Kids have fun learning better nutrition

Max Sandza

Nine-year-old Max Sandza thinks he's in good physical shape. But, after getting more "living healthy" information, he said, "I'm going to take better care of my heart."

Max is in 4^th grade at Green Trails Elementary School in Chesterfield. He and his classmates just finished a 6-week series of health lessons called "Funtastic Nutrition." That's sponsored by BJC Health Systems.

Health educator Amanda Clover mixed in fun activities while teaching kids about serious personal health issues. They included everything from heart health to healthy snacking.

One day last month, Max was on a winning team that identified the most different foods just by reading nutrition labels on their packages. The goal was to name 15 different foods in about 10 minutes.

The goal of the competition was to show kids how to use nutrition label information to determine which foods are the most nutritious.

Dana Demsky

Those foods classed as nutritious were ones that combined low fat and calories and high levels of vitamins and minerals.

Max said, "I'm going to take better care of my heart by eating less fat and greasy foods." He said he intends to eat less often at fast food restaurants.

He said the health lessons also reminded him to stay active and exercise. He's already active in baseball and basketball. And he plans to add tennis and ice hockey.

In a lesson on heart health, one kid in each class played the part of a grandparent. Then, other kids outlined four things grandpa or grandma could be to keep their hearts healthy.

The advice: 1. Exercise, 2. Eat healthy, 3. No smoking and 4. No drugs and alcohol.

Nine-year-old Dana Demsky said the most valuable lessons she's learned were "not to smoke" and "not to eat fast food all the time."

As far as exercise, she said, "I think I get enough exercise already. I run around and exercise a lot."

Vincent Stanec

One of her favorite activities is playing tag with her sister in the basement of her home. Also, she plays on a basketball team.

As for her fruits, Dana said she likes apples and grapes. As for vegetables, she said, "I like pretty much everything."

Nine-year-old Vincent Stanec picked up on the value of vegetables to a healthy diet. One of the lessons focused on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's famous, 4-layer Food Guide Pyramid.

That's the one that lists the food categories in order of how healthy they are. The big bottom layer is for breads and grains. Those provide the body with energy.

The next layer includes vegetables and fruits. Those are the foods that help the body make healthy eyes and skin.

The third layer is for dairy products and meat. Dairy products help build strong bones and meats build muscle.

The top layer includes foods you need the least. That includes fats, oils and sweets.

Rickie Merrill

Foods with lots of fat can be important. They provide the body with a cushion in case you don't get proper nutrition for a period of time. Unfortunately, many Americans have too much of that "cushion" in terms of excess body fat.

Vincent likes the idea that carrots are good for his eyes. That's because raw carrots are his favorite vegetable.

"My mother packs my lunch every day and always includes either carrots or strawberries," he said.

For exercise, Vincent likes running. "I like to run a lot around my neighborhood. I have younger sisters so my Mom can't take me to the track," he said.

He said he also likes to play golf. "Usually, my Dad and I go because the others in the family don't golf," he said.

Running is also a favorite activity for 9-year-old Rickie Merrill. She said, "When we have races, I usually win." However, she admits that one of her cousins can run faster.

Another of her favorite exercises is jumping jacks. Also, she'd like to take gymnastics.

As for health foods, she likes fruits such as apples, grapes, strawberries, oranges and bananas.

If you or your teacher would like to know more about the BJC outreach program, you can go to www.bjc.org or all (314) 286-0460.