April 29, 2009

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) Healthy Happy Kids Nutrition and Physical Activity Program has teamed up with West End Community School to introduce children in the Central Park Elementary after-school program to the importance of nutrition and exercise. Thursday's final workshop will give parents an overview of what the children have learned and an opportunity to participate in healthy snack preparation.

The event will take place Thursday, April 30 from 5-7 p.m. at Central Park Elementary School, 4915 Ave. Q, Birmingham.

Healthy Happy Kids is a free, hands-on, six-session curriculum targeting underserved elementary school children attending after-school programs in inner city schools. It is designed to help reduce and prevent childhood obesity.

The children have been given theoretical lessons on the food pyramid and calorie balance, as well as practical lessons on hands-on preparation of healthy foods. Interactive lessons also included the importance of daily physical activity, and the students have been taught easy and fun games that promote physical activity.