Most Popular Articles

Children's Physician Network Focuses Efforts to Combat Childhood Obesity

Ellen Pinkowski, RN
Children's Physician Network


Children's Physician Network (CPN), a network of 200 primary care clinicians and more than 500 pediatric specialists in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, has been working to promote healthier lifestyles and combat obesity among pediatric and adolescent patients. Since late 2006, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and dieticians in CPN member clinics and affiliated hospitals, have been reviewing articles, information, and programs that promote healthier lifestyles and provide specific interventions for children and adolescents identified as being overweight or at risk for becoming overweight. The CPN Obesity Workgroup finalized and distributed their recommendations for Prevention and Intervention strategies for use by primary care clinicians.


With assistance from the Midwest Dairy Council, CPN promotes the 5-2-1-0 message, developed by the Maine Center for Public Health, encouraging parents and children to eat healthy and be physically active. "5-2-1-0 steps each day to a healthy you!"

5 - Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables
2 - Limit screen time to 2 hours or less (TV, video games, and computer)
1 - Do 1 hour or more of physical activity
0 - Do not drink soda or sugar sweetened drinks. Limit 100% fruit juice to half a cup or less; DO DRINK WATER and 3 servings of fat-free milk.


Contact MomTalk.com for a complimentary 5-2-1-0 Healthy Lifestyle magnet.