Two Chamber members have partnered up to help kids. The McMillen Center for Health Education and Physicians Health Plan (PHP) will be providing free nutrition and fitness education to regional schools. Schools bringing fifth grade students to attend a McMillen Center program will receive a free session of Food, Fitness and Fun, a 90-minute program teaching youth how to maintain a healthy diet and balance it with physical activity. Students will also learn about the rise of obesity in the US and health problems associated with obesity. The program will be fun and engaging, with hands-on activities to interest the students.
According to McMillen, one-third of children are obese and overweight and face health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and a shortened life span. However, research indicates there is also a relationship between obesity, physical activity, and academic achievement levels. Healthier students perform better in school, making nutrition and physical activity education critical.
Fifth graders were identified as the target audience for the education when McMillen discovered they are an under-reached group. PHP partnered to underwrite the program.
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