Creating a healthier you: Encouraging an active lifestyle to prevent childhood obesity

why it's important:

My project is childhood obesity prevention. I started a program where I go to elementary school PE classes and teach dance as a way to exercise and stay healthy. I've created a brochure of information about the health risks of being overweight/obese, as well as healthy snacks, and fun ways kids can get daily exercise. This brochure will not only be distributed in my own community, but through schools across the nation. I am also providing exercise toys like balls, hula hoops and jumpropes to elementary school children and PE classes.

the plan of action:

I have arranged with a local elementary PE teacher to go into her classes and teach kids dance as a way to get exercise. I educate them about the risks of being overweight/obese, we talk about good eating habits, and ways to prevent the problem. I give them information about healthy snacks and fun ways to get exercise every day.

I appeared on ABC 4's morning show "Good Things Utah" in May 2008, to raise awareness about Childhood obesity which has become a real national health concern.

So far I have raised enough money to provide over 1400 kids in my own community with an exercise toy of their own. I have taught over 250 kids through my dance program in elementary school PE Classes. My current goal is raising funds to be able to provide PE classes across the country with jump ropes they can use in class, along with a demo DVD of my dance program and the informative brochure. Currently I have raised enough to provide this gift pack to at least 50 additional schools.

how you can get involved:

Others can get involved by doing local activities with children to help them stay active and healty