Although Colorado is one of the leanest states in the country, childhood obesity rates are now at 14 percent, or about one in every six kids. A growing number of children and teens in Longmont are finding themselves part of this statistic.
The MEND Foundation, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to improving family health and fitness, recently teamed up with the Longmont YMCA (as well as other YMCA’s in the Denver area) to offer a healthy lifestyle program called the MEND (Mind-Exercise-Nutrition-Do it!) 7-13 program. The program is free of charge to participants, thanks to funding from The Colorado Health Foundation and Kaiser Permanente Colorado.
“The Colorado Health Foundation is excited to help introduce the MEND 7-13 program to Colorado. MEND and the YMCA have the unique ability, through evidence-based programs, to improve the health of the entire family,” said Kelly Dunkin, vice president of philanthropy, Colorado Health Foundation.
MEND helps to prevent and control weight issues in children aged 7 to 13 by improving health, fitness and self esteem. Instructors combine three elements to ensure safe, effective weight management and sustained lifestyle change—exercise and physical activity; good nutrition and a balanced diet; and behavior change. Families who attend the MEND program are taught skills in these areas and given access to scientifically-evaluated information. This integrated approach provides families with a foundation for feeling fitter, healthier and happier—for the rest of their lives.
The program has been well received in Longmont and a diverse range of familes are taking advantage of it.
“It is well known that obesity and overweight strikes certain races and ethnicities disproportionately in the Unites States,” said Kelly Child, MEND Theory Leader at the Longmont YMCA. “MEND seeks to bring healthy lifestyle knowledge to everyone, breaking down all socioeconomic and ethnic barriers.”
New to Colorado, the MEND 7-13 program has achieved success in numerous diverse communities in Texas, California, New York and Washington, D.C., as well as internationally.
The results of a 2010 study tell the story of the program’s impact on its participants.
According to Child, “The results revealed that children who attended the program saw improvements in increased cardiovascular fitness, an average of six hours more physical activity per week for participants, a reduction in ‘screen’ time and sedentary behaviors by approximately four hours per week, marked improvements in body image and self-esteem, and improved eating behaviors and greater understanding of nutrition. Plus, it’s fun!”
Child also shared that parents appreciate the support they receive in group sessions.
“Parents benefit from having a support group and time to analyze and solve pertinent issues within their households,” she said.
The collaboration of Colorado Health Foundation and Kaiser Permanente allows the MEND Foundation to provide the Longmont YMCA with all the resources, training and curriculum needed to offer the program. The YMCA is a prefect home for the MEND program.
“We are for healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. The MEND 7-13 Program falls in to each of these categories,” said Child.
For more information, contact Kelly Child, MEND Theory Leader, at KChild@LongmontYMCA.org or 720-652-4733.
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