Nexus Childrens Hospital

Jump Start Health & Wellness Program for Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome or Established Weight Control Problems

Nexus Children’s Hospital offers a safe, structured environment for children with established weight control problems, including childhood obesity and Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Addressing comorbid medical issues and behavioral complications characteristic of individuals with obesity or Prader-Willi Syndrome, our Jump Start Health and Wellness inpatient program helps our young patients who have found traditional outpatient programs unsuccessful.

Because of our thorough understanding of obesity and Prader-Willi Syndrome causes and symptoms, our medical team addresses patients’ medical and behavioral complications. Our program incorporates personalized calorie-controlled diets, set daily schedules, individualized physical training regiments, and behavioral health support for both the patient and family members. Our expert staff is dedicated to seeing each patient reach his or her health goal and maintain that goal after discharge.

Learn more about our childhood obesity and pediatric nutrition and weight services. 

What is Prader-Willi Syndrome?

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder that affects learning and behavior resulting from an abnormality on the 15th chromosome. Individuals experience Prader-Willi Syndrome symptoms including health problems related to overeating and weight gain. According to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, a support organization for individuals and families, an estimated one in 12,000 to 15,000 people have PWS.

As the only inpatient program for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome, Nexus Children’s Hospital provides an environment where children and families can learn behavior management strategies and coping skills. Learn more about the reopening of our nationally-recognized program for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

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PEDIATRIC OBESITY & PWS PROGRAM ADMISSIONS
713.351.6633
 
Interested in More Resources?Submit your information to download additional Pediatric Obesity & PWS information.

Meet a Jump Start Health & Wellness Program Patient

Diagnoses Criteria

  • Individual with PWS
  • Body mass index (BMI) greater than 35
  • At least 2 comorbidities

Patients with a PWS diagnosis do not have to meet other criteria upon admission.

Common Comorbid Conditions

  • Type II diabetes and associated complications
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
  • Intertrigo (skin breakdown, yeast and bacterial infections in deep fat folds)
  • Leg edema
  • Cellulitis
  • Venous stasis disease with risk of thrombotic events

Standards of Care

As the only childhood weight and behavioral management inpatient program recommended by the national Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, our program is designed to treat children from ages 3 to 21. Nexus’ Jump Start Health and Wellness Program has a variety of goals including:

  • Decrease BMI
  • Resolve weight-related conditions
  • Develop strategies to manage behavior
  • Decrease unstructured time
  • Develop coping skills for at home, school, or in the community
  • Improve overall quality of life

The continued implementation of structure by family members, caregivers, and friends is imperative to the ongoing successful management of PWS.

More Information

Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA
Texas Prader-Willi Association
PWSA of Oregon and Washington

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