Crunch Out Obesity begins in all county elementary schools on Monday, October 3rd. Nearly 650 elementary school students will be “getting on the ball”... the exercise ball that is! Area 4th graders (and Centerburg 3rd graders) will be learning how to use an exercise ball as a fitness tool during physical education class. During the 6 week Crunch Out Obesity program, students also learn about good nutrition, making healthy eating choices, and the importance of daily physical activity. Families are encouraged to learn and practice 5-2-1-0 and discover fun ways to get moving with their children.
Approximately 30% of children living in Knox County are currently overweight or obese. The longer that children are overweight the more likely they are to be overweight into adulthood. Research suggests that the best way to change a behavior is to teach a skill and then provide students with the opportunity to practice that skill. That is what Crunch Out Obesity does for Knox County youth.
Crunch out Obesity Partners include: Knox Community Hospital, Knox County Health Department, YMCA of Mount Vernon, gethealthyknox.org, St. Vincent’s and all the county schools. Lisa Rutter at United Way is the program’s coordinator and is happy to answer your questions about Crunch Out Obesity.
Here’s what past participants have told us about Crunch Out Obesity:
“The Crunch Out Obesity program has changed my life a lot.”
“This amazing Crunch Out Obesity program has helped me to do amazing new exercises that I have never done before.”
“The Crunch Out Obesity program helped my arm muscles because I used my fitness ball while watching TV.”
“Through the Crunch Out Obesity program, I learned that staying fit is important for lifelong health.”
“This program not only made me healthier, it also helped me do better in school, and in life.”
“This program got me moving and exercising more than I have ever been before.”
“The Crunch Out Obesity program changed my life. I was eating candy and junk food, and now I am eating healthy, and that makes me proud.”
“I now eat healthy and exercise, so now I will live a long and happy life. Thank you Crunch Out Obesity.”
“The Crunch Out Obesity program helped me decide to play basketball for the first time. Thank you for that. I love basketball, it is now my favorite sport.”