Wright Memorial Hospital is, for the second year in a row, launching an interactive health program for fourth grade students at Rissler Elementary School.
Sydney Arnold, family nurse practitioner, and Christina Ferguson, registered dietitian, both from Wright Memorial, will be leading the sessions. Nathan Gamet, director, Ketcham Community Center, Mary Easter, clinic manager, Hanger Clinic in Trenton, and Cindy Eivins, registered dietitian, Trenton Hy-Vee, will also be assisting with the program. Grundy County Health Department is a sponsor of the program. The program facilitators will be visiting with fourth graders over several weeks to help the students learn and practice healthy habits.
“Last year was a great launching point for this program,” said Arnold. “We’re looking to make the program even better this year. As professional health providers and educators, we understand the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.”
The program is a series of four to six visits, centered on the 12345 Fit-Tastic! program. This program focuses on five evidence-based habits that can be practiced every day as part of a healthy lifestyle. The 12345 Fit-Tastic! message is a clear call to action, a quick way to remember what is important, and a reminder that a healthy lifestyle is dependent on multiple factors. During the presentations, students will be introduced to each of the five Fit-Tastic! behaviors and as well as activities that will reinforce each behavior. The five behaviors in the Fit-Tastic! message are:
- 1 hour or more of physical activity each day
- 2 hours maximum of screen time each day
- 3 servings of low or nonfat milk or yogurt each day
- 4 servings of water, not sugary drinks, each day
- 5 servings or more of fruits & vegetables each day
“Our mission is to teach healthy habits to students through an interactive presentation, in hopes that they will continue these habits for a healthy future,” said Ferguson. “Children who live actively and eat healthfully not only experience overall health improvements but positive behavior and academic improvements as well.”
The program will launch on September 22, will conclude in November. To learn more information about the 12345 Fit-Tastic! message, visit www.fittastic.org.
