A recent study, published in the Associated Press earlier this year, highlighted that New Jersey now has the highest percentage of overweight kids. According to a U.S. Center for disease Control and Prevention, the Garden State is reported to have the highest percentage of overweight and obese children under the age of 5, at almost 18%. The rates for school age children are even more alarming, with 38% of students being either overweight or obese.

 

The cost of obesity related problems in New Jersey has been estimated to be about $2.3 billion.

 

 A SOLUTION:   With this statistics in mind, I would like to introduce a concept that has been successfully implemented in the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey School district. Roberta Bergman, MS Dance/Movement Therapy, has developed a nutrition and fitness program that helps children become healthier adults, by giving them the real-life, actionable education that will help them make the healthy lifestyle and nutrition choice that will last a lifetime!

 

FITNESS PROGRAM OUTLINE

Discussion about good nutrition (i.e. healthy snacks, good fats vs. bad fats, protein and energy, sugar and energy, etc.)

Review of the new food pyramid

Series of exercise sessions that include stretches, aerobic sports arena, body conditioning using rubber tubing, hoola hoop and jump ropes, relaxation cool down and more.

Each session will introduce a new element of cardiovascular training and conditioning for kids. An obstacle course as well as circuit training will be introduced to alternate aerobic activity with strength training and adventure games.

Another option is a 15 minute (plus healthy snack) discussion and 45 minute workout session for a set period of time or running throughout the school year, depending on the needs of each school.

Each session is lead by Roberta Bergman, M.S. Dance/ Movement Therapy, certified Fitness Trainer, mother of two children ages 5 and 9, and an accomplished TV, radio and fitness personality. 

PROGRAM AWARENESS AND PROMOTION OUTLINE

This program can be promoted as part of the school system’s “School Aftercare” offering to parents. The program appeals especially well to “at-risk children” and parents who want their children to receive more physical activity, especially during the winter months.

Implementation of this program promotes community goodwill and highlights what your school district is doing to support efforts to reduce childhood obesity.

PREVIOUS SUCCESSES: The program has been: successfully implemented in the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey School System across several elementary schools. Is sponsored by and featured at a Wayne, New Jersey Board of Education. Also offered at a Mother/Daughter Girls Scouts event. Implemented at “Take your Child to Work Day” (Bovis Lend Lease, New York)

PROGRAM BUDGETING: There are various ways to support funding for this initiative and we would be happy to talk with you about the costs and options.

NEXT STEPS: This program has proven to be a good introduction to basic fitness and healthy eating, which are critical skills for children to learn as early as possible. These fun-filled sessions are the perfect way to introduce increased physical awareness, body awareness and healthy eating habits. Only through education can we help today’s “Fast Food, PlayStation generation” understand the consequences of food choices and how to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

 

It’s easy to start our children off on the right path TODAY with Roberta Bergman’s proven program. Call us…we hope to hear from you on how we can support your needs.

 

For more information contact Roberta Bergman at