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Project Healthy Kids Health and Fitness Camps Begin Today in Sacramento; Public and Private Organizations Join Forces to Help Sacramento's Children Fight Obesity

Posted on: Monday, 20 June 2005, 09:00 CDT

Launching today, Project Healthy Kids, a series of three one-week health and fitness camps, is available to Sacramento-area families with children who are overweight.

"This program is an excellent example of providing a community solution to a community problem," said Heather Fargo, Mayor of Sacramento. "Through generous contributions from local businesses, health care providers and other organizations, this health and fitness program will benefit many youngsters in the Sacramento region, which ranks third among all California counties in the prevalence of overweight children."

This effort has brought together health care providers, local businesses, community-based organizations and associations to provide a place where children and their parents can learn how to lead more healthful lives. The program also includes on-air and online childhood obesity education messages for parents. The camps are free and will include all meals.

"This new program is focused on helping both children and their parents learn how to establish good eating and exercise habits that can help them prevent serious diseases like Type 2 diabetes -- a disease that is on the rise, especially among children," said Jennifer Nuovo, M.D., regional medical director for Health Net of California. "All of the Project Healthy Kids sponsors are committed to helping Sacramento's children reach and maintain a more healthful weight and lead a more active lifestyle."

Eligibility for the Project Healthy Kids camps is based on a child's age, Body Mass Index (BMI), family income and county of residence. The Sacramento State University Division of Nursing will coordinate the camps' curriculum and activities. The three fitness and health camps are being held:

-- Oak Park Community Center (June 20-24)

-- Robertson Community Center (June 27-July 1)

-- Galt Community Center (July 18-22)

About Project Healthy Kids

Project Healthy Kids health and fitness camps are the result of a community partnership focusing on childhood obesity prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles while incorporating fun activities that motivate, teach and encourage youngsters. The camps are made possible through contributions from the following sponsors: Health Net of California, Catholic Healthcare West, Access Dental, Subway, Community Resource Project, Flip 2 It Sports Centers, The Dairy Council of California, KCRA-TV, Club Fresh and the Sacramento State University Division of Nursing. For more information about Project Healthy Kids, please call 1-800-804-6074 or visit the KCRA Web site at www.thekcrachannel.com/healthykids.

Source: Business Wire

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