Healthy habits equal healthy children
The Ashburn, Va.-based National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is introducing a new program for park and recreation agencies to use to teach children nutrition and exercise in afterschool programs. The nine-week Sajai Wise Kids program, developed by the Maple Grove, Maine-based Sajai Foundation, teaches kids to make healthy choices about what they eat and to stay physically active. The program consists of workbooks, games and activities for children to teach the Energy Balance Equation: Calories In = Calories Out. Training manuals and a CD for leaders offer tips on the curriculum.
Tampa, Fla.; Joliet, Ill.; East Hartford, Conn.; Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., tested the program this year, and researchers found it improved the children’s Body Mass Index (BMI) trends and has the potential to stem continued BMI increases in participants. To order the program, visit www.sajaifoundation.org.
