Field day to combat youth obesity

A UH Sports Administration class will use a field day today at Sunnyside Park to teach about the dangers of childhood obesity.’

‘ ‘We’re hoping the kids will get excited. They have their TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) tests next week and so we hope this is a good experience for them and we can show them the benefits of exercise,’ said kinesiology senior Christi Tugwell, who helped organize the event.

In their joint effort with CAN DO Houston, a community based initiative that promotes physical activity, nutrition and healthy minds, the students will aim to prevent and diminish childhood obesity in Houston and surrounding communities.

The field day will pair children between the ages of four and 16 with members of the UH Sports Administration class to take part in activities such as relay races, obstacle courses and nutrition stations.’

‘There will be fun stations too, for example they will be able to get their face painted,’ Tugwell said.’

The kids will also engage in a variety of activities that teach proper nutrition.

Students of the Sports Administration class, which is taught by clinical assistant professor Rey Trevino, hope to give the children greater insight into better nutrition.

‘We want to educate them on the wise choices that exist out there for them,’ Tugwell said.

Kinesiology senior Bertha Nwaoerie said along with nutrition, the children will learn other ways to stay fit.’

‘There will also be a safety station, which will include facts and information on first aid,’ Nwaoerie said. ‘They will be shown the proper way to read a nutrition label, which many are not able to do.’

Nwaoerie said nutritional education goes beyond eating the right foods.

‘We will also show them different stretching activities and identify the different muscles to them,’ she said.

The field day is from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Sunnyside Park and is free for participants.’