We are so excited to launch our fitness program at the Wellness Center! This a fun and engaging motivational physical activity program that supports overall wellness for children and adolescents living with chronic medical conditions. We aim to provide patients with an awareness of the mind-body connection and to have an experience that allows them to integrate fitness into their routines in a sustained manner, so that it becomes a way of life. Any patient living with a chronic medical condition is eligible for a fitness consult, however those with health conditions that impact safety such as underlying cardio-pulmonary disease, require medical clearance from their doctor. During our fitness consult, you will get to meet with a sports medicine provider to develop a fitness plan ("exercise prescription") and establish some goals to enhance physical activity and fitness.
The Exercise Prescription may involve the following interventions:
- Low intensity exercise
- Gentle strengthening
- Intensive behavioral intervention that includes physical activity and nutritional counseling for children aiming to improve weight status
- Referral to other wellness center services (i.e. cooking classes, a nutrition consult, or a fun physical activity class (TBD))
- Referral to community resources
- Oberlin Dance Collective (ODC): have classes for youth and teens in person and virtual; past year they’re working on emphasizing the benefits of movement/dance for health and wellness and are interested in partnering with healthcare institutions with similar goals
- UCSF Stay Healthy In Nature Everyday (SHINE) Program: program that's partnered with East Bay Regional Parks that provides families exposure to the outdoors and "prescribes" nature to pediatric patients and their families
- Painted Turtle/SeriousFun Camp: camp experience for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses
- CoachArt: offers free art and athletic lessons to chronically ill children and their siblings between ages 5-18 in the US
- Team impact: tackle emotional trauma and social isolation experienced by children facing chronic illnesses by matching them with a college athletic team
- Project Sunshine: bringing joy and play directly to pediatric patients; now offer a teleplay program and offer activity kits
- Mia's Dream Come True All-Abilities Playground in Hayward: a park with accessible play structures, swings and slides
- Martial Arts: research shows that martial arts programs can reduce stress and emotional distress in children with cancer and other chronic health conditions
- Camp Go Beyond: a summer camp for kids with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
- ParaCliffHangers: rockclimbing gym for kids with disabilities
- CPA Soccer: Bay Area soccer program for kids with ambulatory Cerebral Palsy, stroke or traumatic brain injury
- Support for Families Virtual Family Drumming Night
- Challenged Athletes: a program that provides grants for adaptive sport equipment, prosthetics, or funding towards sports expenses. They also offer a variety of camps and clinics throughout the year for sports such as wheelchair basketball golf, swimming, and more.
- Exercise is Medicine: The "Rx for Health Series" offers patients resources and tips for incorporating physical activity into their lives, specifically designed for those with various chronic medical conditions to enhance their health and well-being
