Getting kids to eat their fruits and vegetables often ends up being a second
job for parents. With soda, candy and processed foods readily available,
it’s no wonder children tend to pick pizza over spaghetti squash
when left to their own devices.
In order to help change these habits, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
and Torrance-South Bay YMCA have teamed up to create a program for kids
ages 7-13 and their families promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Called “Healthy Ever After for Kids,” these fun, interactive classes on nutrition and fitness are taught
by registered dietitians and YMCA fitness specialists and provide useful
information and practical tips through hands-on learning, fun exercises,
and parent and child activities.
“The original program was Kids ’n’ Fitness, curriculum
from the program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,” says
Helaine Lopes, coordinator of the program. “It was a six-week (one
night a week) parent-child program teaching nutrition and encouraging
activity, held at Torrance Memorial. We adapted the program to encourage
more activity by partnering with the Torrance YMCA—which has been
great. Participants are given a free six week family membership to the
YMCA. We have about five sessions a year. The feedback from the parents
has been great.”
Kids will learn the benefits of movement by using games, dance and strength
training, healthy eating habits, how to set lifestyle goals and how to
make changes in order to reach those goals. Parents learn, too. A parent
or guardian must attend all class meetings. The class is open to all—not
just for those seeking weight management.
Meetings are held Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Torrance-South Bay YMCA,
2900 W. Sepulveda Blvd. Prior registration is required. Fitness classes
are free of charge and the instructor provides all material.
For more information on Healthy Ever After for Kids, please contact Michael
Vicari at 310-325-5885 ext. 2714 or michaelvicari@ymcala.org.