Wisconsin Pediatricians Fight Childhood Obesity During Halloween

    MADISON, WI, October 24, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to the Meriter West Washington clinic in downtown Madison on Saturday, November 3rd for the first Meriter/Physicians Plus Halloween Candy Trade-In Party. The event allows children to trade in their extra Halloween candy for a fun, healthy treat. Their candy will be sent to U.S. Troops overseas through Operation Gratitude.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last 30 years," said Meriter Pediatrician Sara E. Kreckman, MD. "This event is a way for families to realize everything can be enjoyed in moderation, especially when it comes to their children's health."

The event - which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - is headed up by a core group of nine pediatricians from Meriter. Children will also be entered into drawings for prizes like a Schwinn bicycle donated by Pacific Cycle.

Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2 percent annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year. Along with weight gain, high levels of sugar can lead to hyperactivity and dental problems.

Operation Gratitude is a non-profit organization that annually sends 100,000 care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation. Any candy donated to the event must be unopened and uneaten. A special thanks to Madison Fresh Market for the healthy treat donations towards fighting obesity. Visit www.meriter.com/clinics for additional details.

About Meriter
Meriter is an innovative health care organization comprised of Meriter Hospital, Meriter Clinics and the physicians of Meriter Medical Group. Meriter accepts Physicians Plus as well as many other insurance companies.

About PhysicansPhysicians Plus
Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation of Madison, Wisconsin, is a nationally recognized managed care organization focused on providing high-quality, innovative products and services that help improve the health of its members and the community. Physicians Plus provides access to primary, specialty and hospital care through the area's broadest network of more than 3,000 caring doctors and other health professionals in 20 counties. Founded in 1986 and owned by Meriter Health Services and local doctors, Physicians Plus provides health insurance to over 113,000 members in South Central Wisconsin.

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