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Pediatric Weight Management Program
The Elk River Lifestyle Challenge (ERLC) Pediatric Weight Management Program is a medically based multi-disciplinary and developmentally sensitive approach designed to educate the client and their family. Pediatric obesity research has shown that family-based treatment using sound nutrition and activity education produces effective and long lasting results. Children and teens will thrive in the highly structured environment while focusing on nutrition and activity education combined with cognitive behavioral therapy. All therapeutic interventions allow development of self-esteem, peer relations, emotional intelligence, effective communication skills, and positive self image which are so important for long term success.
ERLC participants will receive state-of-the-art individualized programs based on weekly clinical exercise assessments and nutrition needs. Accommodations for physical limitations related to excess body weight and dietary restrictions based on medical conditions or social/religious preferences can be made. Medical conditions will be monitored and managed daily by on site medical staff.
ERLC staff incorporates into each resident's day a broad range of individual and group therapy techniques to address underlying psychosocial issues which contribute to obesity. Depression, self-esteem, food addiction, helplessness, codependency, stress management, limit setting, and healthy self-nurturing behaviors are a few of the topics which will be explored. When paired with healthy food choices, physical conditioning, meaningful chores, and academic success these techniques create the intimacy and safety children need to stop their excessive appetites for food and inactive pursuits.
The ERLC recognizes the importance of education for all and believes no student should be left behind for missing school during treatment. Our school specializes in education for students in grades 7-12. Our curriculum is fully accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and by the Commission of International & Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). Our Academic Administrator works closely with parents, students and counselors to design an individualized program of study that best supports the student's specific goals.
Parents will receive weekly progress reports and personal assignments to be completed at home which will mirror their child's program. They are encouraged to foster parenting skills to promote family based problem solving, assertive and emotionally expressive communication, healthy limit setting, and nurturing techniques. Parents will attend a 3 day on site workshop with their child or adolescent the weekend prior to graduation from the initial 8 week ERLC.
ERLC supports the mission of The Pinnacle Schools by providing an environment of respect, acceptance, and challenge where students can become self directed, educated, and contributing members of society.
Typical Student Profile
- Overweight or Obese
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Sedentary or Low Activity Level
- Disordered Eating Patterns
- Food/Drug/Alcohol Addiction
- Online Gaming or Television Addiction
- Impulsivity
- Depression
- Passive, Apathetic, or Anhedonia
- Low Self Esteem
- Poor Peer Relationship
- Poor School Performance
- Lack of Health Maintenance Behaviors
- ADD/ADHD
- Anger
- Defiance
Why Choose The Elk River Lifestyle Challenge?
- Care for the Whole Child or Teen and Not Just the Obesity
- Experienced, Highly Trained Clinical Staff
- Physician and Nurse Practitioner Directed Medical Management
- Multi-disciplinary Family Based Approach for Maximum Long Term Results
- Cognitive Behavior Modification - Group Process Model
- Nutrition and Energy Expenditure Assessed Weekly
- Exercise Testing and Prescription to Guide Treatment
- Electronic Medical Record
- Parents Learn Skills with Their Children
- Accredited Academic Curriculum and Credit Recovery
- Low Student to Staff Ratio
- 24 Hour "Awake" Staff
- Competitive All Inclusive Fees, Scholarships and Student Loans Available
- Licensed by the State of Alabama Dept. of Youth Services
- Members of Industry Specific Organizations: NATSAP and NATWC
