Summary
Obesity is a major factor in today's society and can cause a broad range of health problems. Obese children are also more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression. Learning to establish proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits are very beneficial at an early age.
Situation
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Being overweight is the result of “caloric imbalance” and is affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.
Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases. Schools, thus 4-H, can provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.
Response
4-H FIT is an interactive, hands-on program that emphasizes the importance of whole body fitness. The types of fitness related to the 4-H pledge included:
Head - Mental: Approaching life's challenges in a positive way by demonstrating self-control, stamina and good character with choices and actions; seeking help and offering help.
Heart - Spiritual: Strengthening a set of beliefs, principles or values that sustain an individual's sense of well-being and purpose.
Hands - Social: Developing and maintaining trusted, valued relationships that are personally fulfilling and foster good communication, including exchange of ideas, views and experiences
Health - Physical: Activities that require aerobic fitness, endurance, strength, flexibility, and regular exercise.
Thirty members enrolled in the program and met once a week for eight weeks. 4-H FIT was taught by the 4-H agent, 4-H program assistant, teachers, volunteers and teen leaders.
At the beginning of every meeting, 4-H'ers were given healthy snacks, which began our weekly discussion about healthy lifestyles. A different topic was covered each week and 4-H'ers were asked to set goals and keep journals throughout the week. Every meeting ended with a different type of physical exercise to include dance fitness, circuit training, walking, running, line dancing, P90X, and trips to the local fitness center.
Impact
The attendance of 4-H FIT increased weekly! At the end of the eight weeks, all participants stated that they paid more attention to the foods they ate, the amount of activity accomplished each day and was learning to better cope with everyday stresses. They also learned the importance of setting goals and maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends. At the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year, participants from last year have asked repeatedly when 4-H FIT will begin again!
State Issue
Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Youth
Details
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Year:
2013
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Geographic Scope:
County
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County:
Bleckley
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Program Areas:
