Current statistics on the health problems that face youth indicate the need to educate children about the importance of making healthy food choices and being physically active. According to the 2003 report by the Trust for America’s Health, Kentucky has the fifth highest level of adult obesity in the nation at 25.6%, the third highest level of overweight high school students and the third highest overweight levels for low-income children ages 2-5.
The earlier children begin to practice healthy lifestyle habits, the longer they are likely to practice them. Children can benefit tremendously from learning accurate food, nutrition and fitness information and learning hot to use this knowledge. Using this information will improve their overall health and fitness level and may reduce their risks of developing life-threatening illnesses later in life. This is what the Jump Into Foods & Fitness (JIFF) curriculum provides for youth ages 8-11. |
