April 28, 2004
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Lessons
for life |
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By John Kozlowicz Staff Writer |
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Now in its fourth year, the Ho-Chunk Youth Fitness Program, held at the Wellness Center in Baraboo, works with children and their families wanting to change their fitness and nutritional habits. The program specifically targets Ho-Chunk youth identified as being as-risk for being overweight or overweight. Studies suggest these children are at the greatest risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, a disease very prevalent among the Native American population. Health Fitness Director, Charmaine Garry and Pediatric Nutritionist, Amy Zibble-Meinen, who started the program, currently funded with an Indian Health Service Grant, work with Ho-Chunk youth throughout the year, introducing healthy eating and exercise choices they hope will last a lifetime. Garry added, “we’re giving them the tools,” needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As part of the program, Ho-Chunk Youth Fitness Guidance Counselor, Pam Lathrop-Roets helps the youth work through the psychological problems often associated with being overweight. While it’s agreed that good exercise and eating habits are important for everyone, youth participating in the program must meet standards established by the Centers for Disease Control. The youth Body Mass Index (BMI), the relationship of a child’s height and weight must be in the top 85 percentile of their age group to make them eligible. A BMI of 20-25 is considered normal in adults, anything above that indicates the child is at-risk for being overweight. BMI is determined by a formula of weight (lbs)/ height (in)/height (in) x 703. For example the BMI of a 100 lb. child who is four feet tall would be calculated as: 100/48/48/x703 resulting in a BMI of 30.5. Again, this number would have to exceed the BMI of 85 percent of the children in that age group to be eligible for the program. Currently the program spends 90 minutes, twice a week working with two age groups. Divided into eight- week sessions during the school year, youth age 6-10 meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays and youth 11-18 meet on Mondays and Wednesdays. There is also a six week summer session. The Youth Fitness Program provides transportation from school and back home. Weight, cholesterol and glucose levels are checked every six months. Since its inception the program has served an estimated 130 youth. Reports indicate that the United States population is becoming unhealthier and Zibble-Meinen believes that the key to reversing that trend is teaching people what foods are healthy and to eat in moderation. As part of the Youth Fitness Program, the staff meets with parents at a grocery store, teaches youth and parents how to read labels and visits a fast-food restaurant, encouraging youth to make healthier choices. Zibble-Meinen added, “there are no bad foods if taken in moderation,” and stressed that defining “how much is needed,” is a key to eating healthy. Garry noted that while joining a fitness center or health club is fine, the latest exercise equipment is not needed for proper exercise. Just riding a bike, taking a walk or playing games, if done regularly should help, she said. Yvette Brylla, whose son Moses Alvarez, has been a part of the program, stated that she has seen the difference. “His self-esteem and state of mind have all improved,” she said. In addition to being more active in sports, Yvette said her son has become more aware of what he eats. “The program has really helped him,” she concluded. Throughout the program youth are exposed to a variety of health food choices. Fruits and vegetables and typical snacks offered and a “Program Garden” being established at the Wellness Center will further encourage making healthy choices. Zibble-Meinen stressed that the Youth Fitness Program does not promote dieting. Instead, she said, “it promotes creating a healthier diet.” Fast-food restaurants are in the process of offering healthier choices and it was noted that the Wisconsin Restaurant Association is promoting that idea in all establishments. Native Americans have been identified as a group most susceptible to diabetes and the Youth Fitness Program staff agree that by teaching lifetime good exercise and eating habits they help can combat the obesity problem in young children that often leads to the onset of the disease. It is hoped that the program can be expanded to all Ho-Chunk Nation communities. Currently Pediatric Fitness Specialist, Sara Peterson is conducting the Youth Fitness Program at the Health Clinic in Black River Falls. |
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