Jeff Fleming
PRINCETON-Hoping to help curb the growing children’s obesity problem, twenty-four 11-14 year olds gathered at the Princeton Health and Fitness Center Monday for the first day of the NEWYou program.
“I am very pleased with the turnout we have,” said Melissa Powell, one of the program’s organizers.
NEWYou is for children ages 11-14 who have two or more health risk factors. Those factors include family history of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, less than three hours of physical activity per a week, a body mass index greater than the 85th percentile or an abnormal lipid/glucose profile.
On Monday, registered dietitian Lynn Henderson taught the kids about the new food pyramid and which foods they need to eat more of. She even challenged the group to eat one vegetable they had never tried before.
The students then started on their very first exercise program, which included stretching, warming up and some kickboxing. had their first weigh in.
The program includes activities in and out of the Fitness Center. Three times a week, for 90 minutes the students will meet at the center. The first 30 minutes will be an instructional time, teaching the children how to eat better, exercise more and lead healthier lives in general. The next 60 will be physical activity, including kick boxing, aerobics, running, walking, Dance Dance Revolution-a video game that had its players dance along, as well as utilizing the equipment at the center.
Students are encouraged to visit the Fitness Center outside of their scheduled times and to do exercises at home. They also wear a pedometer, to measure how many steps they are taking during certain periods, and are required to log in all foods they consume.
After the first day, the students already had many goals set for themselves.
“I would like to lose ten pounds,” said James Buckner, 11.
Others set even loftier goals.
“I want to lose 40 lbs,” said Ryan Samosky, 11. Samosky also said that although it was only his first day, he had already learned a lot. “I learned that going on a diet, doesn’t really mean not eating anything, but eating fresh things, that are good for you.”
The students seemed excited not only about losing weight, but how they were going to do it.
“I’m here to make friends, have fun, and use DDR (Dance Dance Revolution),” said Erica Atwell, 14. Some of the students were looking for the more traditional workouts.
“I’d like to have fun, and do some weightlifting,” said Alex Mullens, 13.
The children are not alone in their pursuit. Not only are local doctors, dietitians and Fitness Center workers there to help, but the parents are encouraged to be a part of the lifestyle changes as well.
“Tuesday we are having a parent meeting, ‘How can I help my child establish a healthy lifestyle’,” said Powell. The parents also took a trip to Kroger’s on Thursday to learn about label reading and picking out healthier food choices.
There will also be an online chat area, for the students to talk to each other, and share problems or successes. While parents will not be allowed in the chat forums, it will be moderated by an adult. Dr. Bill Brezinski, a local psychologist will also be available for both the parents and children, to help them adjust to the changes.
Although they may be young, the children seem to have the entire program in perspective.
“I am here to have fun, and help myself out,” said Ashlee Dick, 11.
The Princeton Times will continue to track the students’ progress, as they make their journey through the 12 week program towards a healthier lifestyle. Next week, we will focus on the parents’ efforts and contributions. -Contact Jeff Fleming at jfleming@ptonline.net.
