It was mid-July, so school had been out for about a month. Still, the eight middle school-aged kids sat in a classroom, scanning a notebook full of educational materials.
Lani VanSickle, manager of the Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing, stood in front of them and discussed their goal for the HealthyLIFE Youth Weight Management Program: to learn ways to improve their eating habits and their physical fitness. The inaugural program is targeted at kids entering fifth through eighth grades who may already be overweight or close to it, making them more at risk for type 2 diabetes. “You have sports camps out there, but as far as trying to identify youth who are at risk for diabetes, this is the only thing I know of out here,” VanSickle said. “We felt there was a demographic that was sorely needing the services. Wed meet with older diabetic patients and they would ask if we have anything for kids.” The program is held once a week for six weeks and combines exercise activities, an educational component and weigh-ins. It is designed to be comprehensive, focusing on improving fitness and eating habits while providing stress management tips and better self-esteem. The kids get pedometers so they can track how far they walk each week, as well as a food diary so they can monitor their food intake as well. One class will be held at a local mall a frequent hang-out location for the participants age group to help them learn about healthier options at the food court. “Were trying to start with an age group where theyre becoming more independent,” VanSickle said. “Theyre using the microwave more, theyre cooking more, their on their own after school. Since we started doing this, weve received more calls about whether we can do this for high school-aged kids as well.”
