Kids Rock Stars / F.I.T.
Kids Rock Stars is "running" obesity out of Arizona! Families In Training (F.I.T.) is educating kids and parents to be healthy and happy.
One in five children in Arizona is overweight or obese. The Hispanic community faces even grimmer statistics: one in three. According to a recent study, children who develop poor eating habits in childhood usually continue those habits into adulthood. Overweight children are at an increased risk for development of adult obesity.
This medical condition doesn't usually send children to the hospital but it contributes to lifelong medical challenges. To combat this community epidemic, Phoenix Children's Hospital has assumed a leadership role in the fight against childhood obesity. The good news is that research indicates that children are more successful at increasing exercise if the entire family is involved.
Kohl's Healthy Kids and Families has two programs. These programs are brought to our community through the financial support of Kohl's. The first program, Kids Rock Stars, promotes increasing activity for children age's six to 12. The second program, Families In Training (F.I.T.), teaches parents how to set a foundation for their family's healthy lifestyle.
Kids Rock Stars is a walking/running program in elementary schools. Children track their activities throughout the year and are sometimes joined by parent walking groups on the campus. The Kids Rock Stars program started in just four schools and then quickly grew to over 50 schools, clubs and organizations. There are over 2,800 kids participating in the program today valley-wide.
F.I.T., Families In Training, is a program that engages parents to develop smart eating choices and promotes being active together. These lessons offer an opportunity for families to set healthy lifestyle goals together. Download Families In Training class descriptions (pdf).
How the program works:
- Kids Rock Stars program runs during the school year.
- Kids set a goal to walk or jog 25.2 miles.
- Kids track their miles throughout the year.
- Families learn about nutrition through the F.I.T. program and are encouraged to make smart food choices.
- Families are encouraged to increase physical activity together and set reachable goals.
- School teachers reward children as they complete their miles with incentives.
Tips:
- 60 minutes of play everyday!
- Eat the rainbow; vary your colors of fruits and vegetables everyday.
- Limit "screen time" (TV viewing, computer games and computer time) to less than 2 hours per day.
- With snacks, drink water or low fat milk as a smart choice.
- Have a family plan; encourage families to be active together after school and on the weekends.
- To stay hydrated, drink water before and take breaks during your activities and playtime.
Program sponsors:
Healthy Kids and Families is generously supported by Kohl's.
For more information, please contact us at:
Community Outreach/Injury Prevention
(602) 546-3351
