2 | Hood River News . The Dalles Chronicle COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE BUSINESS REVIEW Melody Acosta, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified specialist in pediatric nutrition at MCMC, stands among some of the colorful toys given to young patients to encourage active play. Contributed photo/MCMC Toys enhance kids’ nutrition therapy at MCMC Pictured: Michelle Ochsner, Mgr., Cody Grant, Jarrett Ball, Tanner Bacci & Kimi Franks, Asst. Mgr. Not pictured: Vickie Farley, Asst. Mgr. & Tara Ibbara, Asst. Mgr. TOM PETERSON The Dalles Chronicle “A Northwest Favorite Since 1957” 107 2nd Street, Hood River | 541-386-1606 | www.pietrosrestaurants.com Colorful toys to encourage active play, such as hacky sacks, hopping balls, and jump ropes, have been distributed to young patients at Mid-Columbia Medical Center—much to their delight. The purchase of the toys was made possible by a grant that Mid-Columbia Health Foundation received from the Juan Young Trust to help combat childhood obesity. “Every child who recently came in for nutrition therapy has been given something fun to take home,” said Melody Acosta, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified specialist in pediatric nutrition at MCMC. “And bigger toys have been reserved for kids who follow through with their goals. The patients have been loving their surprise toys!” When a child is identified by their doctor as overweight, the child may be referred to MCMC for outpatient medical nutrition therapy. Through the program, registered dietitians provide the necessary support and education to help the child improve their health and eating habits. The program, located at MCMC Water’s Edge, begins with an hour-long assessment of a child’s current habits and food intake. The entire family is invited to attend in order to understand ways to help the patient at home. The families— or the patients themselves, if they are older than eight years— are asked to make a commitment to a lifestyle change. “It might be something as small as ‘stop drinking soda’ or ‘eat breakfast at home every day’ or ‘eat vegetables at lunch- time,’” said Acosta. “These small changes make a big difference over time.” Shorter follow-up appointments of 15 to 30 minutes each occur between two weeks and three months, and small goals are set at each visit with a goal of decreasing the child’s body mass index percentile. We Help You End Your Foot Pain! Here at ELLSON HVAC, it has been our pleasure to offer the highest level of home comfort for the Gorge area for 20 years. Our foundation consists of efficient, reliable and cost effective heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality products. Our mission is to perform the highest level of service and quality workmanship for our clients. We establish long lasting relationships with our clients by exceeding their expectations and by gaining their trust through exceptional performance by every member of our company. Our pledge is to maintain the highest levels of integrity and honesty with our team members, vendors, professional associates and clients. Jason Ells owner We will treat your home, install equipment and perform service in a manner that is respectful, honest and long lasting. Mark Brady Trained in Pedorthics Fittings by Appointment 541.490.2061 Footworx.net 1020-F Wasco Street | Hood River, OR ELLSON HVAC 714 East 1st St., The Dalles, OR 541-288-3478 ellsonhvac.com