4th Graders Learn About Health and Fitness The Fun Way

Article and photos by Sequoia Hospital

Nine year old Mikaela Sargis learned why tobacco is not a healthy choice, that yoga is actually lots of fun, and what vegetables fresh out of the ground look like.

“I know it’s important to exercise and not play video games too much, and to eat healthy and not go to fast food restaurants. I’m excited to learn more about health today,” said Mikaela, a fourth-grader at Clifford Elementary School.

Mikaela is one of more than 1,000 Redwood City School District fourth graders who attended the 15th annual Make Time for Fitness field trip at Red Morton Park in Redwood City. The event, a partnership between Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital, the Redwood City School District Wellness Committee, and several other community organizations, aims to educate children on healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

The interactive program featured five activity stations:

· Drink Water First, teaching students to drink water rather than sweet beverages when they are thirsty.

· Friendship Fitness, with games focused on teamwork and cooperation.

· Fit Fun Yoga, demonstrating that movement and breathing is good for health and well-being.

· Farmers Market, with information on fruits and vegetables available locally.

· Tobacco-Free Me, highlighting some of the 4,000 chemicals found in tobacco products.

More than 300 teachers, parents, and representatives from community-based organizations volunteered at the event. Students enjoyed music during the lunch break courtesy of local radio station Wild 94.9.

“Make Time for Fitness has the potential to shape the health habits of our local children for years to come,” said Marie Violet, director of health and wellness at Sequoia Hospital. “What makes the event really special is the spirit of collaboration behind it. Together as a community, we are teaching students that the healthy choices they make can have lasting positive impacts.”

Make Time for Fitness at Red Morton Park is a collaboration between Sequoia Hospital and community organizations: Redwood City School District; Sequoia Healthcare District; San Mateo Health System; San Mateo County Tobacco Education Coalition; Sodexo Education; City of Redwood City Parks, Recreation, and Community Services; University of California Cooperative Extension; Carlmont High; Sequoia High School; Woodside High School; Safe Routes to School California; Redwood City 2020; and the Redwood City School District Wellness Committee.

To learn more, please visit website: www.SequoiaHospital.org