News Taffy

May 14, 2013 (Jonesboro, AR) - According to the CDC website, obese children are more likely to have risk factors for high cholesterol and high blood pressure.   They are also more likely to become obese as adults, which puts them at even greater risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis. NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation has taken a proactive approach to combating this epidemic. 

Center for Healthy Children offers two 3 week summer sessions that focus on helping children and their families learn to live a fit way of life through nutrition and physical activity.  The program is free of charge for children ages 8-12 with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25 or greater and requires parental involvement. The first summer session runs from June 10th – June 28th (deadline to register is June 3rd). The second summer session will run from July 8th – July 26th (deadline to register is July 1st).

Sessions include discussions on nutrition, self-esteem and other various subjects for the entire family.  Life skills on how to choose foods wisely through label reading, portion control and eating on the go will be taught in the nutrition classes.  Children will learn how to have fun while they exercise through new activities such as martial arts, dance and team sports.

In addition to the structured program, Center for Healthy Children has a fitness room that the children are able to explore during free play.  The specially designed fitness room includes a rock-climbing wall, hydraulic resistance machines, Dance-Dance Revolution Groove Pads, Wii games and stationary bicycles.  The children also have use of the indoor swimming pool and indoor track at the NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center located inside NEA Baptist Clinic Wellness Center at 2617 Phillips Drive.

For more information about NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation Center for Healthy Children or to download an application, log on to neabaptistfoundation.org or contact Jennifer Martinez at 870-336-1760.

Center for Healthy Children is one of five programs offered free to the public through the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation.  The program’s purpose is to teach, motivate and guide overweight children and their families to build a solid foundation of proper nutrition and regular exercise for a healthy lifestyle.