ENERGIZE! Made the Difference for Shaddai and Zoe

In fall 2024, 11-year-old Shaddai and seven-year-old Zoe were identified overweight by their primary care provider. To encourage a healthy and fit lifestyle, they were referred to ENERGIZE! — WakeMed's community-based, family-centered approach to help children and their families make healthy lifestyle changes. 

This award-winning program is 12 weeks long and meets in the evenings twice a week. It includes group fitness activities and nutrition education classes, including the virtual recipe class — where families get to cook a healthy meal together. Patients can enroll in either the kids' group (ages 6-12) or teens' group (ages 12-18). Family members are encouraged to participate in all ENERGIZE! activities with their children. Children and teens gain the tools to confidently adapt healthy habits while finding a positive support system among their peers.

Mom Martha shares, "This program has been very helpful for my children. We have learned about good eating habits,  what to buy and different exercises to stay healthy. Shaddai and Zoe enjoyed the games, nutrition tips and new friendships." 

Today, Shaddai and Zoe have lost weight, are enjoying healthier food choices and have adapted a daily routine of enjoying outdoor and indoor physical activities. 

"Thank you for creating such a supportive and inspiring environment," says Mom Martha. "It helped my daughters develop healthy eating habits and active lifestyles. I have seen such positive changes in them."

About ENERGIZE!

Designed for children ages 6-18, ENERGIZE! offers a community-based, family-centered approach to help children and their families make healthy lifestyle changes. This award-winning program offers free fitness and hands-on healthy lifestyle classes for the entire family.

What to Expect:

• Each 12-week session meets in the evenings twice a week and includes group fitness activities and nutrition education classes, including the virtual ENERGIZE! Your Recipe class where families get to cook a healthy meal together.
• Children and teens will gain the tools to confidently adapt healthy habits while finding a positive support system among their peers.
• Patients can enroll in either the kids' group (ages 6-12) or teens' group (ages 12-18).
• Family members are encouraged to participate in all ENERGIZE! activities with their child.
• Programs are offered year-round, and patients are welcome to re-enroll at the same or a different location.

ENERGIZE is made possible through the generous support of the Leon Levine Foundation and the WakeMed Foundation.