April 16, 2013 - An innovative partnership between, FamilyCare, Inc., and the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) aims to combat the obesity epidemic by promoting fitness for the whole family. Thanks to this partnership, families enrolled in the pilot program have received three-month family passes that can be used at any THPRD facility in the Beaverton area.
April 16, 2013
April 16, 2013 - An innovative partnership between, FamilyCare, Inc., and the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) aims to combat the obesity epidemic by promoting fitness for the whole family. Thanks to this partnership, families enrolled in the pilot program have received three-month family passes that can be used at any THPRD facility in the Beaverton area.
Maegan Pelatt, care management lead for FamilyCare, a local health plan serving people on the Oregon Health Plan, is one of the project leads. She says obesity in children is wide spread across the United States and is consequence of environmental changes. “Unhealthy food has become more accessible and exercise has decreased in schools and in homes,” says Pelatt. “We are offering recreational passes for children and their families who are currently being affected by the obesity epidemic. Our goal is to encourage healthy habits within the family unit rather than only focusing on individual members.” She said they decided to give all family members passes rather than the individual passes since lifestyle habits in children begin within the family. “If only one or two children have access to the exercise facilities the rest of the family, including parents, can only sit and watch from the sidelines,” explains Pelatt. “That doesn't create much motivation for a parent or caregiver to take a child to a recreation center. If everyone has a pass, they can make it a family outing.” The pilot project was launched in fall 2012, with 10 families receiving passes at no charge. FamilyCare and THPRD each pay half the costs of the three-month passes. To be eligible, one or more family members must be enrolled in FamilyCare through the Oregon Health Plan and reside within the THPRD boundaries, which encompass the greater Beaverton area. At the end of three months, if families have used the pass on a regular basis, they can be eligible to receive a second three-month pass. “This is a great example of healthcare and recreation working together to promote the health and well-being of people,” says THPRD Superintendent of Recreation Eric Owens. “When we contact these families, some are familiar with us and some are not. We hope exercise at our sites will become a regular part of their lives.” Families in the program have access to more than 10 THPRD recreation facilities that offer a full range of fitness opportunities, including workout rooms, gyms, pools, a walking/jogging track and drop-in activities such as basketball, volleyball and badminton. Families like the Warrens are enjoying the experience of exercising together. Katie Warren and her four children have been using the in-door track at THPRD’s Howard M. Terpenning Complex (158th and Walker Road, Beaverton) since receiving their pass in the “It's hard to stay active in the winter months and difficult to find something that all my children can enjoy,” explains Warren. “The track is open for all ages. My husband and I can take a nice walk and let the kids get their energy out.”
