Program

Paws4Health

At CHOG we focus on fighting childhood obesity by treating the whole child; teaching them the strategies, skills and lifestyle changes they need make so that they can live a healthier life.

Referral Form

Children's Hospital of Georgia
Paws4Health

Our multidisciplinary pediatric weight management program focuses on childhood obesity; teaching children and their families how to make healthier lifestyle choices and emphasizing the importance of prevention, nutrition, exercise, and well-being.

Children's Hospital of Georgia

1446 Harper Street
Augusta, GA 30912
706-721-KIDS (5437)
888-721-KIDS (5437)
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Paws4Health | Children's Hospital of Georgia

Program Overview

The Paws4Health Program at Children's Hospital of Georgia is offered by the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Augusta University. Our goal is to educate and empower our patients and their families to improve weight control and achieve better overall health. The clinical team includes sub-specialty physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical dietitians, and behavioral health specialists.

First Steps

Your child can join our program with a referrals from their primary care provider (PCP) or pediatrician. After an initial medical evaluation, you and your child will meet with a team of specialists. Together we develop a plan to address your child's specific needs, including:

Reducing any associated health issues
Improving body composition
Nutritional counseling
Developing lifestyle and fitness goals

Roary Paws4Health logo

Patients will attend a series of regular follow up clinics to have their progress monitored, individualized counseling will be provided based on their progress.

Referral Guidelines

To refer a patient to us, please review the following guidelines. Patients must be:

6 to 18 years of age
have a Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile or BMI between 85th to 95th percentile with 2 or more co-morbidities (Elevated fasting cholesterol, triglyceride, or liver function tests)

Referral Form

Access the AU Health patient referral FORM

Core Clinical Team

LaShawn Oates, FNP-C - lead provider
Vita Goei, MD, pediatric gastroenterology
Christopher Drescher, PhD, psychiatric and behavioral health
Jacqueline Chan, MD, FAAP, DABOM, pediatric endocrinology
Alisha Justice, RD, LD, registered dietitian
Christine Giacone, BSN, RN, referral coordinator

Our Providers

Augusta University Medical Center specialists provide care and support throughout your entire healthcare journey.

Zahler-Miller, Carolyn M, MD

Obstetrics-Gyn

Pediatric Cardiology

Podiatry

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