Exercising health awareness

First-grader Sarah Ring loves eating her vegetables and was not afraid to admit that broccoli is her favorite.

“Well, I don’t eat it every day; just on Wednesdays,” she said.

Students at John H. Eader Elementary School learned the value of staying active and eating right during Health and Fitness Week, held by the school’s PTA Health and Fitness Committee.

For the first time in the four years since it began, Health and Fitness Week consisted of more than just a newsletter or a school assembly.

This year, the committee organized educational activities that included student participation.

The school got an early start on health and fitness awareness in October when it introduced the Marathon Kids program, where students were asked to log their daily mileages as they worked toward completing 26.5 miles.

Since then, students had been looking forward to participating in the activities held last week.

“The students’ excitement level really blew me away,” said Principal Cynthia Guerrero. “I was very proud when I saw how the children were cheering each other on during the activities.”

The week consisted of interactive slide shows that introduced the students to the food pyramid and the importance of keeping a balanced diet. Student received the chance to put their knowledge in nutritional trivia games and match foods with their pyramid category.

“The activities are to show the children that it’s not about taking away the food they like, but to make them think of the healthier alternatives that are available to them out there,” Guerrero said.

Students also got the chance to showcase a fitness talent as “Fitness Idols” on March 24.

Cheers and applause filled the volleyball court area as students supported the talents who showcased a performance, which included taekwondo, gymnastics, roller-blading and cheerleading routines, jumping jacks and push-ups.

On March 25, health specialists and professors from Cal State Long Beach visited the school to help measure students’ strength and flexibility goal for their age, height and weight.

Although Marathon Kids program participants who completed the 26.5 required miles received a T-shirt and water bottles, and fruit snacks were awarded throughout the week, the PTA did not fund any prizes.

“We want the children to participate for the love of the activity instead of the reward,” said Jan Schroeder, chair of the Health and Fitness Committee, who was pleased that students remained involved without incentives.

The goal of promoting health and fitness was achieved and “a conversation has been started,” Guerrero said.

While not all students have broccoli as their favorite vegetable like Sarah, students can begin to see the importance of healthy diet, she noted.

“We can’t cut the chips out completely,” Guerrero said. “But maybe the next time they order at a drive-through, they’ll get the fruit instead of the fries.”