Helping kids (and their parents) get healthy | Families

According to a recent study, the childhood obesity rate in Craighead County has tripled since 1980.

The 2010 Statewide BMI report found more than 38% of Arkansas students are at risk for potential obesity problems.

To combat this growing epidemic, NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation is offering help:

Center for Healthy Children is one of five programs offered through the Foundation.  The program’s purpose is to teach, motivate and guide overweight children and their families to build a solid foundation of proper nutrition and regular exercise for a healthy lifestyle.

Center for Healthy Children offers a16 week session that focuses on helping children and their families learn to live a fit way of life through nutrition and physical activity.  The program is free of charge for children ages 8-12 with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25 or greater.  The fall program begins August 29th.  Parental involvement is required.

Sessions include discussions on nutrition, self-esteem and other various subjects for the entire family.  Life skills on how to choose foods wisely through label reading, portion control and eating on the go will be taught in the nutrition classes.  Children will learn how to have fun while they exercise through new activities such as martial arts, dance and team sports.  Parents will learn tips and tricks for cooking light with food demonstrations and will also hear from various speakers within the community on how to keep their children healthy.

In addition to the structured program, the Center for Healthy Children has a fitness room that the children are able to explore during free play.  The specially designed fitness room includes a rock-climbing wall, hydraulic resistance machines, Dance-Dance Revolution Groove Pads, Wii games and stationary bicycles.  The children also have use of the indoor swimming pool and indoor track at the NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center located inside NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center at 2617 Phillips Drive.

For more information about NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation Center for Healthy Children or to download an application, log on to neabaptistfoundation.org or contact Jennifer Martinez at 870-336-1760.