SBM Awards Funds to Combat Childhood Obesity The SBM Charitable Foundation has granted $12,903 to the Windham Hospital Foundation to support a successful project initiated last year at the Windham Middle School. The Windham Wildcat Marathoners were a group of fifth graders that learned about the benefits of walking as a physical fitness activity that could be added to their daily routines. Additionally, students were educated about nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
According to Mona Friedland, Executive Director of the Windham Hospital Foundation, during the course of the program held last spring, Windham Hospital nutritionists taught students the principles of healthy eating, while physical education teachers at the Middle School set aside time after school for kids to walk the track and gain charms based on the number of miles walked. By June 2011, the Marathoners had walked 2,679 miles for health!
Starting in January 2012, the group will once again begin their program of walking, education and healthy eating. The multi-disciplinary approach aims to slow or halt weight gain in fifth and sixth grade students in Windham through increased physical activity, dietary management and behavior modification.
“We are most appreciative of this wonderful opportunity for our students,” commented Madeleine Negron, Principal, Windham Middle School. “We are looking forward to the collaboration once again with Windham Hospital as we continue to track our students and teach them the importance of physical fitness and healthy eating habits.”
The SBM Charitable Foundation is committed to improving the lives of individuals and families living and working predominantly East of the River in Hartford, Tolland and Windham Counties. The Foundation supports programs in the areas of health, human services, education, housing and the art, with a focus on basic needs, children and education enrichment.
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