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31 Commercial
Street, Skowhegan, ME 04976 ~ (207) 474-7473
~ info@somersethearthealth.org
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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES PROGRAM
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The Healthy Lifestyles Program is an initiative of
the larger Move More Kids program designed to have a multidisciplinary
approach in addressing healthy lifestyle choices for kids and their
families. The program is 10 weeks in length and provides both a
physical activity and education component. The program is intended to
give the tools needed to permanently change life long habits.
This year’s Healthy Lifestyles Program was held at
the Madison Junior High School with 6 students in grades 6th and 7th
grade. The students were introduced to 10 different physical activities
including: yoga, tai chi, bowling, swimming, orienteering, line
dancing, snowshoeing, weight lifting, Generation Fit and hiking. The
Nutritional component offered education on the 5-2-1-0 message, portion
control, menu planning, a visit to the grocery store and cooking a
healthy meal. The behavioral health component offered education on
setting goals, identifying triggers and the ABC’s of behavior and
positive reinforcement.
The program was a success with full participation
from both students and parents. One student reported that he is
‘finally able to wear a belt’. Another student reported that ‘he eats
much slower and enjoys his food more, including eating more fruits and
vegetables.’ A parent reported that ‘she learned a lot from the grocery
shopping tour and offers more fruits and vegetables to all of her
children.’
Our goal is to expand this afterschool program to 2 school districts to reach more students and their families.
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