloric consumption and physical activity modifications. The four-eight week program empowers adolescents with the knowledge and skills to make appropriate life altering decisions.
I have reviewed the data obtained throughout the program and I am impressed with the ongoing success that the campers are experiencing following their departure from Camp Jump Start. I look forward to participating in potential research and positive outcomes affiliated with this program.
Ana Maria Arbeleaz, M.D.
Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
Washington University School of Medicine
LETTER
To Whom It May Concern:
Pediatric obesity has become an epidemic and as a result, obesity related disorders such as diabetes type II, are becoming more prevalent. In order to counteract this phenomenon, treatment programs have emerged across the country. Unfortunately, most individuals enrolled in those programs do not sustain weight loss. In an effort to improve outcome, Camp Jump Start, a camp for overweight children, has been established in southern Illinois. The camp's mission is to achieve weight loss through substantive lifestyle changes. The owner/director is a registered nurse with specialized training in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
I had the privilege of visiting camp and meeting with the campers and staff. Among the beautiful grounds, campers displayed a great morale and were enjoying themselves. Above all, they appeared proud of themselves and their accomplishments. I am not surprised that these children have had successful weight loss, even after camp, and I anticipated that their lives will have been made better by this experience. Therefore, I do not hesitate to refer overweight children to attend Camp Jump Start.
Mark H. Fishbein, M.D.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Southern Illinois University Medical School
Department of Pediatrics
