Medical Network One Launches Michigan’s First
Comprehensive Pediatric Obesity Program

New “POP” Concept Involves
Physician, Family and Coordinated Care Team to
Reverse Alarming Trend of Overweight Children

Contact: Barbara M. Fornasiero 248.651.7536; cell:586.817.8414;
Barbara.eafocus@sbcglobal.net

Rochester, Mich. --December 19, 2006--- Rochester-based Medical Network One, an interactive health management service provider offering comprehensive disease management support for individuals living with chronic conditions, announces the launch of its Pediatric Obesity Program (POP) to curb Michigan’s growing pediatric obesity trend and implement practical, coordinated healthy weight loss strategies for children. The announcement was made by Medical Network One co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ewa Matuszewski.

Medical Network One’s Pediatric Obesity Program, which can be conducted either in the pediatrician’s office or at one of four Medical Network One facilities, is the only one of its kind in the state. According to Ms. Matuszewski, POP is a coordinated effort between the patient and the patient’s family, the physician, exercise specialists, dietitians, other clinicians as necessary, and even an educational consultant.

“While obesity in children doesn’t always trigger immediate health concerns like hypertension and type II diabetes, its negative long-term impact on the child as a whole person is profound,” notes Ms. Matuszewski. “That’s why we developed a holistic program that touches all aspects of the child’s recovery to a healthy weight: physical, emotional and academic. For example, overweight children can suffer academically because emotional scarring often prevents them from reaching their potential in school. Having an educational consultant on board addresses that issue from the start, before serious learning delays can set in.”

The Rochester pediatric practice of Elizabeth Rozmiej, M.D., Pamela Cox, M.D., Padma Iyenger, M.D. and Dennis Furlong, PA-C is the first to participate in POP after an initial year-long pilot program in select physician offices in the greater Detroit area. When a pediatrician involved with POP sees a patient exceeding the 85% mark on the growth chart for weight, without a corresponding charting for height, the physician will start with an exercise program and other interventions. Dr. Rozmiej says this is a tool that pediatricians have needed for a long time to help combat childhood obesity.

“Pediatricians have been at a disadvantage in treating childhood obesity because we haven’t had the skilled, multi-faceted support staff required to effectively treat this condition,” explains Dr. Rozmiej. “Medical Network One’s Pediatric Obesity Program gives me the team approach I need to positively impact my patients’ health and well being.”

Medical Network One has a successful track record with weight loss programs. In 2004, it partnered with Blue Care Network (BCN) to offer BCN subscribers the Medical Network One-designed Weigh to Go program. Now entering its third year, hundreds of participants have averaged a 20 pound, sustained weight loss using many of the principles found in the new Pediatric Obesity Program. Further, Blue Care Network has already expressed support of POP.

“Throughout our pilot program, Blue Care Network did not deny any claims. Blue Cross Blue Shield as a whole has shown impressive leadership in understanding the significance of the long-term negative health consequences of childhood obesity and acting on programs that aim to treat it,” affirms Ms. Matuszewski.

Founded in 1981, Medical Network One (www.mednetone.com) and its chronic disease management division, The Michigan Institute for Health Enhancement, design, develop and deliver high-quality, cost-effective, chronic disease management programs in conjunction with physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and corporate health partners. Additionally, Medical Network One offers administrative support services to physicians throughout Michigan and Ohio.

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