Dec. 6, 2016 – On Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, Southeast Georgia Health
System will kick off its third Kid Fit Challenge. Established in October
2015, Kid Fit Challenge is a comprehensive, eight-week wellness program
for children ages 8 through 12 designed to combat childhood obesity.
According to reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled
in adolescents in the past 30 years, making it a widespread concern throughout
the United States as well as right here in coastal Georgia.
“We know from CDC reports that childhood obesity increases the risk
of developing Type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, such as sleep apnea
and asthma, joint problems, musculoskeletal discomfort, depression, low
self-esteem and impaired social functioning,” says Brendan Hunt,
manager, Health Promotion & Wellness. “Kid Fit Challenge is
a preventative effort against these childhood risks becoming lifetime
health concerns.”
Through Kid Fit Challenge, youths who may not otherwise have access to
health and fitness education participate in weekly sessions featuring
fun fitness activities, nutrition education and short wellness topic presentations.
By incorporating functional, child-appropriate education as well as exercise
in this eight-week program, Kid Fit Challenge offers participants the
support they need to develop into physically fit and mentally healthy
adults. Hunt says, “Kid Fit Challenge encourages kids to lead healthier,
active lives and helps to positively develop their bodies and minds in
an encouraging, supportive atmosphere.”
In addition to improving both physical and mental health, the program
also seeks to enhance children’s self-esteem and confidence as they
successfully complete educational applications and meet fitness goals
related to strength, flexibility, agility and endurance.
Kid Fit Challenge is free of charge to participants thanks to a generous
donation from the Davis Love Foundation and The RSM Classic. While there
is no cost, an application is required to participate. Applications are
due Friday, Jan. 6. For more information, or to download an application, visit
sghs.org/kidfit
or contact Brendan Hunt, manager, Health Promotion & Wellness at 912-466-5168 or
wellness@sghs.org.