02/13/2026
Thank you to Snake River Pediatrics for speaking to us at our last Fruitland Chamber of Commerce, Inc. luncheon! 🩺🥦🏋️♀️❤️
Exercise Is Medicine: Snake River Pediatrics Launches Community Wellness Program
At the February Fruitland Chamber Luncheon, Matthew Berria, PhD, PA-C of Snake River Pediatrics shared an encouraging and timely presentation focused on a new Wellness Program designed to help children and families build healthier, more active lives.
The program is built around the global initiative “Exercise Is Medicine,” which emphasizes movement as a powerful tool for improving physical health, mental well-being, and long-term quality of life. Rather than relying solely on medications, the program looks at the whole child, including activity, nutrition, sleep, social connection, and healthy technology use.
Snake River Pediatrics is partnering with a wide range of community organizations across Fruitland, Payette, Ontario, Weiser, and Vale to make wellness more accessible. While the clinic will monitor important health markers during regular visits, community partners will provide practical fitness and nutrition options families can actually use in their day-to-day lives.
The program is aimed at patients who may be struggling with:
• Obesity or low physical fitness
• Poor sleep habits
• Mental health concerns
• Excessive electronic and screen use
Dr. Berria emphasized that many families face real barriers, lack of time, energy, or resources and that this program is designed to meet people where they are. The goal is not perfection, but consistent, achievable movement and healthier habits that can be sustained over time.
By encouraging regular activity and addressing risk factors early, the Wellness Program seeks to improve not only lifespan, but healthspan, the ability to stay active, independent, and engaged throughout life.
Snake River Pediatrics is located at 1100 NW 12th Street in Fruitland, Idaho, and can be reached at (208) 452-6556. Community partners involved in the Wellness Program can be found on the clinic’s page.
For more information about the Fruitland Chamber of Commerce, or to learn how to get involved, please contact the Chamber at (208) 230-7161.
This collaborative effort highlights the power of healthcare providers, community organizations, and families working together, reminding us that small, consistent steps toward movement and wellness can make a lifelong difference.