Monday, June 23, 2008 6:01 PM CDT
JumpStart program helps 'tweens, teens to health
By DAWN SCHABBING, Features Writerbr>dschabbing@jg-tc.com
The sounds of a room full of teens and pre-teens was music to Noel Will’s ears.
A registered nurse at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Will coordinated the group of 20 young people through a pilot program called JumpStart.
JumpStart is especially geared for children age 10 to 14 who are at risk for major health concerns, such as obesity and the medical conditions it causes.
Participants were selected based on health assessments and family health risk factors.
The program is designed to teach young people about making healthy choices at a young age, because the challenge is more difficult as they get older.
Also, this age group is mature enough to make their own choices and should know the importance of making healthy choices, organizers said.
“The weeklong day camp (pilot program) mixes in education and activity for kids,” said Matt White, manager of Healthy Communities for Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System. “We are teaching them to make healthy choices about nutrition, while either at home or out, and to stay active, even if they aren’t in an organized sport.”
According to the American Obesity Association Web site, “behaviors involving physical activity and nutrition are the cornerstone of preventing obesity in children and adolescents.”
Planning of the JumpStart program has been ongoing since 2007, and it kicked off last week with the day camp. The program will continue with monthly follow-up sessions, and quarterly activity and learning sessions, Will said.
White said on the first day, when the group of 20 arrived, everyone was very quiet. Soon, things changed.
“You could have heard a pin drop in there. Now, they are playing and laughing and having fun,” White said.
Morgan Bauer of Windsor, 10, said she was a little nervous about starting the camp, but quickly made friends.
“We have turned into a big, happy family,” said Morgan, daughter of Cindy and Hank Bauer.
She said her favorite activities were those played outside with her new friends.
“Some kids might not like competitive sports, so we are bringing ideas of how they can be active and have fun, even if they aren’t in an organized sport,” Will said.
Activities in the program include self-esteem art-related projects with the “I Sing the Body Electric” program; physical activities such as obstacle course, Frisbee throwing, karate lessons, and Dance Dance Revolution; and education about reading labels, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, understanding portion control and making healthy food and drink choices.
Mitch Saret of Karate USA in Charleston instructed the children on the basics of martial arts. He used this time to allow the students to work toward a goal.
“They will earn their white belt at the end of the week,” he said. “I want them each day to be a little bit better than they were the day before.”
Jacob Alumbaugh, 12, along with his twin sisters, Lindsey and Vicki, both 9, participated in the pilot program.
“There is a lot of activity, but it’s not gruelling activity. And there’s some listening and learning time where they teach us about caloric intake and reading labels,” Jacob said.
Will said the program teaches things participants can use for years to come. The methods don’t require a membership to a gym, and it doesn’t require any expensive activity equipment.
“We will love to see that if they continue with these healthy habits, it will reduce their health risks,” she said.
The participants also were treated to an inspirational/motivational speaker, Matt Hoover, the season two winner of “The Biggest Loser” reality show.
“These kids are trying new things. They weren’t so excited at first, but when we were done with the activity, they said they really enjoyed it, and they wanted to it again,” Will said.
White said the program will be evaluated by the participants to see what changes, if any, are needed.
The program costs $40, and included food, snacks and prizes each day.
Participants in the pilot program came from Mattoon, Charleston, Neoga, Windsor, Toledo, Oakland and Newton.
To learn more about JumpStart, contact Will at 238-4691 or by e-mail at nwill@sblhs.org.
Contact Dawn Schabbing at dschabbing@jg-tc.com or at 238-6864.
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