Helping Families Build a Strong Foundation for Healthy Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle
The HEAL Program is a multidisciplinary program supporting children and families living with overweight and obesity. Through structured interventions, the program addresses nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle behaviours to help families build sustainable healthy habits.
In partnership with The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), our Education Session incorporates core materials informed by the BALANCE Program, a provincially supported pediatric initiative funded in part by SickKids Foundation to promote type 2 diabetes prevention and healthy weight management across Ontario.
By drawing on BALANCE Program principles, the session provides families with practical, evidence informed tools for healthy living, including strategies that support long-term improvements in nutrition, activity behaviors, and overall wellness.
The session helps families build a shared understanding of the medical, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence weight and prepares them to engage effectively in their HEAL clinical visits.
Families of all structures are warmly welcomed, and the session is designed to be supportive, interactive, and accessible to both caregivers and children.
What the Education Session Covers
Our Education Session provides clear, evidence informed information on:
- Understanding obesity and the biological, genetic, and environmental factors that influence weight
- Foundational lifestyle habits: nutrition, physical activity, sleep routines, and screen time
- Family based goalsetting strategies
- How medical conditions, hormones, and medications may contribute to weight concerns
- Introduction to evidence-based treatment options
- What to expect in ongoing HEAL Program visits and next steps
Education Session Dates
Education Sessions for families are offered three times per year on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Sessions
- February 21, 2026
- May 23, 2026
- October 24, 2026
What to Expect
To support attendance and create a welcoming environment, the session includes:
- Complimentary parking
- Water bottles and light snacks
- A draw of prizes for families
- A supportive, family friendly atmosphere
Families are encouraged to explore helpful resources and tools anytime in our Resources Section.
How to Register
To register for an upcoming Education Session, please email: HEALprogram@lhsc.on.ca
In your message, please include:
- The date of the session you plan to attend
- Patient’s full name
- Date of birth
- OHIP number
- Referring physician’s name
- Number of family members attending
- A telephone number where you can be reached
A confirmation email will be sent with further instructions prior to the session.
