On Thursday, April 27, child psychologist Elissa Jelalian, PhD, will present “Food, Fun and Fitness for Families,” a free, two-hour program to help parents and children lead healthier lifestyles.Jelalian is a psychologist and researcher with the Bradley Hasbro Children’s Research Center (BHCRC) and studies weight management in teens. She will lead a discussion on making healthy nutrition choices and increasing physical activity, and hopes to drive the message home through hands-on activities. Participants will learn just how much sugar is loaded into soda and how much portion sizes have increased.

Families will also make a fruit kabob and be treated to raw vegetables and bottled water. All participants will receive a pedometer and put it to use during a 15-minute walk on the school grounds.

In addition, all participants will receive a step counting chart. The family with the most steps over a 6-day period wins a $100 gift certificate from Sports Authority.

This program is part of Bradley Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s Speaking of Kids series sponsored by CVS/pharmacy.

More about Speaking of Kids.