Healthy Families Program

A family walks together on the beach. It's chilly, as it's overcast and they're all wearing warm clothes

Our Healthy Families Program, formerly ShapeDown, promotes strong, healthy bodies and families that thrive. Parents, children and teens work together as a team with a registered dietitian, exercise and behavior specialist to learn how healthy eating, an active lifestyle and effective communication promote healthy weight and family well-being.

About the Healthy Families Program

Program features include:

Virtual and in person classes and appointments available
Active involvement of the entire family to support a healthier lifestyle
Emphasis on balanced eating habits, not restriction
Sessions for parents/guardians to learn positive role-modeling techniques, communication and parenting skills
Emphasis on improving the child's overall self-acceptance
Fun, active exercise sessions and cooking activities
Group setting for parents/guardians and kids to gain support from others

Ready to get started?

Classes are offered year-round. Select the purple Register Today button to see upcoming virtual and in-person class dates.

Our Locations

Is the Healthy Families Program right for my child?

Most kids who participate in the Healthy Families program have a BMI above the 85th percentile. They may also have high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and/or asthma. Some may be ready to make changes to health habits, and some may be hesitant. The intake process with our staff addresses your questions and concerns and helps determine the best way to suit your family's needs.

How Does the Healthy Families Program Work?

If this program is right for your family, here’s what to expect:

Intake appointment: Talk with a member of our care team to learn more about the program and determine the best path forward.
Initial appointment: Meet with our behavior specialist, exercise specialist and registered dietitian to identify health goals, provide information, and establish a plan of care.
Weekly classes: Parents/Guardians and kids (ages 6-18) attend eight weekly sessions, exploring ways to grow healthy bodies and healthy families.
Final appointment: Meet with our behavior specialist, exercise specialist and registered dietitian to discuss your progress and how to stay consistent and motivated moving forward.
Follow-up: Meet with our care team regularly to promote accountability and help you stay on track with progress toward long term health and wellness.
Individual visits: If the group setting is not the right fit at this time or if more intensive support is needed, we offer appointments to meet regularly with one or more of our care team members for an individualized care plan.

What are Weekly Classes Like?

A parent/guardian and child attend class together each week, ideally the same adult each time. Classes are offered both in person and virtually, year-round. Everyone begins the evening together and then separates into adults and kids to rotate through Nutrition, Exercise and Behavior sessions.

The group setting helps parents/guardians and kids gain support from others. Activities include:

Goal setting
Nutrition lessons and preparing a healthy snack
Engaging in and building physical activity habits and fun ways to move your body
Reflecting on challenges and successes of the past week

How much does the Healthy Families Program cost?

Trinity Health Michigan bills the child's insurance company for the cost of the program. If any part of the program is not covered, scholarships are available.

Family Fun Preview

The Family Fun Preview is a free, informative and interactive sample class. We encourage your entire family to attend. During class, you can expect to prepare and eat a nutritious mini meal, do a family activity and learn more about our program. Family Fun Previews are offered virtually and in-person year-round.